Juliano Mer Khamis (Opening Speaker, Discussion Moderator) Palestinian, Israeli; Jew, Arab; communist, materialist; actor/director, political activist:  all of these labels can be applied to Juliano Mer Khamis, but none is completely accu­rate. He is a hybrid who rejects definition. Born in Israel to an Arab father and a Jewish mother, Juliano Mer Khamis is an actor, director, and political activist with a controversial reputation.  He has acted in Hollywood movies and many well-known Israeli dramas, portraying both Arab and Jewish/Israeli characters, and performed in many plays. Most recently, he directed the documentary film Arna's Children, about The Freedom Theatre, the children's theatre founded in Jenin by his late mother.  He currently serves as its Cultural Director.