Pregnant Woman Assaulted and Denied Bus Access in Nesher Over Clothing Choice

Tal Kostika, a pregnant woman, was attacked and blocked from boarding a bus in Nesher last Wednesday because she wore a tank top and leggings. While waiting at a bus stop near the city's Culture Hall, an older man wearing a kippah verbally abused her, calling her offensive names, spitting, and threatening her. Despite attempts by bystanders to intervene, the man persisted in his harassment.

Tal called the police and asked the bus driver of line 78 to wait for the authorities and prevent the attacker from boarding. The driver refused, stating he had to continue the route. When the attacker boarded, he shoved Tal against the bus door, struck her abdomen, and continued to curse and spit at her. Tal was taken to the hospital to ensure her unborn child was unharmed and later filed complaints with both the police and the bus company, Egged.

Tal expressed fear for her safety in her own city, emphasizing that she should not have to worry about what she wears while volunteering or traveling. Attorney Ilanit Soibelman, head of "Alice's Line" from the Israel Women's Lobby, condemned the attack as part of a disturbing trend of violence and exclusion against women in public spaces, especially during summer months. She criticized the insufficient law enforcement response to such incidents.

Egged stated that the incident occurred outside the bus between the passenger and another individual, thus not falling under their responsibility, and confirmed the passenger was not denied boarding. The police said the matter is under investigation.