The Hefer Valley Regional Council canceled all after-school programs at kindergartens on Wednesday morning, hours before they were due to begin, because of a major ultra-Orthodox protest against military enlistment expected near the Beit Lid army camp. The council said it feared road closures and severe traffic congestion across the Sharon area, affecting thousands of families.
In a message to parents, the council said planned protests and roadblocks were expected at the Sharon Junction, Ruppin Junction and along Route 57, and that children should be picked up at the end of the school day or sent home on school buses. The council said from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. there would be deliberate closures on Route 57, at the Tanuvot Junction, Beit Lid Junction and throughout the area between Beit Lid and Ruppin Academic Center.
The council also warned of heavy traffic and disruptions to school transportation, extracurricular activities and special education transport. But the late notice angered parents, who said they had to scramble for alternative childcare and work arrangements at short notice.
One mother told Walla, “How can after-school programs be canceled because of a protest? This is complete insanity.” She said she left work immediately after getting the message and drove from central Israel, hoping the road would still be open. Another parent said people cannot be expected to react only hours in advance, especially families without nearby grandparents. A third resident said she rearranged her schedule and criticized the nine-hour closure, adding that while the protesters oppose enlistment, her son is currently fighting in Lebanon.
The council said the decision was made after police assessments and because the roadblocks could prevent staff and children from reaching the programs safely or getting home. Council inspection and security teams were deployed and would keep updating residents as the situation develops.
