Police have shut down a former yeshiva in Bnei Brak after discovering it had been converted into an illegal dormitory housing some 20 undocumented migrants.
The building, located in the heart of Israel's ultra-Orthodox community, was operating without permits or safety measures. Tel Aviv Police Chief Chaim Sargrof ordered its immediate closure for 30 days following a raid Thursday night.
"What we found was shocking," said a senior police source. "A religious study hall had been transformed into an underground hostel." The source noted this isn't the first time religious institutions have been used as covers for illegal housing operations.
The bust is part of a broader crackdown on businesses exploiting undocumented workers, which has intensified since October 7th. Police are focusing on unauthorized housing operations that could pose security risks.
The facility will remain sealed until December 3rd while investigators probe deeper into who was behind the operation. Local residents expressed surprise at the discovery in their traditionally conservative neighborhood.