Haredi Singer Motti Steinmetz Demands Gender Separation at Omer Adam's Italy Wedding
Israeli singer Omer Adam and his fiancée Sasha Yisraelovitch are set to marry this weekend in a private ceremony in Italy, far from media attention. The wedding will follow Jewish religious customs, including standing under a chuppah and kiddushin. Haredi singer Motti Steinmetz, who is close to Adam and expected to accompany the couple to the chuppah, has stipulated a unique condition for his attendance: gender-segregated seating during the ceremony. According to Steinmetz's associates, this requirement is part of his contract, and he has previously canceled participation in weddings abroad where separation was not observed. His fee for the event, including travel and accommodation, is estimated at $20,000 (approximately 60,000 shekels).
The wedding venue is an historic villa on the northern Italian coast in Liguria, known for hosting high-profile events such as the weddings of British singer Rod Stewart and footballer Wayne Rooney. The estate can accommodate up to 250 guests, but some invitees are only attending the post-ceremony party. The event's production is managed by an Italian team, with live performances planned throughout the night, including a major international DJ. Confirmed guests include the Israeli music trio "Ma Kashur," singer Oshir Cohen and his new wife Eden Pines, as well as singers Odia and Aviv Geffen. Attendees have been given a strict dress code requiring formal evening gowns and suits.
Adam and Yisraelovitch chose to marry abroad partly to keep the event intimate and avoid a large crowd of fans. They also requested that guests forgo gifts and instead donate to the "Smile of a Child" charity supporting children with cancer and their families, or to the Weizmann Institute of Science. The couple has maintained a low profile on social media since the start of their relationship, with Adam meeting Yisraelovitch through mutual friends. She comes from a wealthy Jewish family in Italy and has quickly integrated into Adam's life.
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