The burkini matter

There’s something I don’t understand about the way Muslim women are supposed to dress.

There was outrage in France over banning veils, since this was said to be an essential requirement of Islam. But an observant Muslim woman can frolic on the beach or at a pool in a burkini, with her face uncovered? NAOMI SANDLER Jerusalem

I don’t think the burkini ban in France has anything to do with fashion or the values of a particular country. A burka or any of the full-body cover-ups can conceal firearms, sticks of explosives, knives and various other terrorist toys. It can also conceal the face – and gender – of the wearer.

While repairing my hair and makeup in the ladies’ room at the Tel Aviv Central Bus Station, I noticed a person in a cover-up burka. This person walked back and forth until it became obvious that the purpose was not to use the facilities.

I went out to the matron and told her there was something wrong. She came in and asked the burka-clad person something, and then walked this person out into the terminal. I had no proof, but my mind immediately went to thoughts of a man dressed as a woman to observe women in intimate places. That is another danger of the all-concealing burka.

Not permitting people to dress as they please is not the idea behind the anti-burkini movement. Safety is. MARCELLA WACHTEL

Jerusalem