Bnei Brak school gate welded shut amid religious-secular dispute

Parents and students arriving at the state-religious school 'Afikim' in Bnei Brak found the gates welded shut, prompting police intervention. Parents allege municipal and Haredi opposition to the school's coeducational model, while the municipality accuses the school management of ignoring agreements. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over religious education policy in Israel.