Barbra Streisand was in Israel Monday to receive an honorary doctorate from Hebrew University in Jerusalem. During her speech, the Jewish entertainer from Brooklyn criticized the extremely Orthodox customs practiced in Israel and supported equal rights for women in the country.
The BBC reported last month that Streisand would get the honorary degree for her work with human rights and support of the Jewish people and Israel. She is also set to perform in the country for the first time during her trip.
Streisand, 71, is also a supporter of women’s rights and spoke with harsh criticism against Orthodox customs, reports Reuters. “It's distressing to read about women in Israel being forced to sit in the back of a bus or... having metal chairs hurled at them when they intend to peacefully and legally pray,” she said. “Or women being banned from singing in public ceremonies.”
Her statement comes while a bus company continues to segregate women from men because of extremely Orthodox rabbis, who wield political power in Israel. Some have also protested a women’s prayer group at the Western Wall.
“I know that solutions don't come easy, and they don't in the United States, where women are still making 80 cents for every dollar that a man makes,” the singer commented.
Streisand plans on performing at President Shimon Peres’ 90th birthday party and is scheduled for two shows in Tel Aviv.
She is a member of the elite EGOT club of entertainers, since she has an Oscar, an Emmy, a Grammy and an honorary Tony.