In Tel Aviv, If You Gotta Go, You're In Luck

  

Just when you think you've seen everything, along comes a boutique toilet store in Tel Aviv. It's part of a chain called 2theloo, that started in Amsterdam last year, and has spread throughout Europe, and now, to Israel. The first one is located near the Carmel market, and there will soon be another one at Dizengoff Center.

The walls are covered with scenes of the Tel Aviv skyline and the Tel Aviv beach.

As Sivan Raviv reported for JN1 Television News,

You walk by this store on a busy Tel Aviv Street right by the Carmel market and from the outside it seems just like any other storefront, except that it features toilets -- not for purchase, but for use. 

This European trend has infiltrated the Israeli market, which does have toilets for pay at bus stations, among other locations. However, the service, hygiene and costs are not the same. It costs 3 shekels to use one of these boutique toilets, about 75 cents.

It feels almost as if you've entered a hotel washroom. With music playing in the background, nice decor, and pleasant service, this boutique fills a basic need. The store hosts about 400 people a day, who are interested in the experience. The store is open Sunday through Friday and is closed on Shabbat.

Some choice quotes from the general manager:

"For food, drink, sleep, we have all kinds of brands. There is no brand for going to the toilet."

"It's fun to use those toilets."

"We think we're going to be the McDonald's of the loo."

(A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.)

 

(A tip of the kippah to Sheila Zucker for bringing this video to our attention.)