JERUSALEM (JTA) — Barbra Streisand will receive an honorary doctorate from The Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
Streisand, the iconic Jewish-American singer and actress, will be presented with the degree at a ceremony on June 17 during the Hebrew University International Board of Governors meeting in Jerusalem.
In a statement, the university said Streisand was being recognized for “her professional achievements, outstanding humanitarianism, leadership in the realm of human and civil rights, and dedication to Israel and the Jewish people.”
Streisand established the Emanuel Streisand Building for Jewish Studies on the university’s Mount Scopus campus in 1984 in memory of her father.
“Barbra Streisand’s transcendent talent is matched by her passionate concern for equality and opportunity for people of every gender and background,” Hebrew University President Menahem Ben-Sasson said. “Equally important, her love of Israel and her Jewish heritage are reflected in so many aspects of her life and career.”
On June 18, Streisand will perform at the opening ceremony of the Israeli Presidential Conference, which is marking President Shimon Peres’ 90th birthday. She also will perform concerts on June 15 and 16 at Tel Aviv’s Bloomfield Stadium.
Streisand, one of the best-selling musicians of all time, has never performed in Israel. She has visited the Jewish state many times and reportedly is a strong supporter.
