Pal-Think for Strategic Studies held the third radio episode on Monday, March 5, 2018, entitled “Tolerance that promotes nonviolence culture” on Radio Alwan in the Gaza Strip. This episode is a part of “The Benefits of Non-Violence as a Culture and Instrument for Conflict Resolution” project, funded by International. Interestingly, this is the third of a series of 10 episodes to be held based on one of Pal-Think’s missions which are spreading nonviolence culture and its emphasis that nonviolence is a peaceful way of life that basically leads towards development and desired changes. We deeply believe such a thriving culture would make a favorable difference.

The episode aimed at aimed at highlighting the most related topic of nonviolence culture, tolerance. It was attended by Mr. Mahmoud Assaf Al-Dremli, a lecturer at Palestine University and many project participants and society activists: Maram Abu Harbeed, Fatima Awwad, Mohammed Lubbad and Osama Al-Kahlout.

Mr. Mahmoud started by praising Pal-Think’s considerable role in strengthening and instilling nonviolence culture as well as empowering youth’s role in their society. He then spoke about tolerance and its true definition; he expressed how the tolerant person is the last winner of most differences. He added that tolerance is interposed by respect, cultural diversity, and acceptance of the other. It should be used as a strategy of consensus between political parties and youth groups, whatever their ideology. He concluded by emphasizing that in order to reach the truth, everyone should accept and respect other’s points of view and recognized their mistakes and shortcomings.

The other guest speakers breathed their points of view out. Maram stated that acceptance of the other is extremely necessary in our life for it means getting out of the circle of misunderstanding to the circle of discussion and trying to understand others. It is necessary to create a harmonious, societal environment. Osama said that tolerance and forgiveness don’t mean weakness, the stereotype image of tolerance; instead, they reflect the power and fully understanding of our rights and duties. N a phone call, Fatima Awwad defines tolerance as giving and in any relationship, this power of giving is what unites and strengthens it. In another phone call, Mohammed Lubbad spoke about his “Palestine is singing” initiative, one of “The Benefits of Non-Violence as a Culture and Instrument for Conflict Resolution” project’s initiatives, that focuses on the role of music as a tool to promote tolerance and nonviolence culture, generally.       

To listen to the episode, click here