A newly implemented pedestrian traffic arrangement in Bnei Brak has become the focus of a legal and political battle after opponents filed a petition with Israel’s High Court of Justice seeking to overturn the city’s decision to designate separate sides of a sidewalk for men and women during busy evening hours near local wedding halls.
The arrangement, approved by the Bnei Brak Municipality with the backing of the city’s rabbanim, applies only to a section of Shlomo HaMelech Street adjacent to several event halls. Under the plan, one side of the sidewalk is designated for men and the other for women during evening hours, when thousands of people pass through the area attending weddings and other celebrations.
City officials say the temporary arrangement is intended to ease heavy pedestrian congestion while preserving the area’s traditional character and standards of tznius. They emphasize that the policy is limited to a specific location and time of day and is not part of any broader initiative affecting other areas of the city.
The measure has nevertheless drawn sharp criticism from opponents, who argue that it amounts to gender separation in a public space.
The issue has also generated extensive media attention, with numerous journalists and television crews visiting Shlomo HaMelech Street to photograph the newly installed signs and interview residents opposed to the arrangement.
The controversy comes at a time of heightened political tensions, with national elections scheduled to begin this Sunday, further amplifying debate over issues involving religion and the public sphere.
The legal challenge was filed by Yaya Fink and Michal Rozin, both candidates in the Democratic Party’s upcoming primary elections. They contend that the city’s policy constitutes unlawful gender segregation in the public domain and are asking the High Court to invalidate it.
Announcing the petition, the two said they intend to fight the municipality’s decision, declaring, “We will not allow the exclusion of women from the public sphere. Bnei Brak will not become Tehran.”
{Matzav.com}