For I firmly believe that Jewish life, indeed any communal life, can only be organized according to democratic principles.

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

I am filled with awe that filmmakers have the capacity to stir us and give us back a sense of wonder.

I am a Zionist, an ardent supporter of Israel, its defender when I deem Israel to be right and its critic when I deem it to be wrong.

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.

No heirloom of humankind captures the past as do art and language.

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