Israeli-American violinist Itzhak Perlman will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from US President Barack Obama. Actor Barbra Streisand, director Steven Spielberg, and 14 others will also receive the award.
"I look forward to presenting these 17 distinguished Americans with our nation’s highest civilian honor," said President Obama. "From public servants who helped us meet defining challenges of our time to artists who expanded our imaginations, from leaders who have made our union more perfect to athletes who have inspired millions of fans, these men and women have enriched our lives and helped define our shared experience as Americans."