“We can call [my relationship with Israel] a love affair,” she said.
By ISABEL FEINSTEIN, KAYLA STEINBERGUpdated: JUNE 27, 2017 16:31Mariah Carey(photo credit: REUTERS)
Touting her new beauty line in Israel, legendary vocalist Mariah Carey said she can’t get enough of the country.“We can call [my relationship with Israel] a love affair,” she said at a press conference Monday at the Royal Beach Hotel in Tel Aviv promoting her new line of Premier Dead Sea mineral products, Mariah Carey for Premier. “I’m just so happy to be back in the Holy Land. It’s beautiful here.”Carey has visited Israel several times in recent years, and says she's a big fan of the country and its people.“In a past trip to Israel, Carey dined with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.When questioned about the incident, Carey brushed it off. “What, I can’t eat now?” she asked jokingly.Carey said she prefers to abstain from involving herself in the political controversies of the region, and dismissed the widespread criticism of Israeli products.“I don’t think it’s my place to act like a political figure,” she said, drawing applause. “We love everybody.”“I really mean it…,” continued Carey, who has ignored the negative publicity that has stemmed from her connection to the Jewish state. “I don’t care what people say about political things that don’t pertain to my life.”Loving everyone is important to Carey, who repeated this mantra several times throughout the event.“We’ll burn hatred,” she declared.The multiple award winning singer spoke highly of the Premier Dead Sea brand, reflecting on the holistic benefits of her product line, such as protecting skin from sun damage. She called the ingredients “very impressive and very important… there’s actually minerals from the Dead Sea.”Proper skincare is vital to Carey’s daily routine, and she stresses its importance.“I really like that [the Premier Dead Sea line is] really clean,” said Carey. “[There’s no] use of harsh chemicals.”She added that “the benefits are endless,” which is why she chose to represent the Premier Dead Sea line above all others.The Dead Sea itself is a special place to Carey. She said she is looking forward to visiting for the first time this week with her six-year-old twins, Moroccan and Monroe. “[There’s] so many things I can’t wait to do [in Israel],” she said.As for her personal career, Carey revealed that she is furthering her music.“I’ve just gotten back into the studio and I’m working on some new material… songwriting is where I’m at my happiest.”She also said that she is working on some other endeavors, including an animated project. However, she said she will not be joining the cast of the revived American Idol.But for now, Carey said she is content with exploring Israel and promoting her new line of skincare products, all while enjoying the Holy Land.