Heated debate in Knesset: Disturbing testimonies on child marriages in Yavne’el
The Knesset Committee for the Advancement of the Status of Women and Gender Equality convened a special hearing on Tuesday to address allegations of underage marriages in the northern town of Yavne’el. Lawmakers and officials described the practise as a longstanding and deeply troubling phenomenon.
The hearing focused on a Breslov community established in 1986 by Rabbi Eliezer Shlomo Schick, which consists of several hundred families. The community is reported to promote marriage at a very young age, typically seeing women marry at 15 or 16 and men at 18.
Systemic Failures and Survivor Testimonies
Committee chair MK Merav Cohen stated that the issue has persisted for two decades despite repeated warnings. Cohen characterized the situation as a principled debate regarding minors forced into marriage and sexual relationships, noting that authorities have failed to stop the phenomenon.
During the session, survivors shared emotional accounts of their experiences. Sarah Maimoni, who was married at 15 and became a mother at 16, alleged that girls as young as 14 have been forced into marriage and pregnancy.
“This is how my childhood was taken from me,” Maimoni told lawmakers, while calling for a joint police and welfare task force to address “complete lawlessness” in the town.
Other testimonies included Ruth Reichman, who was married at 16 to a man roughly a decade older, and Heidi Mozes, who was also married at 16 against her will. Nachman Boltin testified that he married a 14-and-a-half-year-old girl when he was 18, describing a culture of “brainwashing.”
Challenges in Enforcement
Representatives from the police and the Ministry of Social Affairs addressed the difficulties of intervention. Deputy Chief Avi Ayish noted that underage weddings are often difficult to prove because they are sometimes presented as “introduction parties.”
Ilan Sharif, head of the cults department at the Ministry of Social Affairs, described the situation as “horrific.” He stated that the ministry has worked to strengthen the local welfare department and is nearing the completion of a report on the issue.
Welfare official Ami Romano and local social worker Batya Menachem noted that reports often arrive after the ceremonies have already occurred, making immediate intervention difficult.
Statistical Gaps and Legal Implications
Data presented by the Knesset Research and Information Center revealed a significant enforcement gap. Between 2023 and 2025, 321 reports of underage marriages conducted without permits were received, yet only four indictments were filed.
The Ministry of Health further informed the committee that there is currently no legal obligation to report pregnancies involving girls over the age of 16. This legal loophole has led to discussions regarding the necessity of legislative changes.
Potential Next Steps
Following the hearing, the committee may seek further answers regarding how these practices were allowed to persist for so long. There could be a push for the establishment of a joint police and welfare task force as requested by activists.
the government may consider legislative amendments to mandate the reporting of pregnancies for minors. Increased coordination between the Ministry of Social Affairs and law enforcement is likely to be a priority to improve indictment rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who established the Breslov community in Yavne’el?
The community was established in 1986 by Rabbi Eliezer Shlomo Schick.
Why has it been difficult for police to prove underage marriages?
Deputy Chief Avi Ayish stated that such cases are often difficult to prove because the events are sometimes presented as “introduction parties” rather than weddings.
What is the current legal status of reporting pregnancies for girls over 16?
According to the Ministry of Health, there is currently no legal obligation to report pregnancies involving girls over the age of 16.
How should authorities balance community autonomy with the legal protection of minors?