Golani Brigade Ceremony Marred by Controversy Over Female Singing, Some Soldiers and Parents Walk Out

A Golani Brigade beret completion ceremony held at the Golani junction early in the morning was overshadowed by tensions over the inclusion of female singing. Parents and soldiers were invited to the event at 5 a.m., with many arriving from nearby locations. Before the ceremony began, the host announced that female singing would be part of the event and that anyone uncomfortable with it could step aside during those moments. This announcement appeared to target religious families, but in practice, not only parents but also several soldiers chose to leave the parade ground repeatedly during the singing segments.

One soldier's father described the experience as feeling like "spitting in our face," noting that the ceremony’s joy was diminished for many. Despite those stepping aside, the loudspeakers made it impossible to avoid hearing the singing, leading to frustration among those who left. Throughout the ceremony, officers praised the soldiers and their families, but the interruptions continued as two female soldiers and one male soldier performed songs intermittently. Each time, groups of mothers wearing headscarves and men with kippahs would move aside, joined by some soldiers, only to return afterward.

The father recounted his son's dismay, quoting him saying, "Is this why we marched tens of kilometers all night? To be treated like this?" He described the feeling as being outsiders or odd ones who had to remove themselves from the ceremony, despite being commended for their dedication. Attempts to address the issue after the event were unsuccessful, as the unit rabbi, who had previously attended and spoken at such ceremonies, was not present. The father expressed respect for the military and the event but questioned whether that respect was mutual given the circumstances.