Barbra Streisand Speaks Out on Treatment of Women in Israel

CBSNews reports that legendary star of stage and screen, Barbra Streisand, voiced her opinion on the current state of women in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Israel.

"I realize it's not easy to fully grasp the dynamics of what happens in a foreign land," commented Streisand while on a tour of the Middle Eastern country. "It's distressing to read about women in Israel being forced to sit in the back of the bus or when we hear about 'Women of the Wall' having metal chairs thrown at them when they attempt to peacefully and legally pray."

The actress was referring to recent reports in which ultra-Orthodox men attempted to prevent women from praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, a site considered by many to be the holiest in the world.

Streisand was in Israel to accept an honorary doctor of philosophy degree from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The ceremony took place yesterday, June 17, during the 76th Hebrew University International Board of Governors Meeting.

About Barbra Streisand:

By age 28, Ms. Streisand had already earned five of the entertainment industry's most prestigious awards: the Grammy, Oscar, Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe, making her an icon of American culture and an international favorite. Among her myriad accolades, she received an Oscar for Best Actress (Funny Girl, 1968), and for composing the music for Best Original Song (Evergreen, 1976).

During her career, she has been honored by the Directors Guild of America and received the National Medal of Arts from President Bill Clinton, the Peabody Award, the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award, the Cecil B. DeMille Award for Lifetime Achievement and Kennedy Center Honors. The internationally recognized artist received France's Legion of Honour from President Nicolas Sarkozy. Additionally, Ms. Streisand is an author and photographer known for her critically acclaimed book, "My Passion for Design."