Jerusalem – Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman, who is ultra-Orthodox, left a conference on child safety yesterday when a schoolgirls’ choir took to the stage. Many Haredi men refrain from being present when women sing.
After learning that the 12-year-old girls were due to perform, Litzman who was a guest of honor, was said to have asked those sitting near him how he could leave the hall and saying that he had an important telephone call to make.
As soon as the choir finished its performance, Litzman returned to his seat.
Associates of the deputy health minister confirmed that he left the hall due to the choir’s performance. His office issued a statement saying it is Litzman’s practice not to be present when women sing and that no apology was necessary.