The budgetary approval for a pool in the Pisgat Ze’ev neighborhood of Jerusalem has resulted in controversy between non-religious and chareidim regarding separate swimming. Some secular activists in the community insist the pool will be exclusively for mixed swimming without separate swimming hours.

Members of the local government (minhelet) are against mixed swimming. Shas City Councilman Pini Ezra however asked for a stipulation in the budget, that there would also be separate hours. The chareidim on the city council would not back the vote to approve the 1.7 million shekel budget until it was agreed to include separate swimming hours.

Ultimately, the budget was approved with the stipulation of separate swimming hours as well as mixed swimming hours as a result of the pressure by chareidi councilmen.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)