Today, it is indeed our tolerance which is preserving peace in the Middle East in spite of all provocation. We believe that tolerance aimed at avoiding disasters is not a sign of weakness but rather of strength, confidence and maturity. Tolerance is a two way street. It has to be exercised by all parties in a relationship. No one should demand that others view with tolerance what they are, racially or culturally, while refusing to reciprocate with equal tolerance.
Tolerance is also indivisible.
It is not tolerance if it is expressed only towards those whom we like, or those whom we fear and need to honor, or only those with whom we have shared interests. The concept of tolerance is, furthermore, totally incompatible with that of cultural supremacy. Tolerance means respect and acceptance of differences, and an ability to understand and even enjoy the diversity that characterizes mankind's rich cultural heritage. For humanity's strength lies in its biological and genetic diversity as well as in its cultural diversity. The domination of one or a few cultures would, no doubt, stifle human creativity and prevent the human race from benefiting fully from the cultural experiences and contributions of the many peoples who make up our world.