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Barbra and Israel |
News/Feature/January 2008 |
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Barbra Streisand has
been an unwavering supporter of the State of Israel for many years.
Most will probably remember her unforgettable stateside performance
for the country's thirtieth anniversary in 1978 (beamed live
throughout Israel). She performed several numbers including the
Israeli national anthem. A highlight of Barbra's appearance was a
captivating live conversation with former Prime Minister, Golda Meir.
Barbra journeyed to Israel in 1984 for the premiere of "Yentl." She
met with (then) Prime Minister, Yitzak Shamir at dedication
ceremonies for a building she endowed in her father's name at
Jerusalem's Hebrew University. |
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Barbra
Sings for the FIDF
 December
9, 2011
At a benefit last
night in Los Angeles, Barbra Streisand lent her support to the
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, an organization
established to provide for the well-being of the men and women
who serve in the Israeli military as well as the families of
fallen soldiers.
Barbra chose four selections from her vast catalogue to include
in her live performance set: "Avinu Malkenu," "The Windmills of
your Mind," "People" and "The Way We Were."
The event took place at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza and was
hosted by Jason Alexander. In addition to Streisand, the evening
featured performances by David Foster & Friends.
Will Barbra Perform in Jerusalem?
January
21, 2008
The
Jerusalem Post and The Jewish Telegraphic Agency have
both recently reported that Barbra Streisand will accept an
invitation from the government of Israel to participate in a May
13 conference celebrating
the country's 60th anniversary.
According to these news
outlets, Barbra will most likely perform Avinu Malkeinu
(in Hebrew) at the personal request of President Shimon Peres
during ceremonies in Jerusalem. It would also be the first time
Barbra will have performed this particular selection at a live
event. Barbra recorded Avinu Malkeinu, a traditional
prayer sung for the Jewish New Year, on her 1997
album, "Higher Ground."
April 22, 2009 (update)
As reported
in Reuters, a spokesman for Barbra Streisand has
confirmed that she will not be on hand to participate in
Israel's 60th anniversary celebrations this May. Personal
obligations will prevent Barbra from personally attending
festivities scheduled to take place in Jerusalem.
The "Yentl" Premiere and a University Endowment
  Barbra
visited Israel in April of 1984 for
the premiere of her film, "Yentl." During that visit, Barbra met
with the current prime minister, Yitzak Shamir, and dedicated
"The Emanuel Streisand Building for Jewish Studies" at the
Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
On
April 4, Barbra appeared on the television show "Good Morning America" via a
live satellite feed from Jerusalem. The show's host, David Hartman spoke
with Barbra about the Israeli premiere of her film, and then
asked her to speak about her experiences in Israel:
"I came here to dedicate
a building in my father's name at the Hebrew University. And
that was really a thrill yesterday. The students, even though
they were on vacation, came to greet me and were singing songs
through the halls as they went to unveil the sign for my
father's building. It was really, really thrilling: the spirit,
the sense of dedication, and the sense of purpose. It was very
inspiring."
"The Stars Salute Israel at 30"
Barbra was also on hand for
another anniversary celebration for Israeli statehood. She was
the featured performer at "The Stars Salute Israel at 30"
concert in Los Angeles on May 7, 1978. That evening, Barbra
performed three songs (People, Happy Days Are Here
Again and Tomorrow) before closing the show with
Israel's national Anthem, Hatikva.
From
the stage of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Barbra also spoke
live (via satellite) with former prime minister Golda Meir:
 Barbra: "I
really want to thank you, from all of us, for allowing us to
come into your home tonight, Golda, and for taking up your
valuable time to be with us."
Golda Meir: "It's really a pleasure, and I'm honored that
you people have chosen me to speak to you. And please let them
know how deeply appreciative I, and everybody in Israel is of
your contribution for our 30th anniversary."
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