Beit Shemesh, Israel - One Sidewalk for Men, One for Women

Beit Shemesh, Israel - The orthodox community of Beis Shemesh is taking a further step in its quest for disengagement. The sidewalks on one of the main streets in the orthodox neighborhood have been divided - one for men and one for women.

Due to a problem they have in the Nachala Menucha neighborhood, the orthodox community came up with a solution. There are several synagogues in the neighborhood where men flock to pray. The problem is that while they head towards their synagogue they encounter women taking their children to the adjacent health clinic. Fearing that the rules of modesty will be broken, it was decided to impose complete segregation.

Women are permitted to walk on one side of the sidewalk while men on the other. Signs have been posted on the men's side of the street instructing women to leave the sidewalk and to cross over to their side, and during certain hours of the day a synagogue custodian is stationed outside to make sure the rules are adhered to.

"They are putting up illegal signs, running wild and throwing stones," one of the residents said, "and no one is doing anything to prevent this. The municipality and the police are powerless."