Pathetic, perplexing, and a downright disgrace: that’s my reaction to a news story about a group of 10 Ultra-Orthodox men who caused complete chaos on a flight traveling from Tel Aviv to London on Monday.

Blocking the aisle, repeatedly pushing the call button, refusing to take their seats, and harassing stewards eventually led to them being escorted off the plane by police. What sparked such wild behavior, you may be asking?

The men refused to sit beside women. Seriously, that’s the great “offense” that “made” them misbehave.

Such terrible conduct is not only inappropriate, it’s a potential hazard to everyone on board, and I fully support their removal. What I find so sad and strange is that anyone who do such a pointless thing.

With so many airlines competing for business, it makes sense that they cater to customers wishes. Offering reasonable accommodations for religious groups, such as providing an in-flight kosher meal, is standard practice. But there’s a big difference between being a person of faith and an extremist.  

This kind of nonsense has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with fear, hatred, and a sense of entitlement. Anyone who buys a commercial airline ticket knows that they can’t chose their seatmate. If these men are so offended by the mere presence of women, they can rent a private jet.

The secular world does not—and should not—conform to the whims of extremists. Public transportation is for everyone to use, not just a select group of lunatics.