Helen Mirren rejects efforts to boycott Israel

In Jerusalem to host Genesis Prize award ceremony, Oscar-winning actress says she’s a ‘believer’ in the Jewish state

By AP 22 June 2016, 8:09 pm

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Actress Helen Mirren will host the Genesis Prize award ceremony on June 23, 2016 in Jerusalem. (Facebook)

Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren says she is a “believer” in Israel and rejects efforts to boycott it.

Mirren showered Israeli artists with praise Wednesday and said she opposed efforts by pro-Palestinian groups to boycott them.

Mirren is in Israel to host the Genesis Prize, an award known as “the Jewish Nobel.” The $1 million prize is being awarded to Israeli-American violinist Itzhak Perlman for his accomplishments as a musician, teacher and advocate for the disabled.

Mirren, who first visited as a volunteer in the 1960s, says she has a strong connection to Israel.

Mirren is one of the few actors to have won the so-called Triple Crown — an Oscar, Tony and Emmy. She received her Academy Award for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 film “The Queen.”