GENEVA, Switzerland (VINnews) — A member of Switzerland’s upper house of parliament has sparked controversy after criticizing a newly established Jewish religious boundary in Zurich, describing it as a “voluntary ghetto,” according to Swiss media reports.

The remarks came from Mauro Poggia, a Geneva-based lawmaker, who objected to the creation of an eruv in parts of Zurich. An eruv is a symbolic boundary recognized under Jewish law that allows observant Jews to carry certain items, such as keys or push strollers, outside their homes on the Sabbath.

Poggia questioned the need for such an arrangement and characterized it as a form of self-segregation. His comments prompted swift criticism from Jewish organizations and community leaders, who said the description was offensive and misunderstood the religious purpose of the eruv.

Supporters of the measure note that an eruv does not create physical barriers or restrict public access. Instead, it consists largely of nearly invisible wires or existing structures that symbolically connect an area under religious law. They argue it enables observant families to participate more fully in community life on the Sabbath.

The dispute has fueled broader debate in Switzerland over religious accommodations in public spaces and the language used by elected officials when discussing minority communities.