Barbra Streisand to perform for IDF soldiers

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 legendary American singer and actress, who rarely performs at 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. 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 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 was raised last year to support a variety of programs for Israeli soldiers.