Bnei brak

Under the radar: The program bringing ultra-Orthodox women into the IDF

Haredi women assist other like-minded women in joining the military, with exciting new avenues of exploration, and without compromising their way of life

Maj.-Gen. Amikam Norkin, former Israel Air Force commander, awards Esti Solomon the Above and Beyond medal for the program to integrate haredi women into the air force.
ISRAELIS TEND to experience their identity more as members of a nation than as members of local congregations. Pictured: Celebrating Israel’s 77th Independence Day in central Jerusalem, May 1, 2025.

Parashat Vayakhel: A ‘kahal’ at war

The scene of the stabbing in Ramat Gan on March 12, 2026.

Man seriously wounded after suspected terror stabbing in Ramat Gan

Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men are seen near a bus in Jerusalem in this photo from 2015.

When I sat next to a haredi: A moment of humanity in amid division in Israel - opinion


Are Irreconcilable differences stopping Israel from healing societal fracture? - opinion

After two female soldiers were chased in Bnei Brak, something sacred was fractured. What happens when Israel no longer feels like one nation?

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men clash with police following an assault on two female Israeli soldiers in Bnei Brak, central Israel, February 15, 2026.

How the haredi draft issue puts the status of Israeli women into question

Tal Hochman, Executive Director of the Israel Women's Network, and Rabbi Natan Slifkin, explore the ongoing struggles faced by women in Israeli society, and the haredi draft issue.

Are women's rights in Israel under attack?

Tearing Israel apart: Jew-on-Jew violence in Bnei Brak is unacceptable - opinion

Two female soldiers were attacked in Bnei Brak; if we believe in Torah and unity, Jew-on-Jew violence can never be tolerated.

Ultra-Orthodox rioters clash with police following an assault on two female Israeli soldiers in Bnei Brak, February 15, 2026.

Ultra-Orthodox rioters to remain in custody after chasing female IDF soldiers, clashing with police

The suspects' arrests were extended until Wednesday, and one additional suspect, aged 12, was granted conditional release, the statement added. 

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men clash with police following an assault on two female Israeli soldiers in Bnei Brak, central Israel, February 15, 2026.

Bnei Brak shows Israel must address structures that enable 'fringe' violence - analysis

Those who condemn acts of violence perpetrated by one community or another tend to categorize the acts as stemming from the minority. If so, who is responsible for setting and enforcing boundaries?

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men clash with police following an assault on two female Israeli soldiers in Bnei Brak, central Israel, February 15, 2026.

Bnei Brak clashes reflect long-building tensions within haredi society, researcher says - interview

An Israel Democracy Institute researcher says the violence reflects long-standing shifts within haredi society and mounting friction over IDF conscription.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men clash with police following an assault on two female Israeli soldiers in Bnei Brak, central Israel, February 15, 2026.

IDF clashes with police over Bnei Brak incident, says attacked soldiers did not distribute leaflets

“The claim that the commanders who were attacked yesterday in Bnei Brak arrived in order to distribute recruitment flyers in the city is incorrect," IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men clash with police following an assault on two female Israeli soldiers in Bnei Brak, central Israel, February 15, 2026.

Haredi protests block Jerusalem entrance, Highway 38

The protesters initially disrupted traffic both around the entrance to Jerusalem and on Highway 38. Police announced that they had successfully dispersed the protesters on 38.

Haredi anti-draft protesters block Highway 4 near Bnei Brak denouncing the detention of a draft dodger, February 9, 2026.

Israeli police arrest seven, stop attempted infiltration of 15 Palestinian residents

The suspects were reportedly traveling to work in Bnei Brak, where they had planned an extended stay, the Police Spokesperson’s Unit said.

Israeli police arrested seven people and deported eight others after stopping a vehicle carrying 15 Palestinian residents who were suspected of entering Israel illegally in February 2026.

Israel's female soldiers sacrifice for our country, we must not let them be harassed - editorial

The very least Israel can do is protect the women who wear their uniform with pride and do the hard work.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men clash with police following an assault on two female Israeli soldiers in Bnei Brak, central Israel, February 15, 2026.