Secular Tourists Shun Ultra-Orthodox Bnei Brak Amid Rising Tensions

Organizers of culinary and cultural tours in Bnei Brak, primarily aimed at secular Israelis, report a significant decline in demand. This drop is attributed to heightened tensions between secular and ultra-Orthodox communities, particularly concerning the military draft and the judicial reform. The situation is seen as a missed opportunity for inter-community dialogue and understanding.

One tour guide, Yosef Shpeizer, noted a roughly 50% decrease in participants for his tours, which have run for over a decade. These tours previously offered secular visitors a glimpse into the ultra-Orthodox way of life, including visits to synagogues, yeshivas, and interactions with a matchmaker, alongside experiencing traditional Jewish cuisine. Shpeizer observed that while people still come, the numbers are considerably lower than before, affecting tours in both Bnei Brak and Jerusalem.

Moni Kahlon, another tour operator, stated that the decline began with the judicial reform protests, which created a divide between the liberal secular population and the ultra-Orthodox community. The issue of military conscription for the ultra-Orthodox further exacerbated the situation, leading to some instances of tour groups being verbally attacked. Kahlon has shortened his tours and restricted them to more central, well-lit areas of Bnei Brak to ensure visitor safety.

Despite the challenges, Kahlon emphasized that many residents of Bnei Brak still welcome the tours and the interaction they provide, seeing it as a chance to present their perspective and as a source of income. However, he noted that some ultra-Orthodox elements have posted flyers against the secular tours.

Another organizer, who preferred not to be named, estimated a 40% drop in visitors. He cited the "we will die and not enlist" sentiment and propaganda against perceived immodest dress as deterrents. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that some people remain curious about the culture and the traditional food, such as cholent and kugel, which continues to draw interest. Hili Rosenberg observed a decrease in open group tours, but noted an increase in foreign media interest, suggesting that while secular Israelis are more polarized, international visitors are more curious due to their lack of direct involvement in the internal Israeli tensions.