Gur Community Sets Strict Guidelines for Children Visiting Arad Mall
Administrators of the Gur Hasidic community in Arad issued strict guidelines for children visiting the newly acquired Arad Mall, permitting entry only for shopping with parental accompaniment and limiting store access to community-owned businesses.
Gur Hasidic Community Issues Guidelines for Arad Mall Access
Following months of adjustments and renovations at the Arad Mall, now known as "RD", educational administrators of the "Or Simcha" institutions within the Gur Hasidic community have released new guidelines for parents regarding children visiting the complex. After thorough consultations with rabbis and community educators who toured the premises, conditional approval was granted for children to enter the commercial center.
However, the authorization does not permit unrestricted access. According to the directives distributed to families, children are permitted to enter the facility strictly for shopping purposes rather than leisure or hanging out. Furthermore, entry is limited exclusively to visits accompanied personally by a parent, prohibiting visits with older siblings in the absence of parents.
Restrictions on Stores and Community Reactions
Additional limitations specify that community children may only visit shops owned by members of the Gur Hasidic community, known as "Anash". The guidelines explicitly forbid entering businesses outside the community network, specifically naming major chains such as Idan 2000, Selection, and Super-Pharm.
"We urge parents to maintain close supervision throughout the visit, as individuals outside our community are also present on the premises," the directive stated.
The decision follows the acquisition of the Arad Mall by businessmen Menachem Kain and Simcha Greenbaum, who are affiliated with the Gur Hasidic community. Reports indicate the transaction amounted to 40 million shekels for the 20-dunam commercial property. While the adjustments aim to tailor the complex to Haredi community needs, the restrictions have sparked public debate among Arad residents regarding the commercial impact and future character of the shopping center.
