The family of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, along with Barbra Streisand, is expressing their disapproval of the Dwight D. Opperman Foundation's decision to bestow the RBG Women’s Leadership Award on Elon Musk, Rupert Murdoch, Martha Stewart, Michael Milken, and Sylvester Stallone. The award, previously known as the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Woman of Leadership Award and dedicated to 'women of distinction,' has been rebranded to honor both women and men who have made significant contributions to society. The family released a statement calling the choice of awardees 'an affront to the memory of our mother and grandmother' and stating that they do not endorse the award. Barbra Streisand, a previous honoree, also criticized the selection of Musk, Murdoch, Stewart, Milken, and Stallone. Streisand wrote on Instagram that she was 'proud' to have accepted the award last year 'in memory of one of the most esteemed public figures in American history,' but she strongly doubts Ginsburg would approve of these awardees. The foundation's change in direction comes after the passing of its founder, Dwight Opperman. The award ceremony, which was scheduled to take place on April 13, has been canceled, and the foundation will reassess its mission going forward. [0216daa6]
The Opperman Foundation has given the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Leadership Award since 2020, but this year it will be awarded to men, including Elon Musk and Rupert Murdoch. Ginsburg's family is furious that the honorees do not reflect her progressive values. They denounced the foundation's choices as 'an affront to the memory of our mother and grandmother' and stated that the foundation has strayed from the original mission of the award. Ginsburg's family emphasized her commitment to justice, equality, and the empowerment of women. [9bf99bc3]
The chair of the foundation, Julie Opperman, defended the decision to honor both men and women, stating that Ginsburg fought for everyone. Some critics argue that honoring individuals like Musk and Murdoch goes against Ginsburg's values. Martha Stewart, the only woman to be honored, was on Ginsburg's original wish list of potential honorees. [3febe679]
Barbra Streisand, who accepted the RBG Women’s Leadership Award last year, joined Ginsburg's family in condemning the choice of Elon Musk and Rupert Murdoch as this year's awardees. Streisand wrote on Instagram that she was 'proud' to have accepted the award 'in memory of one of the most esteemed public figures in American history.' However, she strongly doubts Ginsburg would approve of these awardees. Streisand noted that last year’s award was presented by Justice Sonia Sotomayor. The ceremony, which was scheduled for April 13, has been canceled. [3eb6148e]
Barbra Streisand, a Hollywood actress, has been honored with the Genesis Prize for her commitment to Jewish values and Israel. Streisand invoked the Jewish tradition of tikkun olam, emphasizing compassion and the power of love and prayer. Throughout her career, she has been a prominent voice for the Jewish people and Israel, advocating for the freedom of Soviet Jews, Israel's right to a secure homeland, and countering the cultural boycott of Israel. Streisand has made significant donations to Israeli institutions and nonprofit groups embodying Jewish values. She has allocated funds from the $1 million Genesis Prize purse to organizations like the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society and those combating the climate crisis. The ceremony took place in Los Angeles on June 9, 2024. [a2c9aa49]