JERUSALEM (JTA) — Singer and dancer Paula Abdul met in Jerusalem with Israeli President Shimon Peres.

Abdul, former “American Idol” and “X Factor” judge, met Peres Tuesday at the start of a ten-day visit to Israel. She is scheduled to tour sites including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and northern Israel and learn more about Israeli society, fashion, dance, theater and music.

“I’m so overwhelmed with gratitude to be here, I’ve wanted to come for years. My career took me many places and this is my first vacation in almost eight years that I’m actually here to sightsee like a regular tourist. My family was here and they were crying, overwhelmed with joy that I’m here,” Abdul told Peres, his office said in a statement.

“I am sure that wherever you go you will feel the warmth and love of the people of Israel, you will feel at home here,” Peres told Abdul.

She responded: “Everyone told me you’re so sababa and it’s true.” Sababa is an Israeli expression equivalent to awesome.
Abdul reportedly will have a bat mitzvah at the Western Wall during her trip.