Beit Shemesh

Millions of Israelis, including 900,000 children, live in poverty, NII report for 2024 shows

Poverty rates remain especially high among Arab and haredi populations, who together account for 65.1% of people in poverty, nearly double their share of the population.

|ByAVIHAI CHIIM
ABOUT 41% of Jerusalem families suffer from poverty, compared to about 20% in the rest of the country.
Rain in Bnei Brak

Haredim in Israel’s periphery show distinct lifestyle gaps from center, Shoresh Institute finds

The research studies how the accelerating migration of haredi households out of central Israel intersects with transportation, spending patterns, and fertility decisions.

|BySARAH BEN-NUN
Israel begins dismantling UNRWA facility, January 20, 2026.

WATCH: Fire breaks out at destroyed UNRWA compound in Jerusalem

A fire broke out in the demolished UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem, the Israeli Fire and Rescue Authority announced early Sunday morning.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men block a road and clash with police during a protest against the autopsy of toddlers who died in a daycare, in Jerusalem, January 20, 2026

Ultra-Orthodox rioters throw stones, call police 'Nazis' in protests over dead infants' autopsies

Eleven were arrested before protests began to disperse following the High Court of Justice's blocking of the planned autopsies.

|ByJAMES GENN, MIRIAM SELA-EITAM

Beit Shemesh gets A-level investment status

These grants are only relevant to new factories and the expansion of existing factories in the city of Beit Shemesh.

MAY 24, 2021ByZEV STUB
In Beit Shemesh, overlooking the valley from the northeast, construction of 14,000 planned housing units is now in full swing

Heartwarming stories from Israel's buses: 'Can I order you some dinner?'

Feel-good stories from public transportation.

FEBRUARY 10, 2021ByDAVID JABLINOWITZ
Pedestrians walk past a bus in downtown Jerusalem on January 18, 2021.

Shot fired in air as ultra-Orthodox extremists protest COVID enforcement

A crowd of men gathered round a police volunteer who was standing next to the patrol vehicle, some of whom threw stones at him.

JANUARY 12, 2021ByJEREMY SHARON
Israeli police officers clash with Ultra Orthodox Jewish men during a protest against the enforcement of coronavirus emergency regulations, in the Ultra Orthodox jewish neighborhood of Mea Shearim, Jerusalem, October 4, 2020

Beit Shemesh senior citizens receive blankets, warm clothing for Hannukah

The winter packages consisted of a warm blanket, emergency lights, a quilt, a portable heater, warm sheets, and a Hanukkah gift package consisting of a menorah and candles.

DECEMBER 17, 2020ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
An elderly Beit Shemesh resident thanks Ten Kavod volunteers for the winter package donation.

Ancient oil-lamp workshop sheds light on Roman-era Jews and Christians

Hundreds of ceramic oil lamps – two bearing symbols of the menorah – and stone lamp molds for their production, were found along with terracotta figurines.

DECEMBER 14, 2020ByHANNAH BROWN
Ceramic oil lamps and stone lamp molds for their production were found along with terracotta figurines, December, 2020

Tragedy in Beit Shemesh as 13-year-old falls, dies after fence collapses

"It hurts; just a week ago the young man celebrated his bar mitzvah."

DECEMBER 7, 2020ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
ZAKA medics are seen in Beit Shemesh, where a fence broke, leading a 13-year-old boy to fall to his death.

5 workers injured in scaffolding collapse in Beit Shemesh

Two worker are in serious condition and at least one is intubated, while three others are in moderate condition.

OCTOBER 21, 2020ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Firefighters work to rescue construction workers trapped under collapsed scaffolding, Oct. 21, 2020

Beit Shemesh to obscure women's first names on street signs

The names of women important in Israeli and Jewish history such as Anne Frank and Sarah Aaronsohn will have their first names removed.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2020ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Colian, head of B'Zchutan, Israel's first ultra-Orthodox Jewish women's party, campaigns in Beit Shemesh near Jerusalem

Hadassah Hospital announces plans to open branch in Beit Shemesh

“This is important news for the residents of Beit Shemesh,” said Health Minister Ya’acov Litzman.

JUNE 14, 2020ByMAAYAN JAFFE-HOFFMAN
Hadassah University Medical Center

Severe building violations could partially shut new Ikea store

"This is a clear case in which construction preceded planning."

JUNE 4, 2020ByEYTAN HALON
Customers wait outside an IKEA shop after the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown has been eased around the country and the company opens some of its stores, in Netanya, Israel April 23, 2020.