Shuli Rand Defends Separate Jerusalem Concerts Amid Social Media Backlash
Israeli singer Shuli Rand faces social media criticism for planning separate concerts for men and women in Jerusalem, defending the move as accessibility for Haredi fans.
Singer Shuli Rand is facing social media backlash over his decision to hold separate concerts for men and women at Binyanei HaUma in Jerusalem on October 6, but Rand insists the move is about accessibility rather than segregation.
The event, scheduled for 3,104 men at 7:00 PM and an identical number of women at 9:00 PM, is specifically tailored for the Haredi public using ticketing platforms compatible with kosher phones, with ticket prices ranging from 99 to 249 shekels. This comes amid a peak in Rand's career, following a sold-out show in Caesarea and ahead of the release of his new film, The Badchan, which already found success at the Tribeca Festival.
Responding to sharp criticism, Rand dismissed the accusations in an interview with Walla!, stating that he has a loyal Haredi audience that struggles to attend his regular, mixed-audience shows, which remain the vast majority and will continue.
Rand added that true peace means respecting the needs and laws of different communities, emphasizing his desire to perform for everyone and bridge cultural divides without causing genuine exclusion.
