Bnei Brak Overrun By Rats, Possibly “Hundreds of Thousands”

The city of Bnei Brak is facing a distressing predicament as rats infest its overcrowded neighborhoods, causing fear and concern among residents. The municipality, after a period of inaction, has now acknowledged the problem, attributing it to the ongoing light rail works. The situation has escalated to the point where residents describe the presence of rats as a more significant concern than potential terrorist attacks.

There have been reports several cases of children being bitten by rats in recent months, including a harrowing incident involving a two-year-old girl. The city, with around a quarter of a million residents squeezed into a small area of 7.3 square kilometers, is witnessing large, fearless rats roaming the streets openly. Some estimates suggest there might be “hundreds of thousands of rats” in Bnei Brak.

The rats’ presence has even reached the Knesset, prompting discussions about the magnitude of the problem.

The municipality has been criticized for downplaying the issue until recently. However, it now seems to be taking action after securing a loan of NIS 20 million and appointing a professional project manager to tackle the problem aggressively.

The light rail works in Bnei Brak are being linked to the rat infestation, as they may have displaced the rats from their underground habitats. Additionally, the city’s lack of cleanliness, sewage overflow, and garbage accumulation have contributed to the situation.

Yaakov Vidar, an opposition representative in the city, has been vocal about the rat issue and believes that the secular areas of Bnei Brak are the most affected.

The municipality, though facing financial constraints, is trying to address the problem through the newly approved project. However, some residents criticize the city’s budget management and lack of accountability.

Experts warn that the rat infestation might not be confined to Bnei Brak alone and could spread to neighboring cities if not dealt with effectively. The increased rat population and abundance of food sources in the area are driving the rodents to seek new habitats, which raises public health concerns.

{Matzav.com}