Israel Lands Authority Reinstates Musical Featuring Women Singers After Union Intervention

The Israel Lands Authority (ILA) reversed its decision to cancel the musical "Because of the Wind," featuring songs by Shlomi Shabat and including female singers, after pressure from the State Employees Union. The musical was initially selected by an ILA tender committee in early August for an employee event scheduled for October. However, on August 17, Yehuda Eliyahu, acting CEO of ILA, ordered the Human Resources Department to cancel the performance due to the inclusion of women singing.

Following this cancellation, the State Employees Union filed an urgent request with the Tel Aviv Labor Court demanding that ILA proceed with the musical. To avoid a legal battle with slim chances of success, Eliyahu reached an agreement with Sheli Yermiyahu, chair of the ILA workers' committee, to hold the musical at a rescheduled employee welfare event a few weeks later. Alternative activities will be offered simultaneously for employees who choose not to attend the musical. Consequently, the legal proceedings were withdrawn.

Ophir Elkala'i, chair of the State Employees Union, praised the resolution, stating, "I welcome the agreement between the parties and the ILA management's decision to reinstate the original performance and prevent the exclusion of women in an event planned for ILA employees. The union will continue to act decisively to protect the rights of all workers and prevent the exclusion of women wherever necessary."