French uproar creates opportunity for Israeli burkini makers

[oberliner]

HOD HASHARON, Israel (AP) — France’s burkini controversy is boosting the bottom line for Israeli makers of modest swimwear.

The country, home to large populations of conservative Jewish and Muslim women, has cultivated a local industry of modest swimsuits, and the full-body outfits that have caused uproar in France have been a common sight on Israeli beaches for several years.

Marci Rapp was among the first to enter the industry after she moved to Jerusalem from Toronto in 2008. The warm Mediterranean climate presented a fashion challenge because she keeps her arms and legs covered, in keeping with Jewish rules of modesty.

“I had nothing to wear,” she said. “I couldn’t find something that was suitable for me to feel comfortable when I was more covered.”

http://www.timesofisrael.com/french-uproar-creates-opportunity-for-israeli-burkini-makers/