It has been a month and a half since the publication in "Israel Today" that only about ten percent of the holy sites in the State of Israel are accessible to people with disabilities, but the Knesset ignores the problem, and no discussion was held in the relevant committees.
Following the publication, the Knesset claimed that they intended to discuss the issue "after the budget", but so far have not initiated any discussion in the committee on the issue.
Last October, Israel Today published data that only about ten percent of the holy sites in the State of Israel are accessible.
A study conducted by the Knesset Research and Information Institute at the invitation of MK Moshe Abutbul (Shas) and B'Tselem, shows that out of about 130 sites, the National Center for the Development of Holy Places is responsible, only 12 sites are fully accessible, and another site is in the process of being accessible. .
93 sites are not accessible at all to people with disabilities, and no information was provided about 33 other sites.
Among other things, it emerged that the tomb of Shimon Hatzadik in Jerusalem is accessible to the upper extension, but not fully, and many other sites, including the Holy Light Tomb in Jerusalem, parts of the Rashbi compound in Meron and more, are not fully accessible.
MK Moshe Abutbul,
Following the publication, Knesset officials claimed that they intended to raise the issue on the public agenda and discuss it in one of the committees.
Among other things, we noted in the Special Committee on Public Inquiries that they intend to hold a discussion on the subject.
But statements aside and reality aside - and in practice a discussion on the issue is not expected to take place: in recent months the committee has met only twice, even though many issues, including the issue of accessibility, are on the agenda.
In response to Israel Today's request, the Special Committee on Public Inquiries stated that they would not be able to discuss the issue in the near future, and threw the hot potato at the Religious Affairs Committee.
"The issue of accessibility comes to the committee from time to time, along with dozens and hundreds of inquiries on various and varied issues, and indeed about two months ago the committee held a discussion on language accessibility of government services. At this stage,
It is also important to note that a committee on religious affairs has only recently been established in the Knesset, which is the committee whose powers are the Ministry of Religions, and it is possible that the spot discussion will take place there. "
Shai Glick, director general of B'Tselem, expressed frustration that the committee did not intend to discuss the matter, which is bothering masses of people with disabilities who are unable to reach the holy sites.
"It is unfortunate and disappointing that the Public Inquiries Committee is closed to inquiries from people with disabilities begging for help," he said.
"The committee's role is to help the transparent and weak people, but the committee even refuses to reply to them in a letter to Connie. We will continue to work for the rights of people with disabilities. If the committee continues to ignore our hardships "If she does not understand this, she should leave her post."
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