Bnei Brak Faces Supreme Court Petition Over Gender-Separated Sidewalks

The Bnei Brak municipality has installed signage to separate men and women on the sidewalks of Ezra and Shlomo HaMelech streets, sparking a legal challenge. Social activist Yaya Pink and former Knesset member Michal Rozin filed an urgent petition to Israel's Supreme Court demanding an immediate halt to the infrastructure work and signage aimed at enforcing strict gender segregation in public spaces. They argue the move severely violates fundamental rights and the principle of equality, stating, "We will not allow the exclusion of women in public spaces. Bnei Brak will not be Tehran."

The controversy began after a Channel 13 report revealed that Bnei Brak was implementing a rabbinical ruling mandating complete gender separation on these busy streets, which host many wedding halls attracting thousands of celebrants each evening. To prevent crowding and mixing of genders en route to events, the municipality widened sidewalks, divided them, and placed directional signs to ensure men and women walk on opposite sides.

Supporters describe the arrangement as a legitimate community agreement to help residents maintain their lifestyle and reduce congestion. Opponents contend it exceeds the authority of local government and infringes on civil rights. City sources noted the plan was developed years ago and may expand to other crowded streets, similar to practices in more extreme ultra-Orthodox areas.

Initially, the municipality appeared to follow rabbinical instructions closely, but its latest official response suggests a shift, likely recognizing the move conflicts with previous Supreme Court rulings banning gender-segregation signs, such as in Beit Shemesh. Bnei Brak's municipality stated the separation initiative is a private rabbinical effort directed at the public, with the city only assisting in infrastructure improvements due to severe crowding near the halls. They emphasized it is not an official policy, directive, or enforcement action by the city.