The seminar on „Promoting tolerance“ concluded

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Zagreb, November 4, 2015 – We bring you the first impressions of Jug Puljizević, associate in the Central Office of HNS and member of Presidency of Zagrebačka County Organization of HNS, who participated in the seminar „Promoting tolerance„ as a representative of the Political Academy of HNS. Seminar was held from 11th to 21st of October 2015. Read about the exciting visit to America from our Jug.

It all began in March, with an online seminar, and continued in June in Belgrade where participants finally met in person before going away together on a study visit to the United States in October. Fifteen participants from Central and Eastern Europe (from Croatia to Russia and back) flew to Washington DC on October 11 and began this wonderful adventure. We had a busy schedule to keep which left us little free time, but we made the most of it by hanging out, exchanging experiences and thinking of new ideas.

The programme started with a visit to the office of the American Jewish Committee in Washington, where we met with leading representative of AJC who introduced us to their work on promoting Jewish interests and combating antisemitism, advocating tolerance, human rights, multiculturalism and cooperation of different religions and ethnic groups.
We visited the Capitol Hill, where we met with experts from the congressional committee called the Anti-Semitism Task Force. The participants were interested in hearing about their opinion on Europe and cooperation with other countries. We then had several meetings with members of Congress before concluding the day with a dinner at the family home of members of AJC. Next day was reserved for a visit to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum which was one of the most impressive museums I have ever visited. The whole history of holocaust was presented in intricate detail as well as supported by tragic testimonies of survivors. The museum served as a warning that we must do everything to not forget the holocaust and what happened from 1939 to 1945 before the eyes of the world.

I remember the words of Primo Levi, an Auschwitz survivor: „It happened, therefore it can happen again - this is the core of what we have to say. It can happen, and it can happen everywhere"

We concluded our Washington visit with a talk with the members of the Helsinki Commission and a dinner that was organized by the German liberal foundation Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom with which HNS's Political Academy closely cooperates.
Next day, we took a train for a nice morning journey to New York, and experienced the rush hour of the Big Apple. New York is, really, a world to itself. We visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum which was very emotional and touching. Despite the large number of tourist crowding the Ground Zero, the place retained the atmosphere of deep respect, with the Museum honouring those who died here as well as the heroes who sacrificed their lives to help the survivors.

I took advantage of the free afternoon to go to an NBA game in Brooklyn as well as for a night walk through Times Square. Thursday began with a visit to Sesame Street, the home of Big Bird, Elmo and other kids' favourite TV characters. We had a workshop on the topic of accepting differences and education of children through TV shows. It was a very inspiring place full of motivated and happy people who were truly dedicated to their work and the message they bring.

After a tour to the Central Synagogue, we had several meetings with leading representatives of AJC, which is headquartered in New York.

We spent a weekend separated in two groups, with mine visiting Cincinnati and the other one staying in Atlanta. The weekend was special as we spent it with the members of AJC and their families, meeting their communities and cities. On Friday, we were in the synagogue for Shabbat and we were guest at the dinner hosted by members of AJC. We spent the Saturday walking. Literally. We walked all over the centre of Cincinnati and had a great time in an amazing park, walked along the banks of the river watching the steamships go by and crossed the river to arrive in Kentucky where we enjoyed a lunch in the company of our hosts. We also visited the Taft Brewery, had a couple of beers and watched the musical Pippin that won the Tony award in 2013. We ended the day with an ice cream with huge chunks of chocolate.

I am not going too far when I say that I fell in love with Cincinnati and with our dear, friendly and committed hosts. I felt like home. I will certainly come back to Cincy and I will carry with me the dearest memories of the city and its inhabitants.

The last destination of our study visit was Los Angeles. From the chilly 3 degrees of Cincinnati we came to the average 30 in LA. Long pants and long sleeved shirts were a rarity in the city, and flip-flops a must have. Our hosts from AJC LA prepared welcome drinks and a dinner with their organization's most distinguished members.

Day after, we visited the city hall and talked to councillor Bob Blumenfield, we also visited the LGBT centre, the office of AJC, the Museum of Tolerance and the Skirball Cultural Centre dedicated to Jewish history and culture. Our hosts allowed us some free time in Hollywood before attending the AJC Corwin Dinner in the honour of Jeff Shell, director of Universal Studios. This was a real red carpet event where we experienced first-hand the glamour of a „fundraising dinner".

Promoting tolerance 2015 was an incredible experience! I met wonderful people and gained amazing friends amongst the participants and our hosts from the AJC. We already discussed possibilities for further cooperation in the coming months.

In the end, I thank the Friedrich Naumann Foundation and the AJC, while I reserve the biggest thanks for the Political Academy of HNS which enabled me to take this amazing study visit that enriched me personally and professionally.

Jug Puljizević