Almost two months after Bill Maher compared former Tonight Show host Jay Leno to Israel (after having compared him to Hozni Mubarak in the past), Leno is set to actually come here.
Legendary Tonight Show host Jay Leno will emcee the May 22 Genesis Prize Ceremony at the Jerusalem Theater in Israel where former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg will be honored as the inaugural Genesis Prize laureate, The Algemeiner has learned.
“Jay Leno is a comedic icon who has entertained millions of people around the world for over 20 years. What many don’t know, however, is that he is also a great friend to Israel,” said Stan Polovets, chairman of the Board of the Genesis Prize Foundation. ”We are delighted that he will join us and hundreds of global influencers in celebrating the achievements of the inaugural Genesis Prize laureate Michael Bloomberg.”
Over 400 international dignitaries – including Nobel laureates, leading philanthropists and global business leaders – will be in attendance at the event. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present Bloomberg with the first $1 million Genesis Prize, which is endowed by the Genesis Philanthropy Group and will be awarded annually in partnership with the Prime Minister’s Office and the Jewish Agency for Israel. Grammy award-winning pianist, and new Israeli citizen, Evgeny Kissin will be the featured musical performer at the ceremony.
“It is a great honor to be invited to host this prestigious event,” said Leno, who is not Jewish. “I am very excited, this will be my first visit to Israel and I can’t wait to be a part of the Genesis Prize ceremony.”
I have a feeling Bibi is going to enjoy having Leno as MC.
Update: I wonder if Jay will be catching up with Bar while he’s here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFWw8I4KAoc
