Must we be put to shame by much smaller and poorer countries, by Ireland, France, Austria or Sweden, who have understood that a nation's support of its arts is a matter of both national pride and cultural survival?

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

All too often arrogance accompanies strength, and we must never assume that justice is on the side of the strong. The use of power must always be accompanied by moral choice.

If I have one vanity wish, it would be to direct. It's the only thing I haven't done yet that I would like to.

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

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

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.