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

But, when I toil in the field of Jewish culture which I frequently do, I am indeed a Jewish artist.

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

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.

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 am determined to give the Yiddish language a fighting chance to survive.

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