It would be the beginning of the end for this country if that ever happened. And if there are so many millionaire Haredim, why aren't they feeding the starving ones who refuse to work? I don't care if they have segregated buses in ultra-religious neighbourhoods - if the women there want to be treated like dirt, then it's their problem. It's when it affects secular women, THAT's when war begins. It should never EVER be allowed – it's anti-discrimination – and it should be forbidden.

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I applaud this initiative, but on the condition that NO haredi will board a non-segregated bus.

So long as they belong to a private bus company. Gender segregation should only remain within haredi communities and not anywhere else outside. If the women have no problem being pushed to the back of the bus, I'm fine with it so long it isn't me. I'm sure Egged could find other commuters to replenish the loss of their haredi clientele. I avoid the "kosher" buses as much as I possibly can. If I have no other choice than to ride those buses, you can bet your cute little bottom that I will throw a fit to fight for my legal right to sit anywhere I please and I usually have my way ;-)

I'm not convinced that the State should allow them to do this even privately. If they want to run their own autonomy within this country, they might as well become citizens of the Palestinian Authority and receive EU funding for it.

That sounds like a good idea to me.

Let the millionaire's donate all their money to feed the hungry children instead of segregation on buses.

sorry with all this hate pointed to fellow jews, has anyone noticed that the ARAB busses are SEGREGATED?! at least the ones i have seen pass me as i sit on egged.

With all the talk in the media lately about growing poverty in the Haredi sector, due to large families and no breadwinner, I think its such a shame that these millionaires find nothing better to do with their money, than spend it on busses, so that men and women can sit separately. I believe that men (and women) should be raised in a way, that even though everyone has human desires and urges, they would be able to control themselves, and respect others' privacy and bodies, even if a member of the opposite sex is sitting or standing near them..

If they want their own private bus service and they are willing to pay for it then I wish them good luck. If they are paying for it themselves then they should be allowed to run it anyway they want.

Correct if I'm wrong, but aren't most kharedim very poor?

a personal story. Years ago we bought an appartment in my birthcountry.The president of the house was an antisemite,and was annoyng us every day with all kinds of requierments. Enough was enough.My husband Z"L went to the agent, accompanied with a Hassid with beard and payes, who sold us the appartment ,and told him that he intended to hire our appartment to a this Hassid father of twelve children,if the president did not stop annoying us.Since than the problems stopped. Secular friends,PLEASE,live and let live.

sector of people. Let them live in their ghetto and not bother the rest of us.

So let me understand: the government of our country announces there will, by law, be no segregation in public transport or public life at all in Israel. Then this part of our society - the part that does not pay taxes, does not work, does not contribute to society, the economy and refuses to serve in the army while living off welfare, paid for by the democratic majority, simply announces that hey have the financial means to create their own kosher bus company? This raises two questions: 1. in addition to the above, are they allowed to ignore the law of the land? 2. If they have their own financial means to set up a kosher bus company, why do we, the democratic majority that pays all the costs and expenses for these good-for-nothings, have to keep paying? Here we have an official announcement that they have their own financial means!

Aren't there more important uses for millions of dollars? Might as well throw in a few million for burkas!

It is their bus company. Their money. Anyone who doesn't like it should feel free not to use it. The issue is when a STATE owned bus paid for by TAXPAYERS forces non-Haredi people to conform with a minority.

I think it is wonderful to hve segregated buses-it actually ADDS to the respect of women-that we have our own places, and feel comfortable and at ease, and not bumping into men on a crowded bus, and since we know that we are going to sit towards the back of the bus, we are able to enter fromthe rear door, as well as eaxit from the rear door, which makes it EASIER on women. And to add to that, there is MUCH more chesid-helping the needy, amonst the religious, and especially amongst the ultra-orthodox-who eaxtend themselves beyond your imagination to help out financially others that don't have!

I am happy to hear this. You want segregation and discrimination? Do it with your own time, and your own money. I think it is so very wrong to make woman sit in the back. Would you make your Mother sit in the back? Your Wife, your daughter? Shame on anyone that even thought "Yes".

Rachel I live here, and I have riden on the Palestinian Bus Lines here in Jerusalem. I've also used the Palestinian Bus Line to go to Hebron. (Yes I am Jewish, and yes I have always felt safe using those bus lines) Given that I have riden on the buses may I share with you the following: At least on the buses that I rode there was no segregation between the sexes. I will note that on what you and I call "Moniot Sherut" (larger cabs for 10 passengers such as those used when one goes to the airport), there is sometimes (for emphasis I repeat sometimes) separation between the sexes on the Palestinian lines. I presume that this is due to the fact that "Moniot Sherut" are smaller and therefore more cramped cars. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share information with you. Chag Urim Sameach (Happy Festival of Lights) to you and yours over there in a foreign land. BTW why do you say "all this hate pointed to fellow Jews". Trust me, we don't hate one another; we just reserve the right to disagree very often and very loudly with one another! At the end of the day we all remember that "Kol Israel Aravim Ze l'ze (All Israel is a guarantor one for the other) and as such we know we are family. I suppose that is something that is difficult to see when one doesn't live here. All the best to you.

to cause further separation in the House of Israel! May G-d enlighten these millionaires to see that their money would be better spent on education, health issues, and in general to provide the unemployed with training and jobs.

Article is a mockery of public. Because in a consealed clause state agreed bus line to be kosher... and compensate the owner if the rules are violated. I think what we need is public lines. But here is not so consealed reality. We do not have money. So, ride a bike... and read less of articles written by people just like you, who will ride any bus to make it.

People like you will be the cause of the destruction of the state of Israel. "You think it is wonderful ... and adds to the respect of women". Which century do you live in? It's complacence like yours which leads to the acceptance of more and more atrocities against democracy and against women.

All these pious, Islamic folk want, is to live their lives according to their "sacred", religious beliefs... The problem (in a nutshell) is with us, the Sane Majority!! We allow for moronic deferrence to anything called "Religious", as if that gave everyone right to nullify common society norms. If so, I propose we treat the pedophiles' rights in the same, reverend way. Religion is just an unfortunate, neurotic human condition that CAN be cured. Takes time&patience! (so is pedophila, by the way)

Everybody should be able to practice his religion as he sees fit as long as he does not want to force his ways & ideas on others. This gender separation has no real basis in Torah or Halacha they have made their own set of rules regarding modesty & females based on anachronistic morals and ideras. The only proper solution would be a private bus company that receives no financial support what so ever from the city or national exchequer. At the same time all passengers on public transportation should pay the same fare their reduced fare status must be eliminated in any case. If these Haridim want to use public transportation they can but must accept the status of mixed seating.

This was tried a few years ago on the Ashdod-Jerusalem route and Egged sent out buses to blockade the private 'Haredi' buses. So they insist on a monopoly, will take illegal action to enforce it, and refuse to provide appropriate service to a sizable portion of public transportation customers. And this is fair?

Everyone else rides on the outside of the bus. Just kidding!