Mariah Carey and Billionaire Boyfriend Arrive in Israel
Image by Getty Images
American diva Mariah Carey and her new boyfriend, Australian billionaire James Packer, are in Israel for a “pre-engagement spiritual meeting,” the TMZ website reported.
TMZ said that the couple will meet with an Israeli “spiritual leader” who Packer knows well. The name of the spiritual leader was not revealed.
Packer reportedly insisted on holding the meeting before asking Carey to marry him. The couple will also be visiting Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and the Dead Sea.
Carey and Packer, who have known each other for several months, have been on a Mediterranean cruise recently on Packer’s 88-meter yacht. They were photographed walking hand-in-hand in Capri, Italy, and also visited Cannes and Antibes in France.
Packer is the fourth richest person in Australia, with an estimated fortune of over $35 billion.
His business partner, Hollywood producer Brett Ratner, told a Jewish audience in Los Angeles in April that Packer had purchased a house next door to the Caesarea home of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and had recently become an Israeli citizen.
Packer’s office denied the claim. There is no doubt, however, that Packer is expanding his business interests in Israel.
“The trip has strongly reinforced my view of the investment opportunities and incredible tech ecosystem in Israel,” he told The Australian newspaper from Tel Aviv earlier this month, while visiting the country with a delegation of Australian businesspeople.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
