Israeli Lawmakers Condemn Discrimination Against Religious Community at Herzliya's Separate Beach

The Knesset's Public Petitions Committee, chaired by MK Osher Shekalim (Likud), held a discussion on Wednesday regarding claims of discrimination against the religious public at Herzliya's separate beach. The beach operates only three months a year, compared to six months for other city beaches. The committee convened following a petition highlighting this disparity.

Herzliya Municipality did not send a representative to the meeting but stated in a written response that the beach was previously open only in July and August, with June added two years ago. The municipality justified the limited schedule based on the target audience's characteristics and the start of yeshiva students' summer vacation, noting no significant demand for earlier opening.

Rafi Kadushim, a Herzliya city council member, revealed he had submitted three proposals over the past three years to extend the beach's operating period, all rejected. He emphasized that while eight other city beaches operate for about six months, the separate beach is restricted to three months. He also noted that lifeguard services are available throughout the bathing season, but gender separation is enforced only during the three months of operation, and the beach's area has been reduced in recent years.

Barak Potulski from the Ministry of the Interior clarified that bathing seasons are legally defined, but local authorities decide the opening dates for separate beaches. He cited examples like Tel Aviv and Ashdod, where separate beaches operate longer or year-round.

Shai Glick, CEO of the organization Betzalmo, criticized Herzliya for both the limited operating period and inadequate accessibility for people with disabilities. He accused the municipality of consistent discrimination against religious, traditional, and Haredi communities, urging correction of this injustice.

MK Shekalim condemned Herzliya's absence from the discussion and labeled the issue as discrimination against those seeking separate bathing. He announced plans to appeal to the Minister of the Interior and the Local Government Center to review the matter. "I call on Herzliya Municipality to provide equal service to all residents. I intend to fight this decision with all available means," he stated.