Extremists Weld School Gate Shut in Bnei Brak Protest

Dozens of students and parents in Bnei Brak were locked out of their school on Monday morning after the main entrance gate was welded shut overnight. The incident occurred at the Hamed Afikim state religious school in the Kiryat Herzog neighborhood.

Authorities suspect that extremist Haredi elements are responsible for the act, protesting the school's mixed-gender classes, which include children in special education.

Police arrived at the scene to restore order and allow students access. However, parents took matters into their own hands, bringing a cutting disc to sever the welded gate themselves.

After the obstruction was removed, the gate was opened, and students were able to enter the school and begin their day. This event follows an ongoing dispute regarding access to the school, with a recent agreement to use a side entrance due to objections about the school's co-educational nature.