- December 19, 2025
- 11:38 am
- World News
Barbra Streisand is one of the most renowned Jewish artists in the world, born into a poor family from Berezhany (Galicia, Ukraine), whose ancestors emigrated to the United States in search of a better life.
Having won two Oscars, she uses her fame and resources to support Ukraine and Israel — that’s why we feature her in our regular series “Jews from Ukraine.”
Galician Roots: From Berezhany to Hollywood
Barbra Joan Streisand was born in 1942 in New York into a Jewish family. Her grandfather, Isaac Moshe Streisand, was born in 1879 in the town of Berezhany (now Ternopil Oblast, Ukraine), or, according to other sources, in Buchach. The family lived in poverty in a single heated room where they slept on wooden benches.
In 1898, at the age of 19, Isaac Streisand decided to emigrate. He left Berezhany, traveled through Lviv to Bremen, Germany, and from there sailed to the United States. The journey lasted 15 days. Many passengers didn’t survive. Isaac did, arriving in New York without money but full of hope. He later married Anna Keston, a fellow Jewish immigrant from Eastern Europe.
Berezhany and Jewish Heritage
The Jewish community of Berezhany is one of the oldest in the region. The first records of Jews in the town date back to the 1530s, when they were permitted to reside and engage in trade. By the 16th–17th centuries, Jews played a significant role in the local economy as leaseholders, artisans, shopkeepers, and millers.
In 1623, the town’s first synagogue was built, and by the 19th century, Berezhany had several prayer houses, Jewish schools, and charitable organizations. By the 1860s, Jews made up about half the population of the town.
During World War I, the Jewish population of Berezhany suffered greatly, and during World War II, tragedy struck again: in 1941, the Nazis established a ghetto, where about 4,000 Jews were interned. Between 1942 and 1943, nearly all were executed nearby or deported to death camps.
Today, the memory of Berezhany’s Jewish community lives on through historical monuments and research, highlighting the importance of Jewish heritage in the town’s history.
New Life in America and the Birth of a Legend
Isaac and Anna Streisand settled in New York and raised five children. They worked hard: he was a tailor and ran a small fish shop, while she worked as a cook. Their eldest son, Emanuel Streisand, became a schoolteacher, and his wife Diana, once a soprano singer, worked as a school secretary.
When Barbra was still a child, her father died of epilepsy, plunging the family back into poverty. But Barbra had a unique voice and passion for the stage — and became a star.
Awards and Achievements
- 2 Academy Awards — for Best Actress and Best Original Song
- 8 Grammy Awards
- 5 Emmy Awards
- 9 Golden Globes
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (USA)
- The only artist whose albums have topped the Billboard 200 across six consecutive decades
A Voice for Ukraine: UNITED24 and Personal Donations
On February 24, 2022, the day Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Barbra Streisand firmly stood with Ukraine. On Twitter, she wrote:
“My paternal grandparents emigrated from Ukraine, and my heart breaks for the brave people fighting this Russian invasion. Putin’s propaganda about ‘denazification’ is the biggest lie of this century.”
In September 2022, at the personal invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Barbra Streisand joined the UNITED24 platform as an ambassador for the Medical Aid direction. In her official message, she said:
“Because I have Jewish heritage with Ukrainian roots, I’m especially moved by the Ukrainian people’s fight for freedom. Their resilience and courage are an inspiration to everyone working to preserve democracy and stand up to authoritarianism. You and your country have my full support.”
Her first project was the 24,000 Friends of Ukraine initiative, calling for monthly donations of $24 from supporters worldwide. To set an example, Barbra personally donated $24,000, and later donated another $24,000.
In 2023, she also contributed $240,000 toward medical aid in Ukraine — funds that went to purchasing vital equipment and supporting Ukrainian doctors working under war conditions.
In March 2025, Barbra made another donation to UNITED24’s medical initiative and appealed publicly to the world:
“Ukrainian doctors are heroes. They keep working even when missiles are exploding nearby. If you can — help. Their lives are a fight for others.”
Barbra Streisand and Israel: Philanthropy, Music, Solidarity
Barbra and Golda Meir
In 1978, Barbra Streisand appeared in the widely broadcast TV special “The Stars Salute Israel at 30.” On air, she had a memorable conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir about Zionism, Jewish identity, and the dream of a Jewish state. At the end of the program, Barbra performed “Hatikvah” — Israel’s national anthem, moving viewers around the world.
Donations and Support
- In 1984, Barbra donated a building at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Mount Scopus campus) for Jewish studies, named after her father Emmanuel Streisand.
- In 2011, she participated in a fundraising gala supporting the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
- In October 2023, following terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians, Barbra expressed deep sympathy to bereaved Israeli families:
“After learning about the horrific attacks on Israelis and the hostage-taking of innocent civilians, I was shocked and devastated. This attack lacked all humanity or compassion. There are no words to describe the madness and the sorrow. I grieve with all the mothers and fathers who lost their children. We must hope and pray for the safe return of all hostages.”
She also announced that she was proud to support the Israel Emergency Fund of the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles.
Returning to Her Roots: Berezhany and Tel Aviv
In 2015, Barbra Streisand made a personal visit to Berezhany to see the grave of her grandfather Isaac Streisand, who was born and raised in the town before emigrating to the United States. The trip was deeply meaningful and reaffirmed her connection to her heritage.
In 2013, during a visit to Israel, Barbra was presented with archival documentation at the Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv confirming her family’s Galician origins:
“The surname Streisand is recorded in the town of Berezhany…”
This document served as tangible evidence of her Jewish-Ukrainian roots and was included in a special presentation about her ancestry.
Why Barbra Streisand Belongs in the “Jews from Ukraine” Series
Barbra Streisand is a shining example. Her grandfather came from Berezhany, she preserved her connection to her roots, she supports Ukraine, and she helps Israel. Her voice is heard not only on stage — but in philanthropy, solidarity, and remembrance.
Her involvement in UNITED24, public support for Israel, contributions to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and open acknowledgment of her Ukrainian ancestry make her an integral part of Jewish diaspora history.
This is why her story is part of our series.
On NAnews – News from Israel, we continue collecting and sharing these stories — honest, powerful, and inspiring.
The “Jews from Ukraine” series highlights outstanding individuals of Jewish heritage with roots in Ukraine.
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