Singer Benaia Barabi ordered to pay former manager millions after contract breach

After a legal arbitration process that lasted about four years, Israeli singer Benaia Barabi was ordered to pay millions of shekels to his former manager, Or Marmelstein, after the two sides’ management agreement was found to have been breached.

According to arbitrator Dr. Alon Kaplan, Barabi must pay about NIS 5.3 million to Marmelstein, including legal expenses. Kaplan wrote that he had found Barabi “fundamentally breached the management agreement between the parties,” referring to the singer’s unilateral decision to end the contract with his former manager.

Marmelstein’s office said he was pleased with the outcome, adding: “I am glad that justice has come to light. Years of work and investment were cut off one day unilaterally and in complete surprise. Throughout the way I never asked for more than what was due for my work. I am glad that the arbitrator was able to see the truth.” The statement also wished Barabi success going forward.

Marmelstein currently manages several artists, including Eliad Nachum and Shimon Buskila.