14-Year-Old Girls Denied Kayaking at Northern Israel Park Over Dress Code for Ultra-Orthodox Visitors

Two 14-year-old girls visiting Indie Park near Yesod HaMaala in northern Israel were asked to cover up before kayaking due to a dress code intended to respect ultra-Orthodox Jewish visitors. The girls, dressed in shorts and oversized shirts appropriate for summer, were told by a park staff member to wear more modest clothing, citing the presence of many ultra-Orthodox visitors during the "bein hazmanim" vacation period. The girls and their grandmother had planned a day of kayaking and other activities but left the park after refusing to comply with the request, which they described as humiliating and discriminatory.

The girls’ father posted on social media condemning the incident as an outrageous case of religious coercion and public discrimination. The family noted there were no signs at the entrance indicating a special dress code or that the day was reserved for ultra-Orthodox visitors. According to Israeli law, businesses serving the public cannot discriminate based on religion or impose unrelated conditions on service, except for limited exceptions such as safety requirements.

Knesset member Gilad Kariv criticized the park’s policy as illegal and called for authorities to intervene, emphasizing the girls’ right to compensation under anti-discrimination laws. Indie Park responded that the day was designated for ultra-Orthodox visitors who are asked to dress modestly and without swimwear, with the schedule and rules posted on their website well in advance. The park stated they do not require anyone to cover their heads and respect all faiths, but explained the family was informed upon arrival about the day’s specific dress expectations.

This incident raises legal and social questions about public space accessibility and religious accommodation in Israel, highlighting tensions between secular and religious communities during vacation periods.