Herzliyah's segregated beach, jointly operated by the cities
of Herzliyah and Bnei Brak, reopened to the public last
week.
Until a few years ago Bnei Brak residents rarely went to any
other beach. The cities of Herzliyah and Bnei Brak ran the
beach in cooperation. According to the law, any coastal city
with a religious population must maintain a segregated beach.
Thus Bnei Brak residents were able to make use of a superb
beach known for its clean waters, while Herzliyah gained a
partner to share the costs of operating the beach. A few
years ago, the cooperative arrangement was discontinued due
to financial and technical problems.
This year, after a meeting at which Mayor Rabbi Yissochor
Frankentahl and the rabbonim of the city agreed to renew the
cooperation, a subsequent meeting was held between Mayor
Frankentahl and his counterpart in Herzliyah, who exhibited a
positive response to the idea.
The beach will be open to the public, six days a week, unlike
the previous arrangement of one day per week for men and one
day for women. Also a Bnei Brak resident card will no longer
be required to enter, and the beach will not have an
admission charge.
On Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, the beach is open to men
from 8:30 am to 1:30 p.m. and to women from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00
p.m. (and to 4:00 p.m. from 14 Elul until the end of
Tishrei). On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the morning hours
are designated for women and the afternoon hours for men.
Dan is operating public transportation to and from the beach,
charging regular bus fares.
Guards will be posted at both ends of the beach and at the
entrance near the parking lot. The access route has been
completely redone and rabbonim say modesty arrangements now
meet the highest standards.
