Haredi Protesters Target IDF Recruitment Center in Bnei Brak

A group of ultra-Orthodox protesters gathered Tuesday outside the Netivim center on Kishon Street in Bnei Brak, demonstrating against the organization's activities among haredi youth. The protesters, including members of the Bohush Hasidic community, opposed the center's role in facilitating military recruitment.

Netivim provides counseling services to young haredi men on various topics, including career development and employment opportunities. Controversially within certain ultra-Orthodox circles, the center also guides those interested in enlisting through military tracks designed specifically for the haredi community—a function that has made it a target for extremist factions.

The demonstration began approximately an hour behind schedule. Protesters assembled near the center and at one point blocked its entrance before police arrived at the scene.

Demonstrations in Bnei Brak (Video: Daniel Grubis: Kan11)

This marks the second protest at the location within a week. Last week, demonstrators gathered on Kishon Street to voice opposition to Netivim's recruitment-related activities.

However, staff inside the Netivim offices reported that despite the commotion outside, they could barely hear the protesters, some distance from the building itself.

The demonstration later shifted to the Bnei Brak police station, also located on Kishon Street. Protesters continued their demonstration outside the station, and at one point stopped a passing bus.

The timing of the protest carries additional significance given recent announcements about the police station's future. According to reporting by Mordechai Halperin on Israel Defense Forces Radio, the Israel Police has decided to extend the lease on the building housing the Bnei Brak station until 2037, at a total cost exceeding 90 million shekels.

One rationale cited for the decision was the need to "ensure presence and visibility in the area"—a reference partly to recurring confrontations and protests between extremist elements within the haredi community and law enforcement.

Following the revelation that police presence would be secured at the location for another decade, the protest that began at Netivim ultimately arrived at the doorstep of that very station.