What is the Knesset’s true policy on women singing within the parliament’s building, and where does it stand today?

With controversy about women singing in the headlines again, the Knesset’s confusing policy on the matter is worth another look.

Earlier this week, rabbis in Rosh Ha’ayin called to boycott a Yemenite culture festival because popular singer Eden Ben Zaken, along with other female singers, are scheduled to appear, which could lead to “forbidden relations through mixed dancing.”

Meretz MK Michal Rozin came out against the phenomenon of banning female singers because of religious sensitivities, something that has happened in youth group, IDF and other events over the years.

“People say it’s a personal, cultural, religious preference, but if you replaced the statements with any other group, like Jews or blacks, no one would agree to it,” Rozin said on Army Radio. “There’s a process of hiding and excluding women that’s being justified in the name of religion, and then people tell us we should be considerate.”

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Keren Peles at the Yom Hazikaron ceremony in the Knesset. (photo credit:KNESSET SPOKESPERSON’S OFFICE)