``We have to get to know each other better...it makes us understand one another better, trust each other more, and live together more peacefully.``
This is the motto of the “United Buddy Bears - The Art of Tolerance“ exhibition representing as many countries as are members of the United Nations that is now on display at Jerusalem`s City Hall Plaza.
The bears are standing together peacefully, hand in hand, to represent understanding among different nations and cultures.
Each Buddy Bear was designed by an artist for his or her native country. Because of the mixed designs of these Buddy Bears, the visitors experience a journey around the world while emerging into the different cultures and traditions, the UN website says. The message of standing together hand in hand promotes tolerance and
better international understanding.
Four continents
Since 2002, the “United Buddy Bears“ have been presented in as many as 11 exhibitions on four continents, including Berlin, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Tokyo, Seoul, Sydney, Vienna and Cairo.
This summer the Buddy Bears are in Jerusalem at Safra Square in the City Hall complex, where they are being seen by hundreds every day. They will continue their world tour to Addis-Ababa, Beijing, and Buenos-Aires further on.
I liked the United States buddy bear (decked out like the Statue of Liberty) and the Georgian one. Most people especially like the Cuban buddy bear with a big cigar sticking out of his mouth, and, of course, the Israeli one.
On the day I visited, I saw people from different countries standing next to their native country`s buddy bear and taking pictures with them.
The exhibition will be open to the public, free of charge, at Safra Square through August 28.