Seminary Warns Parents Not to Send Girls Through Egypt After Reports of Harassment and Assault
Machon Bnos Yehuda Seminary has warned parents not to route their daughters through Egypt after receiving reports of disturbing incidents involving women traveling through the country while trying to leave Eretz Yisroel.
In a letter sent to parents, Moishe Bak of Machon Bnos Yehuda said the seminary had received verified information describing frightening situations encountered by women attempting to travel through Egypt.
The message began by reassuring parents that the students currently at the seminary are safe.
“A Gut Voch. I am happy to be able to share with you that the Eim Bayit reported that Shabbos at Machon Bnos Yehuda (for those who chose to stay) was a beautiful and uplifting experience. Baruch Hashem, the girls are doing well and are safe.”
Bak explained that the school felt obligated to inform parents about troubling developments affecting women who had tried to leave the region through neighboring countries.
“It has been brought to our attention that a number of girls and women who attempted to travel through Egypt experienced very frightening situations, and in some cases may have been harmed or assaulted.”
According to the seminary, verified reports received recently described incidents in which women traveling in groups were separated from men who were accompanying them, including husbands.
“Just this evening we received verified information describing extremely distressing incidents. In certain situations, groups of women were separated from the men traveling with them — including married women being separated from their husbands — and were subjected to very troubling experiences.”
Bak noted that many of the people involved in the incidents have chosen not to speak publicly but asked that others be warned.
“Many of the individuals involved have chosen not to speak publicly about what happened, but they have specifically asked that others be warned.”
The seminary urged parents to avoid sending daughters through Egypt or nearby countries under any circumstances.
“For this reason, we are begging parents: please do not even consider sending your daughters through Egypt or any of the neighboring countries.”
At the same time, the school indicated that alternative travel options may soon become available as the situation evolves.
“Baruch Hashem, other options are beginning to present themselves. We are starting to hear that the skies are slowly reopening, airport operations are expected to resume tomorrow, and flights are gradually beginning to take passengers out of Eretz Yisrael. Igud HaYeshivos is also working on arranging flights, and we expect to have more information from them very soon.”
Bak also cautioned parents against making travel decisions based on information circulating in messaging groups or social media.
“At a time like this, decisions based on WhatsApp groups, group chats, or by people who do not truly understand the matzav on the ground should be avoided.”
He said the seminary administration is closely monitoring developments and will continue to update families.
“We are monitoring the situation very carefully and will continue to share reliable updates as they become available. I have a scheduled conference call with the hanhala at 2:00 AM to discuss plans for the coming days, and I will, b’ezras Hashem, send another update tomorrow morning.”
The letter concluded with further reassurance that the students currently in Yerushalayim are safe and coping well under the circumstances.
“Baruch Hashem, your daughters are safe and doing well. In general, they are calm, happy, and adjusting to life in Yerushalayim under the current circumstances. With a steady stream of calm, supportive, and positive messages coming from home, we believe they will continue to handle this situation with the strength and resilience they have already shown.”
{Matzav.com}
