"We are joining the Worldwide Tolerance Network, which operates under the auspices of the European Parliament. Unique in itself, Wroclaw is the eighth city in the world to unveil such a monument," said the Centre's Director Robert Sitarek during yesterday's ceremony (17 November).
The Tolerance Monument (Stele der Toleranz) is a soaring, six-metre tall, steel column filled with glass. The column, which is now the symbol of the Tolerance Network, serves as an inspiration for dialogue on tolerance and its boundaries. The abstract term gained a visible and tangible shape and form. Despite their austere look, the columns catch the viewer's eye and are thought provoking. They also serve as an encouragement to tolerance.
"Tolerance has taken a whole new meaning after recent events in Paris. The process of fighting barriers, in the spirit of the peace, has a further outreach than just championing the cause of disabled people. The monument is also an obligation to say no to xenophobia and violence. We need these places now more than ever," said Bartłomiej Skrzyński.
The Tolerance Network project was launched in Wiesbaden, Germany, on an encouragement from the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance, which was announced and signed by UNESCO members on 16 November 1995.
"The network serves as a testimony to those who are ready to embrace tolerance and brings together places and people who are willing to champion the tolerance cause," says Martin Hartmann, a native of Wiesbaden, an artist and the Tolerance Monument initiator.
The ceremony was attended by the Wiesbaden Mayor representatives, Head of the Foreign Cooperation Bureau at the Wroclaw City Office Jan Wais, Head of the Wroclaw Welfare Centre Anna Józefiak-Materna and the guests and students of the Martin Luther Evangelical Centre for Deaconry and Education. Wroclaw is the first city in Poland to unveil the Tolerance Monument.
