Hollywood star explores ancient Jerusalem in City of David
June 22, 2016The ancient City of David welcomed a high-profile guest on Wednesday, when Oscar, Emmy, and Tony award-winning British actress Helen Mirren toured archeological sites in Jerusalem with Mayor Nir Barkat.
Mirren, who has been chosen to award this year’s Genesis Prize, has a long history of interest in the Jewish state. The Genesis Prize honors individuals who have reached the pinnacle in their respective fields and are noted for their contributions to the State of Israel and the Jewish people.
Starring in dozens of films in a career spanning 50 years, Mirren has in numerous occasions taken roles in movies with a Jewish angle, including The Prince of Egypt, an animated retelling of the Exodus from Egypt; The Debt, where Mirren played a retired Mossad agent charged with hunting a Nazi war criminal; and Woman in Gold, the true story of a Holocaust refugee struggling to reclaim her family’s property.
In preparation for her role in The Debt, Mirren immersed herself in Jewish culture, learning Hebrew, studying Jewish history, and becoming acquainted with Israeli society. A source told The Daily Express in 2007 that Mirren was “totally immersed into the way of life over there.”
At the 2015 Israel Film Festival, Mirren slammed the BDS movement, calling it “the craziest idea.”
Mirren’s visit on Wednesday began in the ancient City of David near the Old City of Jerusalem, the area believed to have been the site of the city of Jerusalem during the First Temple period. The actress explored the City of David National Park, concluding the tour beneath Robinson’s Arch near the Kotel.
“It’s just the most extraordinary, moving and powerful experience to be here,” said Mirren. “To look at the incredible work that’s been done to reveal these histories. I’ve always believed in history. I think that we have to remember what happened in the past always as it informs our future and it certainly informs our present. I’m a great believer in that. To be in this situation where you see the past being revealed before your eyes is the most extraordinary, passionate and moving experience.”
Similar posts
-
Dear World: I Don't Care
November 2, 2023By Avi Lewis I don’t care that you sympathize with Hamas I know you wouldn’t tolerate any of ...
-
Stand With Israel!
October 17, 2023Stand with Israel. Don't stand with the extreme terror organization Hamas. This is a war about huma...
-
Israel Thanks You For Your Support
October 13, 2023Israel extends its heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you, dear friends and supporters, f...
-
How Israel Benefits the United States
October 5, 2023The relationship between Israel and the United States has been a cornerstone of American foreign po...
-
How Israel Helps Its Arab Neighbors
September 27, 2023Introduction Israel, a country known for its rich history and complex geopolitical landscape, ha...
-
The Amazing Country of Israel
September 15, 2023Introduction Nestled in the heart of the Middle East, Israel is a nation with a remarkable histo...
-
Israel Safeguards The World From Terror Attacks
August 23, 2023Introduction In an era where terrorism poses a significant threat to global security, Israel sta...
-
Israel Helps The World With Water Recycling
August 10, 2023Introduction In a world grappling with the challenges of water scarcity and resource management,...
