Religious Bus Lines

A long time Israeli controversy, many bus lines in Israel are dominated by religious commuters. These lines, often referred to as Kosher Buses, Haredi Buses, Mahedrin Busses, etc..., are characterized by a virtual mechitza (separation wall) partitioning men and women. Generally, men sit in the front, women sit in the back, and immodestly dressed women do not ride. Immodestly dressed in this case defined by haredi standards, only allowing long dresses, long sleeves, and no tight fitting clothes.

The Israeli Supreme court has determined that these lines are not legal and cannot be protected by Israeli law. The lines are not exclusive, and are operated by the national bus services Egged and Dan Bus Cooperative.

So, should the Ultra Orthodox be able to hold a monopoly over a bus line? I argue yes, but with discretion. If there is anywhere in the world that Jewish customs, religious or not, should be protected, it is Israel.

There are few places in the world that Orthodox Jews can maintain their traditional customs passed down from Eastern Europe and Mizrachi homelands. Meah Sharim, B'nai Brak, and several communities on the United States East Coast provide the shelter and lifestyle desired by many families. These exclusive areas were purposely built by those who live there, and should be respected.

That being said, Egged and Dan buses are public. It is irrational to believe that non-religious Israelis will not ride certain bus lines. How should this issue be addressed?

I move for one of two solutions. First, the easy answer, would be for a wealthy group of religious Jews to establish their own bus company. Several small, private bus companies operate in Israel. The religious can afford to stay in yeshivas and avoid working their entire lives, why can't they afford their own bus line? This would solve the problem, as a private company can deny service to anyone they choose.

The problem with this option? As many people are aware, the religious communities the lines serve are not wealthy. Those who live in Meah Sharim and B'nai Brak have large families and often live in poverty and receive monthly welfare from the state. They cannot be expected to start and support a company.

This brings me to option 2, run several Haredi lines. An hourly or half hourly service to and from selected areas designated with a letter would allow for everyone to be happy. Non-religious people can ride on the regular lines, and Haredim could ride on the designated bus. If a Haredi Jew is in a hurry, they can suck it up and ride on the same bus as everyone else.

There is no perfect solution, but sometimes people have to make sacrifices for the world to work. We all live together. Like it or not, Israel is small. Jews of all types will have to get along. We have more important things to worry about.

Learn more about the Supreme Court decision on this YNet article.