MK Oshar Shkali Condemns Herzliya's Reduced Hours for Religious Separate Beach

The Special Committee for Public Inquiries, chaired by MK Oshar Shkali of Likud, convened on Wednesday to discuss the limited operating period of the separate beach in Herzliya. Unlike other city beaches open for six months, the separate beach is available for only three months, sparking allegations of discrimination against the religious community. Herzliya municipality did not send representatives to the meeting but stated that the separate beach has historically operated mainly in July and August, with an extension to June introduced two years ago to align with the summer vacation of yeshiva students and the ultra-Orthodox public. They also claimed there is no significant demand for earlier operation.

Herzliya City Council member Rafi Kadushin emphasized that while lifeguard services run for six months, gender-segregated enforcement occurs only for three months, disadvantaging the large religious and traditional population who desire year-round separate bathing. Barak Potulski from the Ministry of Interior noted that Herzliya is unique in limiting the separate beach's operational months compared to other localities where separate beaches open simultaneously with all beaches.

Shai Glick, CEO of the organization Betzalmo, criticized the municipality for neglecting the needs of religious, traditional, and ultra-Orthodox residents, highlighting accessibility issues for people with disabilities at the separate beach. MK Shkali concluded the discussion by condemning the municipality's decision as discriminatory and announced plans to appeal to the Interior Minister and local authorities to ensure equal service for all residents. He urged the Herzliya mayor to reconsider and pledged to fight the decision using all available means.