Bnei Brak Shabbat Tensions Escalate, Child Injured

Severe tensions over Shabbat observance and traffic arrangements in Bnei Brak culminated in dramatic events last weekend, particularly in the Matam HaSofrim neighborhood. The main bridge leading to the neighborhood was unilaterally blocked with large construction containers to prevent vehicle traffic during Shabbat. A truck driver, who stated he was sent by the Bnei Brak municipality, placed the barriers.

Police forces quickly arrived, cleared the blocked road, seized the truck, and began questioning the driver. Amidst protests and confrontations around the road closure, a serious incident occurred when a three-year-old girl was struck by a passing vehicle. Emergency medical teams provided her with initial treatment, and she was evacuated to Schneider Children's Medical Center in Petah Tikva in stable condition.

The Bnei Brak municipality stated that Matam HaSofrim is a predominantly Shabbat-observant neighborhood seeking to maintain its character. They confirmed the city's traffic committee approved closing the Rabbi Moshe Yehuda Leib bridge on Shabbat, with an alternative entrance and exit maintained via the Design Center complex for residents.

The municipality criticized individuals who disregard these arrangements, break municipal law, and provoke unnecessary confrontations. They linked this incident to previous violence, citing an attack on a local resident and MDA medic the previous Shabbat. The municipality urged residents to act responsibly, adhere to municipal law and existing arrangements, respect one another, and live in good neighborliness, vowing not to allow the neighborhood to become a dangerous zone for its residents and children.