Managing Partner Michael Wildes is pleased to announce the approval of the O‑1 petition filed on behalf of renowned Israeli singer, Gad Elbaz.
Gad Elbaz is an internationally acclaimed Israeli singer, songwriter, and performer whose work has helped shape contemporary Jewish and Hebrew music. Born into a musical family, he began performing at a young age alongside his father, the well‑known singer Benny Elbaz, and quickly developed a distinctive vocal style that blends traditional Middle Eastern influences with modern pop, rock, and electronic elements.
Over the course of his career, Gad has released numerous albums and singles that have reached global audiences, including standout hits such as Halayla Zeh Hazman, Hashem Melech, and Or. His music – often centered on themes of faith, unity, and resilience- has earned millions of streams and devoted international fan base across North America, Europe, and Israel.
Gad is also known for his dynamic live performances, appearing at major venues, festivals, and community events worldwide. His collaborations span prominent Jewish artists, producers, and choirs, further cementing his role as a leading figure in the evolution of modern Jewish music.
Wildes & Weinberg was founded in 1960 by Senior Partner, Leon Wildes. He was best known for his successful representation of former Beatle John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono as they fought the Nixon Administration during a five year bitterly contested Deportation Proceeding.
Nearly three quarters of a century later, the firm continues to concentrate its practice in all aspects of U.S. immigration and nationality law, servicing the immigration requirements of prominent American and International firms, banks, industrial, financial, and manufacturing concerns, as well as law firms in connection with the personnel needs of their foreign national employees.
In addition, the firm has a distinguished clientele and has done substantial immigration work for performing artists, directors, writers, models, actors/actresses, athletes, fine artists, art dealers, curators, and literary agents. Most notable was Leon Wildes’ successful representation of former Beatle John Lennon and his artist wife, Yoko Ono in their deportation proceedings, the basis of which has inspired legislation, and has been portrayed in films, plays, and literary works worldwide. Some of the firm’s other distinguished clients include scholar Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (z”l), as well as soccer icons Pele and Karim Benzema, Master Chef Jean-Georges, musicians Joe Cocker, Sinead O’ Connor and Boy George, as well as First Lady Melania Trump and her family.
Michael Wildes, the firm’s Managing Partner, is also currently serving his fifth term as Mayor of Englewood, New Jersey. He is the author of Safe Haven in America: Battles to Open the Golden Door (which draws on over a quarter of a century of his practice in the immigration field) and From Origin to Opportunity: Unlocking U.S. Immigration Law . Mr. Wildes is an Adjunct Professor at Columbia Law School and the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York and serves as Counsel to Lincoln Center.
Despite difficulties currently being encountered in dealing with U.S. immigration authorities, the firm has maintained an extraordinary track record for success in its cases. The firm’s litigation group has expanded its efforts in filing Mandamus Actions and other Actions in Federal Courts throughout the nation.
In addition, Wildes & Weinberg’s multilingual staff is spread throughout its offices in New York City, Englewood, New Jersey, Miami, Florida, and by appointment only in Los Angeles, California and Tel Aviv, Israel, and are known for their experience and special expertise in processing each foreign national’s case with nothing less than the highest level of professionalism.
For more information on our firm please visit www.wildeslaw.com or contact Michael Wildes at michael@wildeslaw.com.