Barbara Streisand Slams I treat women Jewish Ultra Orthodox in Israel, receives doctorate honoris cause from the Hebrew University

Jerusalem - Actor Barbra Streisand got into one of topics even in Israel on Monday in the first big stop on his tour around the country - Jewish religious practices that separate men and women.

Speaking at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem on Monday, where received a honorary doctorate, she pointed to cases of ultra-Orthodox Jews targeted women, as well as warmly praised the country.

"I know that it is not easy to fully understand the dynamics of what happens in a foreign country," he said.

But "is painful to read about women are forced to sit in the back of the bus or when we hear of the"women of the wall"Israel have metal chairs them thrown when trying to peacefully and legally pray."

Referred to isolated incidents in which ultra-Orthodox men tried to force women to sit separately in the back of the bus ranging through their neighborhoods, as well as more serious clashes in which ultra-Orthodox Jews tried to prevent women donning prayer shawls and carry the Torah scrolls of pray at the wall of lamentations in Jerusalem, the holiest site where Jews can worship.

According to traditional Orthodox Jewish practice, only men wear prayer shawls and handle rolls of the Torah, although that is changing slowly in some places. Ultra-Orthodox Jews, who are cut off from the rest of society, but have disproportionate power in Government and religious affairs, fear that allowing women to make such advances will erode their authority.

Tzipi Livni israeli Justice Minister has introduced legislation making the forced separation of men and women in public places like buses illegal. With regard to women praying at the Western Wall, a court has upheld the right of women to wear Prayer Shawls, and a proposal has also set aside a section of the Western Wall for the prayers of the genre.

Streisand says pleased to hear that there was hope of evolution. "Repairs are made, and that's very good," he said.

Earlier in the day, the actor met with 20 children with diseases that threaten the life of the "Make-A-Wish" Foundation. Streisand beamed as a teenager sang his song, "People".

"I'm going treasure this," he said. "Is so powerful that in a room with all of you and especially the children who touched my heart."

Streisand visited the University in one of the first stops of his trip to Israel since 1984, receiving a doctorate honoris causes

She spoke at length of his admiration for Israel and the Hebrew University, which opened a building named after his father in 1984 when she donated money for its construction.

"I think it would be very proud to know that this esteemed institution honoring his daughter", said.

It commended the University for graduating a number of female doctoral students record this year, the first time that women composed by a majority of degree recipients.

University officials call the Jewish singer and actor of "friend of Israel" and said that his honorary doctorate was "an opportunity to recognize your support, your friendship, your generosity".

Streisand tour has attracted the attention of the public and the media.

Arrival at Israel's Ben-Gurion Airport on Sunday, with her dog in tow, received prominent media coverage. Streisand, 71, will attend birthday number 90 of israeli President Shimon Peres later in the week before first appearing in it ever concert in Israel on Thursday and Saturday.

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