In her role as Padme Amidala in the Star Wars prequels, Natalie Portman vigorously defends the people of Naboo. But not even someone as strong as Darth Maul (Dark Lord of the Sith) can stand up to Natalie when she's defending Israel's honor. In fact, as a student at Harvard University in 2002, Natalie challenged anti-Israel statements in the student newspaper that accused Israel of racism. She wrote a letter to the newspaper, saying, "Outrageous and untrue finger-pointing is a childish tactic that disregards the responsibility of all parties involved." Born in Jerusalem, Natalie feels deeply connected to Israel. "I really love the States," she has said, "but my heart is in Jerusalem. That's where I feel at home."
 

The star of the newly-released Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium was not easy to reach, but she made time to chat with BABAGANEWZ. Her words, taken from past articles and our own exclusive interview, describe the magical force that connects her with Israel.

BABA: You play Molly Mahoney in Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. What's she like?

NATALIE: She's like a kid. She really believes in magic, but she's afraid of responsibility and being an adult. I was able to relate to her in many ways. I really understood her feelings of fear about starting to take responsibility in life.

BABA: You were born in Israel. Are you proud to have that connection?

NATALIE: Yes, I am. I love Israel, and I love going. I visit there a few times a year. I especially love the food. Everything is grown right there, so the food is tasty and fresh. And I'm vegetarian, so I really appreciate that.

BABA: Why do you think it's important to speak out on behalf of Israel?

NATALIE: As someone who was born in Israel, you're put in a position of defending Israel because you know how much is at stake. It's become a much bigger part of my identity in recent years because it's become an issue of survival.

BABA: How do you maintain a connection with Israel when you live in the United States?

NATALIE: I read the newspapers and talk to my Israeli friends on the phone. There are also a few programs there that I support. One is Hanoar Haoved Vehalomed, a Zionist youth movement. They do volunteer work in Arab and Jewish schools and neighborhoods. They ran camps for kids in the north during the Hezbollah-Israel War last summer, and they have a boarding school for troubled kids. They do a lot of community improvement.

BABA:What would you like kids to know about Israel?

NATALIE: There's a lot of diversity in Israel, which people don't always realize. You might think that Israel is filled only with religious people, but when you arrive you see that there are also lots of secular people. There are Ethiopian, Russian, and Sephardic Jews, and Christian and Muslim Arabs. There are lots of different types of people there, and that's one aspect which makes Israel so beautiful and interesting.

BABA: What is your favorite Jewish holiday?

NATALIE: Tu B'Shevat, because I think it's very important to appreciate nature.

BABA: Thanks, Natalie, and see you at the movies!

Israeli-born Natalie Portman loves visiting her country of birth and does so a few times a year. On speaking out for Israel, she says, "As someone who was born [there], you're put in a position of defending Israel because you know how much is at stake." One thing she wishes is for more people to realize how diverse Israel is. She says, "You might think that Israel is filled only with religious people, but when you arrive you see that there are also lots of secular people. There are Ethiopian, Russian, and Sephardic Jews, and Christian and Muslim Arabs...That's one aspect which makes Israel so beautiful and interesting." Enjoy these facts about Natalie!

• While researching her starring role in the flick Free Zone, Natalie spent time steeping herself in her native country's history and culture. She did this not only as research but also to explore her own heritage: Natalie studied at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, finished a novel by David Grossman and worked her way through Yitzhak Rabin's memoirs.
• While everything in Israel is political, Natalie says, Free Zone is not explicitly so. She speaks passionately about the conflict, but for her, "living in Israel is really beautiful. One of the most shocking things is how peaceful it feels."
• Natalie was a straight-A student in high school.
• Natalie once told a Swedish newspaper, "Well... I'm more spiritual than religious. I believe there is a power and the instinct and intuition that runs our life. I think one should be like a Jedi and follow one's instinct."
• From 1999, on her role as Amidala, ruler of Naboo in the Star Wars series: " I think that Anakin and Amidala are these two great kids, leaders, for people to look up to, and especially for girls. I think it's really important, a young woman leader who's really smart and determined and in control."

Natalie On:

Her Jewish upbringing: “We weren’t very observant, but I went to a Jewish day school until I was 13.”
Her role as Padmé Amidala in Star Wars: “I feel really lucky to be included in something that’s such a large par t of our culture.”
Her favorite Israeli music: “Efrat Gosh is really good.”
Her favorite scene in Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium: “There was one point when Jason Bateman and I got to dance on bubble wrap. That was really fun.”
Her favorite scene in Star Wars: “It was fun to ride the animals that looked like camels.”
Her favorite places to visit in Israel: Jerusalem and the Jezreel Valley