Managing Partner Michael Wildes and Associate Attorney Josh Wildes meet with Eli Sharabi who was released from captivity after 491 days. Follow this link to hear what Eli had to say to Michael: https://youtu.be/vR0zxu8fL-4
Eli Sharabi is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023, he endured months of captivity in Gaza, surviving unimaginable conditions—starvation, beatings, and other forms of torture—deep in the tunnels. Throughout it all, he held onto the hope of being reunited with his wife and two daughters, only to learn upon his release on February 8, 2025, that they had been murdered the same day he was taken.
Now, with extraordinary courage, Eli is sharing his story to advocate for the release of those still held hostage and to call for peace in the region. His voice is both a reminder of the deep human cost of conflict and a beacon of strength in the face of loss.
We had the honor of representing Eli (without fee) in his immigration matters to ensure he could properly share his story and advocate here in the United States. We are humbled by his strength and are hopeful that he finds peace and healing in the years ahead.
Thank you, Eli, for showing us the true meaning of perseverance, and how important it is to always hold on to hope. We are honored to know you.
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 icon Pele, Master Chef Jean-Georges, musicians 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, 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), is an Adjunct Professor at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York, and serves as Counsel to Lincoln Center and several international/corporate law firms.
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.