Take Action: Stop Public Bus Segregation in Israel

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Minister of Transportation Shaul Mofaz

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Stop Public Bus Segregation in Israel

Nearly a year ago, the Israel Religious Action Center filed a challenge to the segregated publicly funded bus lines that operate in Israel. On these buses, women are forced to enter from and sit at the rear of the bus, and they are required to wear "modest" clothing. Failure to comply has led to verbal intimidation and harassment by men on the bus, in addition to physical violence. Originally intended for strictly Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods, these buses are now employed across and between several cities, without any alternative public bus service.

The suit urged the Israel High Court of Justice to compel the Transportation Ministry to investigate the need for any segregated service, and if deemed necessary, to require a desegregated alternative. Now, the High Court has handed down a decision, giving Shaul Mofaz, Israeli Minister of Transportation, one month to look into the problem and determine next steps. Bus companies running these lines are receiving government dollars to support a service that discriminates against women.

Subject:

Dear [Decision maker's name automatically inserted here],

(Edit Letter Below)

As a strong supporter of Israel, I urge you to put an end to the discriminatory practice of segregation on public bus lines. Requiring women to sit at the rear of any public bus and dictating dress requirements infringes on women's fundamental rights to equality and dignity.

Although initially intended to operate on a voluntary basis only in strictly Haredi, or ultra-Orthodox, neighborhoods, segregated bus lines now operate across and between cities in Israel with no desegregated alternative. Women who refuse to comply with the shameful terms of ridership on these buses have been victims of verbal harassment and intimidation, and in some cases physical violence. Further, some women have been forcibly removed from buses for the sole reason that they refuse to move to the back of the bus.

In a democratic society, this violation of women's rights should not be tolerated. The Israeli High Court of Justice has given you one month to investigate this problem and determine the next step. I strongly urge you to abide by your responsibility to assure safe public transportation for all people in Israel no matter their gender, and to take whatever steps necessary to put an end to this discriminatory practice.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]


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