Barbra Streisand, Jewish Entertainment Icon, Rips On Orthodox Treatment Of Jewish Women During Tour Of Israel

Barbra Streisand Hebrew University — Singer Barbra Streisand (C) stands next to Hebrew University Rector Asher Cohen (L) and President of the Hebrew University Menahem Ben-Sasson (R) after receiving a honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University in Jerusalem June 17, 2013. Streisand was awarded the degree on Monday "in recognition of her leadership in the realm of human and civil rights and for her dedication to Israel and the Jewish people," a statement from the Hebrew University said. Streisand is in Israel to attend Israeli President Shimon Peres' 90th birthday celebrations this week and will also perform two concerts in Tel Aviv. Reuters/Ronen Zvulun

Entertainment legend Barbra Streisand had some choice words for the Orthodox Jewish community during a speech on Monday at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Streisand said she was “distressed” when she read about Israeli women “being forced to sit at the back of the bus,” and women being assaulted while praying at the Kotel, Judaism’s holiest site, AP reported.

Streisand, 70, is in Israel to attend the 90th birthday of Israeli President Shimon Peres and to give two concerts, after the first concert sold out in one day. Tickets for the first concert were priced at $700, the Los Angeles Times reported. On Monday she also received an honorary Ph.D. from Hebrew University.

Streisand is a prolific donor to various political issues through her Streisand Foundation, including charities dedicated to women’s causes.

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