Israeli Labor Union Demands Court Halt Religious Exclusion of Female Singers at State Land Authority Event

The State Employees Union filed an urgent petition on Tuesday evening with the Tel Aviv Labor Court demanding that the Israel Land Authority (ILA) proceed with the scheduled musical "Because of the Wind," featuring female singers, at an upcoming employee appreciation event in about two weeks. The musical, based on songs by Shlomi Shabat, was selected by an ILA tender committee in early August. However, on August 17, Yehuda Eliyahu, acting CEO of ILA, ordered the Human Resources department to cancel the performance due to the participation of women singers.

Three days ago, Ophir Elkaly, chairman of the State Employees Union, wrote to Eliyahu requesting he reverse the decision. After Eliyahu ignored this letter and another from the Naamat movement, Elkaly turned to the Labor Court. The union seeks a court order to enforce the original event plan and prevent contracting a different production. Additionally, it requests a declaratory ruling stating that gender exclusion and banning women’s singing in the workplace constitute unlawful discrimination and harm to dignity.

The union argues Eliyahu’s decision is illegal gender discrimination and public exclusion of women, violating fundamental Israeli legal principles of equality and freedom of expression. These principles are recognized as basic rights binding all public bodies. The petition notes Eliyahu’s disregard for these rights reflects his prioritization of religious values over equality and democracy.

Eliyahu was appointed acting CEO only about a month ago after the High Court invalidated the permanent CEO appointment due to procedural flaws, raising questions about his authority to issue such a sweeping directive. The union also disputes Eliyahu’s claim that employee complaints motivated the cancellation, stating no such complaints are known to the workers’ committee or HR.

ILA employs 800 people, 70% of whom are women. The petition highlights that many past events featured female performers without issue. It also notes that only about 20 employees request strict kosher food, indicating a small minority with stringent religious demands. The union warns that Eliyahu’s informal policy effectively banning women’s singing at events could set a precedent for creeping exclusion of women across the civil service if not stopped by the court.