Israel Quotes by Theodore Bikel

12 Israel quotes by Theodore Bikel

Theodore Bikel, whose career spanned music and acting, shares twelve reflections on Israel that echo his artistic sensibility. These brief lines capture the emotional resonance he feels toward the land, offering a melodic glimpse into his thoughts.

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I remain convinced that I can be a true universalist only when I am a better Jew.

Theodore Bikel

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I am not, and have never been, in favor of boycotting Israel.

Theodore Bikel

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In my mind the city of Ariel is a thorn in Israel's side and a serious obstacle to peace.

Theodore Bikel

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

Theodore Bikel

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I make no claim that Jewish culture is superior to other cultures or that the Jewish song is better than the song…

Theodore Bikel

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

Theodore Bikel

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What moves me is neither ethnocentric pride nor sectarian arrogance. I make no claim that Jewish culture is superior to other cultures.…

Theodore Bikel

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While we all could agree that the Zionist ideal is alive and well, there is serious doubt whether the Zionist movement can…

Theodore Bikel

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One might have thought the world would stop ascribing moral equivalence between acts of terrorism and acts of punishing terrorism. It has…

Theodore Bikel

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

Theodore Bikel

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But there is a difference here: When Jewish children are murdered, Arabs celebrate the deed. The death of an Arab child is…

Theodore Bikel

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I refuse to do shows that are narrowly constructed, that appeal to only one sentiment. I do a lot of Jewish material…

Theodore Bikel

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All too often arrogance accompanies strength, and we must never assume that justice is on the side of the strong. The use of power…

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Although I am deeply grateful to a great many people, I forgo the temptation of naming them for fear that I might slight any…

Theodore Bikel

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

Theodore Bikel

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

Theodore Bikel

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On the stage you're there, it's live. There's a beginning, a middle, an end. When something is funny you hear it right away.

Theodore Bikel

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I tried for a while to be an agricultural worker and was hopelessly bored. To me it was meaningless. I would stand around in…

Theodore Bikel

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You always draw on your experiences with live audiences to know how to do comedy on films. You're working for a laugh that may…

Theodore Bikel

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Every actor wants to direct.

Theodore Bikel

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

Theodore Bikel

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Despite a large body of work in films, TV, theatre and concerts, I am viewed by many as a Jewish artist. I do not…

Theodore Bikel

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

Theodore Bikel

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I prefer to choose which traditions to keep and which to let go.

Theodore Bikel

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

Theodore Bikel

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'Retiring' - within that word is 'tiring,' and I'm not tired. I don't believe in retirement, really.

Theodore Bikel

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It's a sad thing to contemplate, but I'm the last surviving cast member of 'The African Queen.'

Theodore Bikel

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