Modi'in Illit in Uproar: Daughter of Prominent Yeshiva Head Caught Dating Arab Man

A scandal has gripped the ultra-Orthodox enclave of Modi'in Illit after the daughter of a respected kollel (yeshiva for married men) head was allegedly lured into a secret relationship with an Arab employee from a local branch of a well-known retail chain, sources close to the family confirmed to local media Tuesday evening.

The young woman, a seminary student in the city, reportedly deceived her parents by claiming she was meeting friends, but instead traveled to the man's village in Judea and Samaria. The affair came to light when the family discovered her whereabouts, prompting quick and decisive action.

In response, the retail chain, described only as "a familiar network" with a branch in the city, immediately fired all Arab staff from the location, citing security concerns amid heightened tensions in the area.

The father, a prominent figure in the local religious community, filed a formal complaint with the Israel Police, alleging enticement and potential endangerment of a minor, though her exact age was not disclosed.

Details emerged via whispers in the tight-knit Haredi community and unconfirmed reports on religious news forums, where the story has sparked heated debates about employment practices, inter-community relations, and the challenges of maintaining strict social boundaries in a growing city of over 90,000 residents.

Modi'in Illit, located east of the Green Line in the Benjamin region, is Israel's largest Haredi settlement and a hub for religious study and family life. Incidents like this are rare but explosive, often amplifying existing sensitivities around Arab workers in Jewish areas, especially post-October 7.

Police in the Judea and Samaria District confirmed receiving a complaint but declined to comment on specifics, stating the matter is under investigation.

The retail chain has not issued a public statement. Updates expected as the probe unfolds.