Satmar Hasidic Town Constructs First Ever Sex-Segregated Playground In U.S. To Meet Religious Standards

The Forward reported last week that in the largely Satmar Hasidic village of Kiryas Joel, New York, the first-ever sex-segregated public playground in the United States has been constructed. The 283-acre playground has widely separated areas: one for fathers with their sons; one for mothers with their daughters; one for boys, and one for girls. There are also separate walking trails for males and females. Apparently non-Jews, and non-Haredi (non-strictly Orthodox) Jews will not be permitted to enter the playground at all.  The playground design is seen by community residents as meeting the strict legal requirements of "Torah-true Jews." According to YourJewishNews.com, the playground received special financing from Kiryas Joel mayor Rabbi Abraham Wieder, though the exact source of the funds he made available is unclear. According to Gestetner Updates yesterday, the town previously refused a grant from New York state for the project. The playground is strictly supervised by the Kiryas Joel Committee of Modesty. Behadrey Haredim has photos of the playground.