Teen and Grandmother Asked to Dress Modestly at Northern Israel Kayaking Park on Haredi-Designated Day

A 14-year-old girl and her grandmother were asked to cover up when they arrived wearing short clothing for a kayaking outing at Indi Park in northern Israel. The incident occurred earlier this week at the park, located on the Jordan River. According to the girl, the security guard at the entrance told them that the directive was to dress modestly to respect the presence of Haredi visitors on that day. She said their attire was not revealing, wearing shorts that covered adequately.

The guard explained there are specific days designated for the Haredi community, during which visitors are requested to wear modest clothing and avoid swimwear. The park confirmed that these days are publicly announced well in advance on their website. They emphasized that no one is forced to cover up and that everyone is free to practice their beliefs, but on Haredi-designated days, modest dress is requested.

The teenager criticized the policy, stating, "It cannot be that in 2026, the sight of 14-year-old girls' legs is treated as something sexualized. This mindset promotes chauvinism and needs to change." She called for a shift in attitudes to prevent such discriminatory practices from escalating.

Indi Park responded by reiterating that the day was specifically tailored for the Haredi public and that the modest dress code was part of respecting that community. They clarified that the family was informed upon arrival about the nature of the day and the dress expectations.

This incident highlights ongoing tensions between secular and religious norms in shared public spaces in Israel, raising questions about inclusivity and respect for diverse cultural practices.