Barbra Streisand
Photo: Reuters
Haim and Cheryl Saban
Photo: Avi Waldman
Streisand to perform for IDF soldiers
Legendary American singer yet to respond to offer to hold concert in Israel, but will take part in FIDF's annual gala in Los Angeles
Barbra Streisand has yet to respond to the offer
to perform in Israel,
but has accepted an offer to perform in a special event honoring the Jewish state.
The evening is being organized by Israeli-American businessman Haim Saban and his wife Cheryl, who personally asked Streisand to perform and recruited musical producer David Foster as well.
The legendary American singer and actress, who rarely performs in such events, will take the stage at the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) annual gala on December 8 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles.
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The event will be hosted by actor Jason Alexander, and more than 1,000 people are expected to attend. The guests of honor will be former IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, FIDF National Director Major-General (Res.) Jerry Gershon, FIDF chair Nily Falic and FIDF National President Julian Josephson.
Saban, one of the IDF's biggest donors, is the chairman of the annual gala for the fifth year in a row.
The fundraiser of the Los Angeles branch, headed by Miri Nash, is considered one of the organization's flagship events. Some $8.8 million were raised last year to support a variety of programs for Israeli soldiers.
Haim and Cheryl Saban will arrive at the gala evening immediately after the 2011 Saban Forum addressing the state of US-Israel strategic dialogue, which will be held in Washington on December 2-4.
The FIDF organization has been active for the past 30 years. It initiates and helps support educational, social, cultural, and recreational programs and facilities for the young men and women soldiers of Israel, their families and the families of fallen soldiers.
Every year, the organization raises more than $60 million. It has 14 branches across the United States and Panama.
