THis is how they do it, first they build a mikveh and then before you know the charideem start moving in , brainwashing the children and closing roads and so on. Well done to the local residents for protesting against this, just another case or religious coercion.

Pluralism for leftists means allowing those with whom you agree to speak, providing them with government largesse, and the like, but shouting down, intimidating, and shutting out those with whom you disagree. Such phonies.

These folks have the right to a Mikveh - a legal *requirement* of the local municipal council, which is obliged to provide for basic religious services. What you demand is nothing short of *secular* coercion, against the law, and stinks of secularist bigotry.

why can't a mikveh be funded by those who use it (and want it)? the town has every right to allocate municipal funds according to its priorities, but why should ANY religious buildings be publicly funded? public funding is basically coercive, and should not be used to bankroll religion. if the municipality had voted to block a church or a mosque, there would be cries of "discrimination", so why is it okay to discriminate against jews, in israel of all places?

Let's get this straight. A group of religious people who want to build a religious facility with private money, which they or anyone else can use at will, are engaged in "coercion." And the secular authority does not want to let them, because they are afraid that things might get too comfortable for the religious and more might move in, is acting in the name of freedom and pluralism? Just shows that Orwellian doublespeak is alive and well. Black is white, white is black, because I say so. Utterly contemptible.

I think Mr. Shahaf has his "isms" confused.

Firstly, pluralism means that all religious streams are represented. In this case, the Haredim have as much a right to religious services in that community-as they should Israelwide. Secondly, due to the unique nature of israel, a synagogue is an amenity that should be available in all communities where there are Jews. At least one publicly available shul should be available in each community. The idea of a mikveh in the town is fantastic. But there should be an adequate supply of water for it. While a mikveh does get part of its supply from rainwater, it nonetheless needs another supply. So, if this is not adequeate in the town, then don't build it.

Pure & simple #1 Here in the States they have a name for an outburst like yours. It's called anti-semitism.

These same people who are blocking the mikvah construction would scream "genocide!" and "apartheid!" if Arabs weren't allowed to build a mosque.

this is a Jewish country and the reason you cannot relate to that concept is bc you dont live in it. move here and figure out what it means to have a Jewish homeland and then you will ask less stupid questions

a haShomer ha-Za'ir (haS-haZ for short) community recently allowed in ''others'' - which include formerly religious and national religious families. the haS-haZ founders of this community were asked if they would allow a mikva to be built, and were also asked for room for a synagogue - prayer meeting room. these haS-haZ gave a prime location for the mikva, and as for the synagogue - they gave their own community hall, delegating an area to store the Sefer Torah, with respect, and the mehitzot (partitions to delineate separate seating of en-women during prayer service). the haS-haZ people feel so comfortable with their religious neighbors, who have injected tremendous energy and economic benefit, that they meet once a month for a community social mixing, where - by the way, a brief Torah lesson is given, and shared with pleasure by all. that is tolerance, and that is respect. in kfar vradim, no one is forcing any non religious person into the mikva. and a mikva is needed within the community and not "a short drive away."

A mikveh should never be the first consideration when planning anywhere, not ever, especially in a secular community! It's more important to have other communal activities that are shared and enjoyed by everyone and not catered to a handful of men and women who won't sleep together because the wife hasn't dipped herself in a public bath!. It's utterly ridiculous and the rest of the community shouldn’t have to suffer for that. This is why religious people have no business living among seculars. It’s simply not going to work. We HAVE to make a stand against their continual demands on Israeli society. They should not be heard or listened to until they start behaving like model citizens, get jobs and serve their country or sherut leumi. Their requests should be dismissed out of hand.

So why waste money for some inhabitants ? People there have right to recreational facilities , and it is not a "ba'al Tschuva" from Lod who has to try to impose his fanatic and biaised ideas .

All religious people use the mikveh, not just hareidim. This includes national-religious women who work, and whose husbands and sons serve in the army and work!

A mikveh in a community is for ALL the residents of the community, who wish to use it. Who says it is for the Chareidim? If others come to use it, then they won't have a monoply on it. Why it an absence of a mikveh a denial of human rights? Because according to the Halacha, when a women's time for mikveh is due, it should not be delayed, as she may pass her point of fertility, and/or will be unable to have sexual relations with her husband. During the week, she can get into a car, and drive to the nearest mikveh. However on Shabbat or Chag (and this Rosh hashanah will be with Shabbat - 3 days), she is denied the use of the mikveh, and sexual relations with her husband. This is a denial of human rights, and should if necessary be brought before the UN!!

When i bought my appartement , i looked for one that has all the facilities i need in the vicinity [ buses , Super , post , bank , Kupat cholim and so on ] Let those who need a mikve go and live in the vicinity of such a place , no need for a car on Shabbat then .

Not than another arts and culture center wouldn't be worthwhile. Also, gymnasiums, arts and culture centers, auditoriums all take up large amounts of space. All these residents are asking for is a small amount of space and a building permit to build with their own money a mikveh, which is also a communal building.

a mikva is a small set of rooms with a ritual pool. what is the problem with having one ? are you afraid of those who would require one? maybe you won't be able to drive your car or trim your rosed on the Sabbath if you get too many of those kind here? Grow up! those who think that a mikva is outdated do not have to use it. However it is my belief that G-d still thinks it's worth having. what is the harm here? there is a beauty and reverance in the ritual for those who perform it. a deep inner peace, a connection with G-d. This is my belief . . . let all worship as their beliefs dictate. If it is hurtful to you . . do not do it to others. It is Israel after all! Devorah