Israeli Land Authority Deputy CEO Cancels Musical Featuring Female Singers Despite Union Agreement
Yehuda Eliyahu, acting CEO of the Israel Land Authority (ILA), reversed a prior agreement with the State Employees Union by canceling the musical "Because of the Wind," featuring songs by Shlomi Shabat, from the upcoming Rosh Hashanah event scheduled in two weeks. About a week earlier, Eliyahu, a Religious Zionist and close ally of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, initially canceled the performance due to the inclusion of female singers, which conflicts with his halachic worldview that prohibits not only solo female singing but also female participation in choirs.
The cancellation sparked strong backlash from employees and union representatives, leading to negotiations yesterday between Eliyahu and the State Employees Union. During these talks, Eliyahu agreed to reinstate the musical alongside an alternative event tailored for traditionalist employees who prefer not to watch the musical. However, this morning Eliyahu informed staff via letter that the musical would not be part of the event, citing technical difficulties. Sources within the ILA expressed anger and a sense of betrayal among employees over this reversal.
The new policy banning female singing at official events has drawn sharp criticism and legal threats from Ophir Elkali, chairman of the State Employees Union. Hagit Pe'er, chairwoman of Na'amat, also sent a letter to State Service Commissioner Doron Cohen and the government legal advisor, condemning the decision as severe discrimination against women and demanding intervention to prohibit gender-based exclusion at official state events. Pe'er further argued that Eliyahu lacks authority to make this decision as he serves only in an interim capacity following a High Court rejection of his appointment.
Eliyahu justified the cancellation by claiming that holding a split-format event was impossible due to constraints beyond their control. Investigations revealed the cited issue was a scheduling conflict, as the musical was booked for another event on the same date. Nevertheless, Eliyahu did not pursue alternative dates with the production. Instead, he replaced the musical with "Choco Vanilla," a satirical play addressing racism that includes female performers who do not sing.
This controversy highlights ongoing tensions over religious sensitivities and gender inclusion within Israeli public institutions, with further developments expected as legal and administrative challenges continue.
