Knesset to Make Separate Exercise Rooms for Men and Women

The Knesset will approve a request for separate-gender hours in the Knesset’s exercise room, according to a report by Arutz Shevah. Male and female MKs will exercise separately once a week, in response to a request from MK Michael Ben-Ari of the National Union (Ichud Leumi).

Ben-Ari explained that he and parliamentary aide Itamar Ben-Gvir were interested in exercising, but felt that it was inappropriate for men and women to exercise side by side.

“Physical health is the key to mental health,” Ben-Ari said in explanation of his desire to use the Knesset’s exercise equipment. “In the pressure cooker that is the Knesset, exercise is as critical as air.”

The freshman MK praised the Knesset for respecting his religious beliefs, and by extension, the beliefs of a large percent of Israel’s population. “The separate hours for men and women send the important message that those who are careful [to avoid mixed gyms] have rights as well,” he said.

{Arutz Shevah/Yair Alpert-Matzav.com ISrael}