Soragim (Window Bars) in Israeli Homes: A Guide to Safety and Security
“Soragim” (סורגים) are a very common sight on Israeli windows, particularly on ground-floor apartments (“dirat karka”), garden apartments (“dirat gan”), and up to the first few floors of a building. They are installed for two main reasons: security and child safety.
Key Reasons for Installing Soragim:
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Child Safety (בטיחות ילדים – Betichut Yeladim): This is the primary reason for many families. Soragim prevent young children from accidentally falling out of open windows, a critical safety measure in apartment living. The standard spacing between bars is designed to be too narrow for a child’s head to pass through.
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Security against Break-ins (מיגון מפני פריצות – Migun Mipnei Pritzot): For ground-floor and lower-level apartments, window bars act as a physical barrier and a strong visual deterrent to burglars.
Types of Soragim:
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Fixed Bars (סורגים קבועים – Soragim Kvu’im): These are permanently fixed to the window frame. They are the most secure but can make window cleaning difficult and obstruct the view.
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Belly Bars (סורגי בטן – Soragei Beten): These bars bow outwards, allowing space for potted plants on the windowsill while still providing safety.
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Foldable/Opening Bars (סורגים מתקפלים – Soragim Mitkaplim): Often called a “Sorag Triz.” These are accordion-style bars that can be unlocked and opened. They offer a great compromise, providing security when closed and an open view when desired. However, they are generally considered slightly less secure than fixed bars.
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Transparent Bars: A newer, more aesthetic option made from strong polycarbonate material. They provide safety without the “caged-in” feeling of traditional metal bars.
Considerations for Buyers and Renters:
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If you have young children and are looking at an apartment on a lower floor, the presence of soragim is a major plus. If they are not installed, you may need to ask the landlord for permission to install them (often at your own expense).
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For ground-floor apartments, soragim are a key security feature that adds to the property’s appeal.
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Always check the quality of the installation. The bars should be securely anchored into the concrete frame of the building, not just the window frame.
