Jewish National Fund Backs Out Of $500,000 Speaking Fee For Bill Clinton At Peres Event
The Jewish National Fund announced Friday that it is backing out of an upcoming gala event in honor of President Shimon Peres and will not fund the $500,000 speaking fee of the keynote speaker, former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
Earlier this week, outcries were heard in Israel and abroad after it was reported that the JNF will be donating the large sum to fund Clinton's speech at the gala dinner in honor of Peres' 90th birthday, which is scheduled for June17 at the Peres Academic Center in Rehovot.
As a result of the criticism, the JNF withdrew its participation on Friday and said it will take back all the funds it has donated to the Peres Academic Center for the event.
The speaker’s fee is destined not for Clinton’s pocket, but rather for the William J. Clinton Foundation, whose goals include improving global health and protecting the environment.
MORE...
http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/jewish-world-news/jnf-backs-out-of-500-000-speaking-fee-for-bill-clinton-at-peres-event-1.528460