The opposition Gahal faction reversed itself yesterday and demanded that the Tel Aviv City Council reconsider Its recent decision to ban mixed swimming on most of the city’s beaches in deference to Orthodox demands. Gahal originally voted for the ban but decided to raise the question again with a view to making more beach space available to mixed swimming.
The ban has generated considerable anger among Tel Aviveans and demonstrations against It occur almost daily. Male and female bathers have entered the segregated areas in defiance of the order and engage in heated arguments with policemen stationed at the beaches to enforce the rule.
The ban was supported by Tel Aviv’s Mayor Yehoshua Rabinowitz, siding with the Orthodox who claimed that males and females bathing together is sinful and immoral. As a result of the ban, most of Tel Aviv’s beach front is partitioned with sections for each sex.
FLASH–An explosion rocked Lydda Airport terminal late this evening. There were apparently many victims. No immediate information was available as to the cause of the explosion.
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