Bnei Brak Rabbis Call for Gender Separation Near Wedding Halls Amid Crowding

Rabbis in Bnei Brak have issued a new call urging gender separation on the sidewalks of Shlomo HaMelech and Ezra streets, adjacent to the city's main wedding halls. This initiative aims to address the heavy pedestrian congestion during event times by encouraging men and women to use separate sidewalks. The plan includes installing signage and directing the public to maintain gender separation in these public spaces. According to reports first revealed by Yoeli Barim on Channel 13, the initiative has been in development for some time and may expand to other busy pedestrian areas in the city in the future.

The Bnei Brak municipality clarified that this call is a rabbinical initiative and not an official city policy. The municipality expressed respect for the rabbis and the community's adherence to their spiritual leaders' guidance but emphasized that it has not issued any formal instructions regarding gender separation. The city has, however, assisted in improving and expanding physical infrastructure in the area to alleviate overcrowding.

This move reflects a broader trend in Bnei Brak to preserve the city's ultra-Orthodox character and uphold modesty standards in public spaces. Similar efforts have been made previously through cooperation between city rabbis and municipal authorities, including signage and infrastructure adjustments. Recently, two event halls in Bnei Brak were closed for 30 days due to employing illegal workers, highlighting ongoing regulatory enforcement in the city.