Barbra Streisand courts controversy in Israel before Shimon Peres party

[alp227]

Streisand, 71 – who is also performing at two concerts in Tel Aviv later this week during her first concert tour to Israel – promised that she had "something special planned" for Peres's gala celebration. She was due to be joined onstage by her son, Jason Gould, and sister Roslyn Kind, with whom she was to sing duets.

A life-long supporter of Israel, the legendary Jewish singer and actor described the country as "a shining beacon of hope in the world" after landing at Ben Gurion airport in her private plane on Saturday night, accompanied by her pet dog and a 150-strong entourage.

However, she quickly courted controversy by criticising ultra-Orthodox attitudes to women after being awarded an honorary doctorate from Jerusalem's Hebrew University.

"I realise it's not easy to fully grasp the dynamics of what happens in a foreign land, but it's distressing to read about women in Israel being forced to sit in the back of the bus, or when we hear about Women of the Wall having metal chairs thrown at them when they attempt to peacefully and legally pray, and that women can't sing in public," she said. "To remain silent about these things is tantamount to accepting them."

full: http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2013/jun/18/barbra-streisand-shimon-peres-party

[libodem]

1. I love this lady

And I've had many people come up and ask me if anyone has ever told me that I look very much like her. I'm proud to say yes.


Atta girl!

[Gin]

2. I didnt know women in Israel were treated that way.....next step burkas.

[trotsky]

3. The orthodox/fundies of every religion have so much in common...

- Hating homosexuals
- Despising women
- Opposing equality
- Rejecting secularism
- Embracing theocracy

You'd think they'd be natural allies.

[avaistheone1]

4. I believe that to be true as well

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. And off to the Greatest Page for this important story!