Containers Block Access to Mixed Neighborhood in Bnei Brak Amid Shabbat Dispute

On the eve of Shabbat, several containers were placed on the road leading to the mixed neighborhood of Matcham HaSofrim in Bnei Brak, blocking access to the area. The neighborhood is home to both Haredi and secular residents. The containers caused residents to call the police, claiming they were trapped inside. Police arrived, removed the containers, and reopened the road. The truck driver who placed the containers was summoned for questioning on suspicion of endangering a transportation route. He claimed he was working on behalf of the Bnei Brak municipality, which denied ordering the placement of the containers.

Matcham HaSofrim was established under the "Price for Residents" housing project and has recently experienced tensions between Haredi and secular residents over travel on Shabbat. Last week, Haredi residents placed a fence on the road, which police removed, deeming it illegal. The conflict continued as Haredi residents accused others of trying to harm Bnei Brak. A police official noted that secular residents also provoke Haredim by driving recklessly and passing synagogues, suggesting secular drivers have alternative routes.

Police stated that the municipality did not legally authorize the road closure and recommended that both sides resolve the dispute through the courts. However, so far, the disagreements between the Haredi and secular residents remain unresolved.