Kfar Yona Says Thousands-Strong Protest Paralyzed the City

A protest by thousands of ultra-Orthodox demonstrators on Wednesday near Prison 10, close to the city of Kfar Yona, brought the city to a standstill and caused severe traffic jams in the area. Following the disruption, Kfar Yona Mayor Albert Taib described extensive damage in an interview on the morning show "The World This Morning."

Taib said municipal infrastructure was damaged and the protesters left behind filth and trash. He said they also defecated in private yards and public gardens, adding, "We are still dealing with the damage."

According to Taib, the city’s education system was closed at 2 p.m., activities that evening were canceled, and residents stayed inside their homes. He said, "It is unthinkable that in 2026 an entire city will be besieged because of a protest."

Taib said the unusual incident, in which "the city was shut down," shows that as long as the prison remains in its current location, the city and its residents will remain hostage to similar disruptions in the future.