The AP reports:

Barbra Streisand has announced that she will pull out of Israel’s 60th anniversary celebration next month. Streisand was one of the big-name guests slated to appear at the Jerusalem convention hosted by President Shimon Peres beginning May 13.

The American diva was supposed to perform a rendition of the Hebrew prayer Avinu Malkeinu, or “Our Father Our King.” But Peres’ office said Tuesday that Streisand has now announced she will not be coming.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

A statement from Streisand’s Los Angeles publicist Dick Guttman said Tuesday that she was unable to attend the event in Israel due to ”personal obligations” and had informed Peres’ office two weeks ago.

”She celebrates as always the nation’s courage and purpose and flourishing democracy and is saddened that she cannot be there to do so in person,” Guttman’s statement said.

Among those scheduled to take part in the convention are Italian designer Giorgio Armani and the Academy Award winning actor Denzel Washington.

Yep. That’s right. Denzel Washington (who, incidentally, I just discovered, is not only a great actor, but also a real mensch). Back in February, Y-Net reported that Denzel Washington was going to be traveling to Israel as part of a delegation of African-American artists that is expected to meet with Israeli leaders in advance of the 60th anniversary celebrations.

Given that Israel will be celebrating its 60th sans Streisand, now is a good time as any to remember to remember her contribution to the 1978 “Stars Salute Israel” show marking the Jewish state’s 30th birthday.

A message from our Publisher & CEO Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount