Israel Matzav

Olympic toilets won't face Mecca

Greetings from the Holy City of Jerusalem. I'm home.

The design rules were issued for the 2012 London Olympics on Wednesday, and I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that all of the thousands of Muslims attending the Olympics (men's events only) will have at least some toilets available to them that won't face Mecca.

Members of the Olympic Delivery Authority said they wanted the Olympic and Paralympic games to be inclusive of people with different faiths and individuals with disabilities. Other design requirements include wide paths with smooth surfaces and seats at regular intervals.

"The Olympic Park will be at the heart of the celebrations and people of all cultures, faiths and ages and disabled people will find London 2012's Olympic Park welcoming and easy to use," authority chairman John Armitt said.

The organizers sought input from a range of communities before coming up with the design requirements.

Muslims face Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, when they pray and generally do not believe they should do the same when using the toilet.

Of course, toilets facing Jerusalem are okay because Jerusalem is only holy to Muslims when it can be used as a club against the Jews.

For the record, Jews don't worry about which direction a toilet faces, although we are not allowed to pray opposite an exposed toilet that we can see.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 7:08 PM