JERUSALEM (ISRAEL) – Israeli authorities on Sunday wiped a “Peeping Toms” mural that had been a constant for a long time at a Tel Aviv beach. The mural was removed as a response to the public uproar regarding the suspected gang rape of a 16-year-old girl in the southern resort of Eilat.
The mural painted 18 years ago was often criticised as sexist, and was removed by a municipal worker from the outside wall of a women’s changing room. The image featured two young men in bathing suits peeping inside.
It was in line with the beach’s name – “Metzizim”, Hebrew for “Peeping Toms” – bearing resemblance to the title of a 1972 Israeli cult film that revolved around a lifeguard who spies on his friends’ sexual adventures at the seashore.
Women’s rights groups had complained that sexual assault cases in Israel are not prosecuted thoroughly.
However, Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai said on Sunday it was high time that the painting was taken off, in the aftermath of the assault against the teenage girl at Eilat, on the Red Sea, on August 12.
Huldai wrote on Twitter, “Freedom of expression and the arts are important values in our city, but because the painting was seen as acceptance of a forbidden and criminal act, we have decided to say goodbye to it.”
Police said they would urge a court later for the extension of the detention of three suspects arrested so far in the rape case. The teenager’s lawyer said one of them informed police that about 30 men had waited in line to rape her.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement on Thursday, described the incident as “a crime against humanity”.
Women’s rights groups planned more protests for Sunday.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.