We live in a world of guns, bombs and terror. To conquer hate seems a nigh-impossible task.

No doubt unity is something to be desired, to be striven for, but it cannot be willed into being by mere declarations.

Throughout my life I have cared as deeply about the songs of all peoples as I have about the rights of all peoples.

I don't speak out because I am an actor nor will I keep silent because I am an actor. I respect my profession, but it endows me with no special privileges; but it also does not limit me or muzzle me. I am a person and a citizen with the attendant responsibilities of voice and vote.

Despite a large body of work in films, TV, theatre and concerts, I am viewed by many as a Jewish artist. I do not resent the label, except for the fact that I disapprove of labels in general.

I tried for a while to be an agricultural worker and was hopelessly bored. To me it was meaningless. I would stand around in heaps of manure and sings about the beauty of the work I wasn't doing.

I am a universalist, passionately devoted to the cause of equality within the human family.