“Tolerance” Round Table

On December 17, 2006 “Tkuma” All-Ukrainian Center for Holocaust Studies jointly with Dnipropetrovsk Jewish Community Center has conducted press conference with mass media, including journalists, poets, scholars and etc. In the frames of the meeting the problems of tolerance in Ukrainian society have been discussed.

The Conference participants were united by discussing international & interconfessional relations of Christians, Jews and people of other religions in Ukrainian society. The meeting has been marked by the issue of introducing the “Ethics of Faith” course in the curriculum of educational institutions.

Nowadays the Tolerance issues are relevant and popular to debate on. Thus, Tkuma Center has initiated the conduction of “Tolerance” Round Table for people of different nationalities, religions and attitudes to express their convictions as to the tolerance issues. The conference has begun with the clarifying of the “tolerance” meaning. The “Tolerance” has been defined as the indulgence to other people views, beliefs and behavior, as well as the lenience to somebody or something, that is developed in relations of people from various social strata and representatives of different nations.

After lively and spirited discussion the Tkuma Conference participants came to the conclusion that the “Tolerance” notion can be comprehended in the variety of ways.

According to Leonid Arist, to define the “tolerance” meaning there should be two conditions - self-criticism and justice. The quotation of German philosopher Albert Schweitzer – “don’t criticize others – criticize yourself” has proved up the speaker’s idea of tolerance.

As to Emily Weiss, the “tolerance” means to wish others things that you want to be wished

Mr. Sokolov insists on the point that tolerant writer is someone who creates not only about motherland.

Svetlana Gerus has emphasized that “triumph of tolerance is to remember everyone and to be aware of everyone”. That is the idea of the “Names” project, conducted by “Yad Vashem”. The Project targeted to collect and systemize the information about Jews exterminated during Holocaust. “Tolerance is the indulgence to other people attitudes. I’m worrying about those people who are totally neglecting the consequences of the WWII events.”

Nina Vdovichenko has also shared her thoughts regarding the “tolerance” issues “Among my relatives there are many representatives from different nations. Thus, other people culture and mentality provoke my sparkle interest. Always remember the simple truth – accept and love the person as he was created by God”.

As to Michael Murashkin consideration, the highest level of tolerance should be introduced in religion and faith issues.

Valentina Trahtman comprehends “tolerance” in the following way: “No matter what nationality a man is, the more essential thing is his inner world. But nowadays situation as to “tolerance” issues provoke my dissatisfaction.”

The “Tolerance” Round Table meeting has been summarized by the splendid and essential advice “let’s be tolerant to each other”.

Artem Eremenko,

“Vestnik Tkuma” literary editor