Shuli Rand Defends Separate Concerts for Men and Women

Singer Shuli Rand is facing backlash on social media for his decision to hold separate concerts for men and women at Jerusalem's Binyanei Ha'uma on October 6. Rand, currently experiencing a career peak with a recent sold-out show in Caesarea and an upcoming film, "The Entertainer," stated that the move is intended to make his performances more accessible, not to promote segregation.

The concerts are designed to accommodate 3,104 men at 7:00 PM and an equal number of women at 9:00 PM. Ticketing platforms tailored for "kosher" phones are being used, with prices ranging from 99 to 249 shekels.

Responding to criticism, Rand told Walla! News on Tuesday that he is providing an "equal opportunity for everyone." He explained that a significant portion of his "very loyal" audience is from the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community, who find it difficult to attend his regular, mixed-gender performances, which he intends to continue. "I am not committing any sin here and I am very comfortable with my decision," Rand asserted. "Don't women deserve to see a show? I don't understand. It's important for me to perform for everyone, and I love everyone, and I don't think division is something we need right now."

Rand views these separate events as a necessary response to a broad audience that wishes to enjoy his work in accordance with their lifestyle, and not as a contradiction to his ongoing mixed-audience shows.