Bnei Brak Parents Strike Over Severe Rodent Infestations in Kindergartens

Parents in Bnei Brak have initiated a strike, keeping approximately 70 children from two local kindergartens at home amid severe sanitation issues, a rodent infestation, and prolonged municipal neglect. Families report that despite months of warnings regarding rats, garbage accumulations, and severe maintenance hazards, conditions at the facility have not improved.

Rodent Infestations and Deteriorating Facilities

For months, parents have been sounding the alarm over deplorable conditions, including severe water leaks, broken play equipment, and rodents running freely through the premises. Rachel, a parent whose child attends one of the facilities, described the situation as intolerable, noting that trash bins are located directly at the entrance and that foul odors plague the courtyard. In winter, flooding frequently ruins children's shoes, and parents argue that municipal authorities have repeatedly ignored their pleas for help.

"There are mice and rats, water leaks, everything there is awful. All the parents are striking. I didn't send my child, he is at home," Rachel said.

Legal Action and Municipal Response

Legal representatives and advocacy groups have stepped in to address the crisis. On August 25, attorney Miriam Strange sent an urgent letter to the Bnei Brak municipality and the Ministry of Education on behalf of the parents' committee. The correspondence highlighted severe safety, sanitation, and security violations, including the discovery of a dead rat near the kindergarten fence in July, well within reach of the children.

The Bnei Brak municipality defended its record, stating that child welfare and safety remain top priorities and that all complaints are thoroughly addressed. Municipal officials noted that artificial turf replacement is scheduled for the complex this week, and insisted that maintenance and sanitation services are provided equally to all educational institutions in the city.