Tel-Chai Nation

According to this news with a video clip (which activates when you click the frame, just in case it you can't see it immediately), a Haredi MK was irked at Jerusalem's mayor for performing a custom common in some European countries like France, known as Le Bise:

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat was not aware that the Gerrer (Gur) hassidic sect forbids men from kissing each other, and planted two kisses solidly on the cheeks of a guest at the wedding of one of Barkat's aides, who is hareidi.

MK Yaakov Litzman (UTJ) immediately explained to Barkat that he had transgressed. Barkat was unapologetic: He asked pointedly: "What do you mean, it's forbidden? What are they, Muslims?"

Considering that the two-cheeks custom is hardly a homosexual act, I don't think Litzman had to be bothered by it. I do know though, that some Haredis detest acts of affection in the open even among perfectly heterosexual folks like hugging/kissing, which is a shame. Showing affection between sexes, or between parents and children, is something helpful and inspiring, and they shouldn't make a fuss over that.

Labels: haredi corruption, islam, Israel, Jerusalem, Knesset