Topol got his start in acting in a theatrical troupe in the Israeli army in the 1950s, where he met his future wife Galia. His first major breakthrough was the lead role in the 1964 hit Israeli film Sallah Shabati, about the hardships of Middle Eastern immigrants to Israel.

A responsible government and army must do two things: The first is to listen to the voices heard and try to understand where they are coming from; the second is to see what can be done to address the issues, not worsen them.

In a few months, Israelis will go to the polls to elect their local councils and mayors. This presents a great opportunity not just to issue demands for gender equality – but also to show we mean it.

The move, if fully adopted by the government, could result in the Israeli Embassy in Pretoria becoming a liaison office.