The Bnei Brak municipality is moving forward with plans to install gender-segregated sidewalks on two main streets, following instructions from local rabbis, despite a 2017 Supreme Court ruling against such segregation in public spaces, according to reports.
In a new development Wednesday evening, reports emerged that the Bnei Brak municipality is moving forward with plans to install gender-segregated sidewalks on Shlomo Hamelech and Ezra streets, directly contradicting its earlier denial of official policy and defying a 2017 Supreme Court ruling against such segregation. The plan, reportedly following instructions from local rabbis, marks an escalation in the ongoing dispute over gender separation in public spaces in the ultra-Orthodox city.
The thread began Wednesday morning at 11:48 Jerusalem, when reporter Eli Hirshman first reported separation signs on Alharizi Street. Minutes later, a second street was reported with signs, citing a rabbinical order. By 11:48, the municipality had denied the segregation was official policy, as reported by Jewish Breaking News. At 13:50 Jerusalem, reserve Major Yaya Pink and former MK Michal Rozin filed a petition to the High Court of Justice against the practice, as N12 reported. The initial reports, from a single source, were followed by corroboration from multiple news outlets and the official denial.
The move comes against the backdrop of a 2017 Supreme Court ruling that barred gender-segregated sidewalks in public spaces, and ongoing national debate over gender separation. As The Zioneer has reported, similar controversies have emerged in academia and other public domains, with the Knesset recently debating a bill to expand gender segregation in universities.
It remains unclear whether the municipality will face legal challenges or enforcement action from the state, and whether the plan will be implemented given the court ruling. The municipality has not responded to the new reports.
3 developments
- DevelopingBnei Brak Reportedly Plans Gender-Segregated Sidewalks
- DevelopingPetition filed to High Court against Bnei Brak gender segregation policy
- DevelopingHaredi public warns it will not stay silent over planned Bnei Brak road blockade
- DevelopingMothers' Front group threatens to block entrances to Bnei Brak and Haredi cities
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