Fear grips Tel Aviv: "Children afraid to walk the streets," as Youth Gang violence takes over

Residents of central Tel Aviv are grappling with a disturbing rise in violent incidents perpetrated by youth gangs from the city’s southern neighborhoods, particularly around Shapira. According to local accounts, groups of youths aged 9 to 18, including Sudanese, Eritrean, Filipino, and Israeli teens, have been targeting central areas, engaging in robberies, assaults, and vandalism. The situation has escalated fears among residents, with many parents now hesitant to let their children roam freely in areas once considered safe.

Notable incidents include a recent attack near Lincoln Street, where a group of teens was assaulted and robbed, and another case where a young boy’s cellphone was stolen. In one alarming episode, a gang used what appeared to be a toy gun to steal an electric scooter. The chaos peaked on Independence Day night, with gangs causing mayhem on Ben Yehuda and Bograshov streets, damaging property and sparking public unrest. In Shapira, public gardens have become hotspots for unchecked vandalism, with reports of teens destroying shared scooters, spraying snow foam, and tampering with electrical cabinets.

Tel Aviv police have acknowledged the issue, arresting two minors: one of Turkish origin, still in custody for robbery, and a foreign national linked to the Lincoln Street incident. However, residents like Dana L., a mother of a 15-year-old, express frustration, noting their children are too scared to go out at night. Yossi, a father of two teens, recounted a near-robbery of his 16-year-old son, saved only by passersby. Community WhatsApp groups are mobilizing, urging residents to report all incidents to pressure authorities. In Shapira, a resident reported a severe break-in at a kindergarten near Demodina Garden, underscoring the growing crime wave. Many parents are now restricting their children’s movements, especially on weekends, until the situation stabilizes.