(MENAFN) After choosing not to accept the 2018 Genesis Award in the Zionist entity of Israel, Natalie Portman said that her choice was "mischaracterized by others" when widely reported.
The annual honor is awarded to someone who has exhibited "outstanding achievement by individuals who have attained excellence and international renown in their chosen professional fields (who) embody the character of the Jewish people."
Portman's representative announced that she would not be travelling to Israel to accept the prize, stating: "Recent events in Israel have been extremely distressing to her and she does not feel comfortable participating in any public events in Israel."
After receiving a storm of criticism, the Oscar-winning actress posted a lengthy statement to her Instagram account last night,: "I chose not to attend because I did not want to appear as endorsing Benjamin Netanyahu, who was to be giving a speech at the ceremony. By the same token, I am not part of the BDS movement and do not endorse it. Like many Israelis and Jews around the world, I can be critical of the leadership in Israel without wanting to boycott the entire nation."
She added: "Israel was 'created' exactly 70 years ago as a 'haven' for 'refugees' from the Holocaust. But the mistreatment of those suffering from today's atrocities is simply not in line with my Jewish values. Because I care about Israel, I must stand up against violence, corruption, inequality, and abuse of power."
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