Linking past and future

Letters

Editor: Earlier this month, I had what can only be described as the immense privilege of attending a ceremony at the home of the Swedish ambassador in Ottawa. At that time, two strong individuals – Dr. Vera Parnes, founder and president of the Raoul Wallenberg International Movement for Humanity (RWIMH), and Vera Gara, representative of RWIMH in Ottawa, were appointed as Members First Class to the Royal Order of the Polar Star, a high honor bestowed by the His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.

In choosing to honor these women, the king of Sweden is recognizing the work of RWIMH. His majesty is implying that the work of this organization is imperative and timely. What this really means is that contemplating, striving and sharing humanistic principles is an effective and formidable means of combating hatred and collective madness.

RWIMH engages in active and responsible remembrance. Because of their efforts, conferences have been organized, a bulletin has been published, Raoul Wallenberg Day has been declared in Canada and Wallenberg has become an honorary citizen of Budapest. These are only a few of their projects. In addition, a humanistic education curriculum is in its planning stages. It has already been completed for some grades and implemented in some schools. This program sets Wallenberg as a role model and tries to encourage students to respond heroically to their own times.

RWIMH demonstrates a reverence of the past that is linked through its members to the possibilities inherent in the future. The event in Ottawa celebrated its many achievements. However, it was clear in the remarks of the recipients that there is much yet to be done and that the work in itself has always been their primary reward.

I was very touched to be present at this ceremony. It heightened my already high regard for Sweden and any country that holds aloft such a model human being as Wallenberg, and celebrates those whose lives have been shaped and informed by his.

Rebecca Clare Dolgoy
Montreal, Que.

^TOP