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John Wayne stars in “The Ballad of the IDF Karaoke Operator!”

Here’s a curious item from Arutz Sheva (IsraelInternationalNews.com)

Not every new recruit can hope to be accepted for the Israeli military’s newest and very exclusive assignment. Beginning with this January’s military draft, just two soldiers will be able to become official IDF comedians. They will be deployed as early as the summer of 2008. Other potential assignments for the recruits of 2008 include IDF magician and IDF karaoke operator.

You read that right. And it’s not from the Onion or its Israeli equivalent.

We’re immediately reminded of the Monty Python’s Funniest Joke in the World sketch (available here, entitled “El chiste mas gracioso del mundo” with Spanish subtitles)!

There is some explanation:

The IDF comedian is not a completely novel position, as military bands in the past included a non-musical entertainer, as well. However, the comedians disappeared from the entertainment troupes over the years. The first official army magician in Israel, however, only appeared in 2004.

The beauty of the imaginary movie in the title of this post is that absolutely anyone could sing the title song!