The Knesset discussed canceling the separation pilot - and Zilber said: Isn't this a marginal need?

November 9, 2020   

A heated debate took place today (Monday) in the Knesset Committee for the Advancement of Women about the separation pilot that was canceled at the Nature and Parks Authority's springs. This time it's really surprising: These are the new flavors of 'Milky'‘ Following an appeal by the human rights organization 'Tselmo', along with numerous appeals from citizens, a pilot of separation in the natural springs was approved in the summer, with the chosen location being 'Einot Tzukim' on the Dead Sea. Despite this, by order of Deputy Attorney General Dina Zilber, the pilot was canceled immediately, with the Ministry of Justice clarifying: "It is appropriate to exhaust the clarification through further joint dialogue, prior to holding the pilot." In a discussion held today, initiated by MK Eliyahu Baruchi of the Torah Banner, Attorney Zilber argued that no separation can be held without express approval by law, and that, according to her, separation is an exceptional thing that can lead to a slippery slope of harm to women. In addition, the Deputy Attorney General argued that for many years they managed without separation and that perhaps this was a marginal and not serious need. She added, cynically, that she did not know what the demand was for separate bathing, and that perhaps only 2-3 people had applied. MK Meirav Michaeli from Labor also took a similar line and claimed that it is necessary to fight segregation and any harm to women. On the other hand, the Director General of the Nature and Parks Authority claimed that thousands want separate bathing, but this is being blocked by the Ministry of Justice. The organization "In Your Picture" presented many applications from citizens who have been told that they cannot bathe in springs, and noted that it is impossible for equality and human rights to be denied to the religious public. MK Baruchi spoke about the right of the religious and ultra-Orthodox public to determine what is best for them and not to have it determined for them. Nativ Real Estate Company celebrates 30 • And how do you earn benefits that will never come back? Have you been suffering from depression lately? Are you eligible for National Insurance?’ Among the participants in the discussion was MK Hila Shai Wazan, who noted that although she does not require segregation, the religious public has the full right to consume products and services in segregation. Similarly, MK Ayman Khatib from the Joint List noted that the Arab sector is also interested in segregation and that this is something elementary. At the end of the discussion, it was determined that this requires legislation. MK Eliyahu Baruchi announced that "a necessary rule will be acted upon to promote legislation on the matter.".