I am first, and foremost, an actor. That's what I am. To me, a song is a mini-drama. My musical ability informs the actor as well because it gives me a sense of timing that non-musicians don't have. So, one hand washes the other.

The play is always fresh to me. It's not the audience's fault that I've said the words before.

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.

When something is moving you get that intake of breath and that stillness from the audience.

I have always striven to raise the voice of hope for a world where hate gives way to respect and oppression to liberation.

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

But there is a difference here: When Jewish children are murdered, Arabs celebrate the deed. The death of an Arab child is no cause for celebration in Israel.