Bnei Brak experienced another difficult evening on Monday, as groups of fringe youths engaged in prolonged confrontations with police along Rechov Ezra, igniting fires, attacking motorists, and causing significant traffic disruptions throughout the city. The incidents have raised serious concern among residents, particularly given the impact on the city’s Torah atmosphere and the welfare of its youth.

What began in the early afternoon as a protest near the Vizhnitzer center quickly spiraled beyond control. As the hours passed, additional marginal elements joined the scene, and the demonstration turned into an extended public disturbance. Garbage bins were set ablaze, major roads were blocked, and confrontations with police continued well into the evening.

Large police forces were dispatched to the area multiple times in an effort to restore order and disperse the crowds. According to law enforcement officials, officers used crowd-control measures, including batons, after police personnel and passing drivers were reportedly attacked and a tangible threat to public safety emerged.

As reported earlier, Bnei Brak Mayor Chanoch Zeibert responded sharply to the unrest, expressing deep pain over the events. “In recent hours in the city, there have been uncontrolled and unsupervised demonstrations and protests, which are an educational disaster for our children’s souls. These demonstrations originate with a handful of fringe individuals who are dragging young people into actions whose consequences no one can foresee.”

The mayor urged parents to act decisively to protect their families. “I ask every parent to take responsibility for himself and his family and ensure that no one from their immediate family is present in these areas that are dangerous from an educational standpoint. At the same time, the police are operating on the scene to prevent the continuation of these irresponsible events in our city.”

Although authorities say there is no direct link, the disturbances come just one day after serious clashes broke out on Chagai Street following the assault of two IDF servicewomen. Those incidents also continued for hours, resulted in numerous arrests, and required a significant police presence in several parts of the city.

Many residents voiced sorrow that such scenes are unfolding in a city identified with Torah and spiritual growth, and community leaders once again called on parents and educators to safeguard both the physical safety and spiritual wellbeing of the city’s precious youth.