Disgraceful
Female soldier kicked off bus by Haredi teacher and schoolchildren
A female soldier was removed from a public bus in Arad after passengers and a teacher claimed it was a private shuttle for Talmud Torah students. Mayor Yair Ma'ayan is furious and issues a stern warning.
A female soldier was forced off a public bus this morning (Sunday) in the city of Arad after passengers who were students from a local Talmud Torah and a teacher insisted it was a private shuttle just for the Talmud Torah students.
The incident happened on line 80 operated by the Metropolin company. "This is a very serious case," said Mayor Yair Ma'ayan in a video he posted. "It's a criminal offense and a major disciplinary violation by the driver."
The mayor added that he had informed the Transportation Minister and the company's CEO that if another passenger is removed from a bus, the company will no longer be allowed to operate in the city. He instructed drivers to pull over and call the police in such situations, rather than removing passengers. He urged residents to contact him directly if something similar happens.
He said:
"I called the CEO of Metropolin, and I immediately called the Transportation Minister too. I told both of them that if one more time a passenger is removed from a public bus here in Arad, Metropolin won't operate in the city anymore. No one will operate here in the city. Criminals will be dealt with by the Israel Police and the Ministry of Transportation, and if Metropolin can't provide proper service to the women of Arad, they won't work in Arad. I told the CEO of Metropolin: If someone says something like that, pull over and call the police. Don't continue the ride and don't remove any woman from the bus."
He added: "This is very serious, and we'll handle it with the utmost severity. Next time this happens to anyone, call me call me on my phone."
He shared his phone number and continued: "Don't get off the bus; wait until I arrive with the city manager and municipal police, and we'll deal with the criminals the way criminals should be dealt with. Have a good week everyone, and may the people of Israel win the war in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria too. Thanks to the IDF soldiers and also to the female IDF soldiers in Arad - you are an honor and a pride to the city."
The Metropolin company stated: "The described incident is serious and is under investigation by the company. No conclusions should be drawn until the professional investigation is complete."