Natalie Portman Declines Honor and Cancels Israel Trip Portman will not be traveling to Israel in June to accept The Genesis Prize Foundation’s honor as part of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions group. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Portman has vocalized her disapproval of the re-election of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Due to the nation’s treatment of the Palestinians and the West Bank. “Ms. Portman is a highly accomplished actress, a committed social activist and a wonderful human being.” “We fear that Ms. Portman’s decision will cause our philanthropic initiative to be politicized, something we have worked hard for the past five years to avoid.” The BDS group even issued a statement urging the 26 Oscar nominees of the 2017 Academy Awards swag bags not to travel to Israel.