Lawmakers Confront Child Marriage Crisis in Yavniel

A special Knesset committee convened on Wednesday to address the disturbing issue of underage marriages in Yavniel, a town in northern Israel. The Committee for the Advancement of the Status of Women heard testimony suggesting that up to 80% of ninth-grade girls in the town are married by the time they reach that grade.

Committee Chairwoman MK Merav Cohen stated that the reported figures represent only the "tip of the iceberg," citing a former education system worker in Yavniel who claimed that among ninth-grade students, the prevailing attitude is that any girl not married is considered "weird" or "flawed." Cohen suggested this social pressure explains the discrepancy between official education ministry data showing no significant absenteeism and the reality on the ground. She also alluded to sexual abuse of young girls, characterizing the situation as an "industry" whose damaging extent is only beginning to be uncovered, facilitated by a "mechanism of silence."

MK Cohen vowed to pursue all parties involved in this "mechanism of silence," including associations, educators, social workers, "bride instructors," and wedding organizers, stating, "We will reach them, even if it takes years."

Further complicating the committee's efforts is the boycott of the hearing by the head of the Yavniel local council and his staff. According to Cohen, the council head, who allegedly seeks the votes of the community members involved, recently honored Avner Salama, a senior figure within a local cult who reportedly encourages minors to marry. The council head himself reportedly attended a "Sheva Brachot" celebration for underage couples in Yavniel.

Cohen interpreted the boycott as a sign that the committee is on the right track, emphasizing that the solution lies in dismantling the cult and ceasing to ignore the phenomenon that leaves children with no escape. The committee pledged to support the affected children.