Monday, April 9, 2007

Women to the back of the bus!

I was just watching CNN, and there was a report about 2 bus lines that have the route into central Jerusalem, where they cater to the orthodox Jewish people, and they have the women sitting in the back, while the men ride up front. Not only that, I don't know for sure if the women could actually go in the front if there were no seats available in the back. Apparently, only women accompanied by men that are relatives are allowed to sit next to them in the bus, Otherwise, they have to sit in the back. One of the women interviewed said something that made me think: "To every religion, be it Jewish, Muslim or Christian, it is like 'open season' for women".
I want to think that every religion should have their own practices and convictions, but like the women with the Taliban, and so many others that are abused in the name of cultural and religious practices, shouldn't it be a limit when there are human rights being violated?
I feel I am so lucky! I am a woman and I'm free to write what I want, and do what I want and love who I want. There are so many that die just because they don't have the right to go to a doctor, simply because they need to be accompanied by a male relative. What would happen to us lesbians, if we don't have a "male relative"?
I still can't believe that those are practices that are current in today's world!
There has to be something we can do about it!
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5 comments:

Zoe said...

The culture of Orthodox Jews hasn't changed much over time. Women still sit at the back of the synagogue on Shabbas and at high holidays. They still take on the traditional role of mother, taking care of the household, etc. and essentially catering to their husbands. Thats just the way it continues to be. There are other Jewish denominations such as conservative and reform that are not as strict and don't treat women as second class. But the Orthodox remain true to their roots.

April 11, 2007 at 10:09 PM
Sally said...

I respect their culture and their traditions. But I'm talking public transportation here! What of someone else who happens not to be part of their beliefs gets on that bus? Should that woman too go in the back of the bus, even of she is NOT an Orthodox Jew? If you have your traditions and women are treated that way because of their religion and they believe in that, then fine. But when that is transfered into something that is for the use of the city, that's when I have a problem. I guess maybe everybody living around that line is Orthodox and they willnot accept anyone else there. Still, I can't grasp the concept in today's society.

April 11, 2007 at 10:42 PM
Anonymous said...

Men and women must be separated when when they pray -- so usually, a screen (called a mechitza) is set up in synagogues and other places where Orthodox Jews pray. Men are obligated to pray several times a day -- at certain times of the day. Maybe the guys are praying on the bus. Also, for the ultra-Orthodox, men and women are to avoid all contact. This is because of modesty rules. In any case, here in the NYC area, a bus company that served a predominantly Orthodox area separated men and women by a screen. One woman refused to sit behind the screen, and she was thrown out. Because the bus company received public funding, the company had to stop.

April 19, 2007 at 2:26 PM
Sally said...

And that's the way it should be! If it is a private bus, they can do whatever they want, but if it is a public bus, then they should not discriminate that way. I understand their ancient traditions and respect them, but I don't agree with those traditions in public property, specially in a city bus.

April 19, 2007 at 3:26 PM
Anonymous said...

I understand their ancient traditions and respect them, but I don't agree with those traditions in public property, specially in a city bus.

I am in complete agreement!

Lisa

April 21, 2007 at 5:31 PM

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