Female soldiers were not permitted to sing the national anthem

According to the military band, the female soldiers were about to start singing the national anthem as they received a clear message by the unit’s commander. “It had happened to us before," one of the singers stated.  “We are well aware of religious soldiers who might walk out, yet it hurt us the most when commanders are encouraging such action.”

“At the end of our second song, we went back-stage, where the Master Sergeant waited for us and ordered us to finish the show as we are upsetting the religious solders,” she added.

The three had harshly reacted to the humiliation and mentioned that one of the other officers in charge also told them “as my subordinates, you will sing whenever I order you to do so.”

The IDF spokesperson’s unit said in response: "We are aware of the incident and already began examining it.  The exclusion of woman is not consistent with the values of the IDF.”