Shakira, 34, was born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll in Colombia. She is of Lebanese heritage.
Shakira, whose hits include "Hips Don't Lie," "Whenever, Wherever," and "Waka, Waka," has established a number of charitable foundations dedicated toward advancing education.
She began her comments alongside Israeli President Shimon Peres with a single "shalom" -- Hebrew for hello and peace.