Mynet reports that the UTJ city councilmen of Jerusalem, led by Elazar Rauchberger, has submitted a request to the Regional Council of the Dead Sea region to create a "separate beach" in the northern part of the Dead Sea region for the religious public.
I completely support the idea. The religious public that wants separate swimming is a very large community and there is no reason they should not be able to enjoy the Dead Sea like anybody else can.Creating a separate beach for the religious public would not harm the public that is not interested in separate beaches - there are plenty of regular beaches spread all over the shores of the Dead Sea.
What I don't agree with is the reason given. They turned it into a manipulation attempt. they should have just asked for a separate beach for the religious community.
Rauchberger explained that the general public has many options very close to Jerusalem for relaxation and to enjoy a beach. The general public can go to the man-made beach in Jerusalem, and the many beaches all along the Dead Sea that are within a reasonable distance. The Haredi community, on the other hand, has few options available - the Haredi community has to travel very far to find a separate beach that is appropriate. The separate beach by the Dead Sea is in the southern end, which is over 100 kilometers from Jerusalem - very far. He further justifies the idea by saying bringing 200,000 new visitors will strengthen the local economy, which is a very good point and a fabulous benefit and reason to approve the idea, if just doing it for such a large public isn't enough of a reason..
The reason I dont like his reason is because Tel Aviv is closer than the Dead Sea, and there is a separate beach there, along with others up and down the Mediterranean coast. If it is simply a matter of proximity, don't complain, just go to Tel Aviv. On the other hand, as a public communal issue, they have a justified request.
I guess it does not really matter, at the end of the day. Even the given reason, even though I think it is not as good a reason as what they should have said, is a fine reason. It is just the thought process that I am commenting on.
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