Sharon Roter and Din-Din Aviv, two first-rate singers who have repented and now perform exclusively in front of women, filed a lawsuit against the Tel Aviv municipality, after the municipality refused to allow them to perform in front of women.
According to the plaintiffs, who are represented by attorney Tsefanat Nordman, this is wrongful discrimination on the grounds of religion, since they cannot perform in front of men due to the halachic prohibition. About two months ago, Rutter contacted the Enav Cultural Center and asked to rent the hall for a joint performance with Aviv. is for women only because they are both religious. In response, Tomer Cohen, the director of the center, replied: "We do not hold shows in segregation", according to him this is according to the directive of the Ombudsman, who stated that an event for women requires the approval of the municipality.
"Feels betrayed."
Dean Dean Aviv, photography: Ran Biran
He added that even if there was no such directive, he would have refused to hold such events "from a value point of view".
Following his refusal, the plaintiffs sent a warning letter to the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Municipality, the operator of the center, but the municipality did not respond to this letter. Now Roter and Aviv are suing for 100,000 shekels in damages for a violation of the Anti-Discrimination Law. According to them, even if the municipality did not act with the intent to discriminate, "And this is not clear at all", this has no meaning because the High Court has ruled in the past that prohibited discrimination may exist even in the absence of intent or motive on the part of the discriminating party.
"This is wrongful discrimination for religious reasons, the singers cannot perform in front of men due to a halachic prohibition," says attorney Tsefanat Nordman.
Feminist absurdity
"The implied claim against such a show, because it discriminates against men who cannot participate, is ridiculous. If men do not enter the hall only because it is a special evening for women and not out of any misconceptions against them - this is not discrimination. It is simply a fiction. Ban such an event only when you stand at the root of it Religious reasons are clear discrimination on the grounds of religion. It is of course absurd from a feminist point of view as well, to prevent women from performing and making a living, and also to prevent women who are interested in enjoying this work, all for no real reason." "For years I performed in front of mixed audiences and everything was allowed, and suddenly after I I don't legitimize my personal change. It has become illegitimate for me to produce art," says Sharon Rutter. "This is an upsetting and anti-feminist act. As a woman, I am forbidden to maintain my art and make a living as a woman. We have no interest in separating women from men on the bus or on the sidewalks, and the argument of a slippery slope depriving me of a livelihood and equal rights. The claim that we exclude men is also illogical.The lawsuit is not for me or for the sake of money, but to open this channel for women like me, whose voice deserves to be heard and is important to our culture," she added.
"I'm fired"
Aviv also clarifies that the purpose of the lawsuit is to pave the way for religious women who are excluded only because of their faith.
"We are forbidden from entering festivals, to respectable places like the Enav Center. It cannot be that if I took a path of Torah and mitzvot my career would be closed. I feel betrayed. Are you closing the little I have left? I am being fired and my livelihood is being blocked. I see my colleagues working and making a living, And I can't."
Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality: "Upon receipt of the statement of claim, we will study the allegations and respond in court."
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