Promoting tolerance through historical memory A discussion with the founders of the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia, Mexico

ABSTRACT

Museums are platforms that empower us to bring civilization to a higher level; they exist to expand our understanding of human history and preserve the heritage. At the turn of the century, two young Mexican women, Sharon Zaga and Mily Cohen, had the unbelievable dream of building a museum of memory and tolerance in Mexico City. This discussion paper explores how the exhibitions of human intolerance at Museo Memoria y Tolerancia in Mexico City can change societal attitudes toward tolerance and historical memory. As a result, this place became not just a museum, but a place going beyond the idea of a museum and art, telling its visitors about the importance of historical memory, showcasing genocides, and ultimately touching on the importance of tolerance.

KEYWORDS:

• Historical memory
• holocaust
• tolerance
• humanity
• contemporary art

Introduction

For hundreds of years, writers, scientists, and travellers all over the world have studied historical and artistic heritage collected in museums. Many of these visitors have gone to great lengths to explain why museums and their collections are attractive and so valuable.^1,2 Museums are platforms that empower humanity to bring civilization to a higher level; they exist to expand our understanding of human history and preserve our heritage. In museums we learn about the past, see the present, and foresee the future. In a broad sense, they serve bridges between countries, people, and their traditions. By bringing together objects from all over the world and from different periods of history, they allow us to explore what divides and unites mankind.

Museology and art history, like any intellectual endeavour, are in a constant state of progress and transformation, public collections are always being changed and updated. As a result, the role of the contemporary museum has shifted from a source of information to an institution characterized by an openness to popular culture.^1,2 Museums are enhancing visitors’ experiences by experimenting with new inclusive storytelling, moving from carefully chosen language to a more familiar and contemporary tone of voice (i.e., The Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles or Museo Memoria y Tolerancia in Mexico). This new approach to museology is introducing a new philosophy of how museums function and changing the relationship between museums and communities.^3,4

At the turn of the century, two young Mexican women, Sharon Zaga and Mily Cohen, had the unbelievable dream of building a museum of memory and tolerance in Mexico City. As result, this place became not just a museum, but a place going beyond the idea of a museum and art, telling its visitors about the importance of historical memory, showcasing genocides, and ultimately touching on the importance of tolerance. These young ladies worked tirelessly to actualize their dreams. What they have done is nothing short of impressive; they have not only managed to make a dream come true, they have transcended and surpassed it.

In 2010, the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia (the Memory and Tolerance Museum) was opened in Mexico City to display a collection of unique exhibits of incomparable diversity. It was one of the first institutions to embody the modern idea of museology – that is, a systematically organized exhibition space intended for all members of the public from all different walks of life. The museum has become a place where visitors will shape their historical memory. The museum is located in the heart of Mexico City, next to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the cathedral. The exhibitions are magnificent yet sensitive, empowering, allowing to talk without overwhelming. Memoria y Tolerancia moves from the Holocaust to other genocides, telling the story of Armenians during World War I, Cambodians in the late 1970s, Rwandans in 1994, the former Yugoslavia in 1995, the genocide in Guatemala in the 1980s, and the genocide in Darfur.⁵ With an outstanding team and associates, the creators, while remaining true to the Museum's name, dared to creatively and boldly voice the problem of tolerance, inviting the global community to become part of their vision.

The Memory and Tolerance Museum is a result of the commitment and pledge of Sharon Zaga (President) and Mily Cohen (Vice-President) to create a museum for the global community. Their goal in founding the museum was to cultivate responsibility, respect, and compassion. It is a place for individuals who want to study, reflect, and analyze the contemporary world, humanity, and human values. Mexico has thus opened up to the world, attracting people who are seeking to discover new ideas about tolerance.

Over time, Zaga and Cohen decided to concentrate on three central philosophies, which are often promoted in the seminars, exhibitions, and educational programmes held at the Memory and Tolerance Museum: “No one is going to be tortured”, “No one is going to be persecuted”, and “No one is going to be exiled.” In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the Museum has initiated and launched over 70 temporary exhibitions and hosted over four million visitors in the decade since it opened. Its exhibitions and projects make inequality and discrimination visible and reveal the hidden impulses that give rise to discrimination against specific populations.

A tour of the Museum allows visitors to focus on the memories of the most terrible crimes committed by humanity on the basis of national origin, race, religious, and ethnic intolerance. The focus of the Museum is to understand cultural diversity and the work required to eliminate hatred and genocide. When something is apparent to people, they see it more clearly, and it helps them to question their reactions.⁵ These feelings can serve to create a world of tolerance and harmonious co-existence. This discussion paper explores how the exhibitions of human intolerance at Museo Memoria y Tolerancia in Mexico City can change societal attitudes toward tolerance and historical memory.

Discussion with President Sharon Zaga

When and how did the idea of creating the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia develop? What was your vision?

When I discovered at the age of twelve that I am descended from a Holocaust survivor, my world changed. My mother called my great-aunt – “mother.” I became curious why and I asked her. She told me the story of my ancestors. Learning about my family's experiences had a significant impact on my life, and at the age of 16, I decided to visit Poland and participate in the March of the Living.⁶ Fuelled by my curiosity, I travelled all over Poland and even visited the concentration camps, which the locals called “the factories of death.”

My interest in the Holocaust and its aftereffects became a passion for me, and I wanted to know everything about that terrible time in the lives of so many people. In Poland, I witnessed not only the power of human-made disruption and violence but also how people continue to live in such places, trying to forget all the atrocity they have seen.⁶ I began to ponder the question and kept asking myself: “What happens to people's memories of these years: do they pass with time, or are they something that diffuses and spreads?”

When I returned to Mexico, I had a clear vision to build a museum – not a historical museum, not a museum dedicated solely to the Holocaust, but a museum of tolerance and memory. I decided that this museum would not only help its visitors to remember, but would also examine the hateful history of this time and work towards peace and tolerance. This was the beginning of my mission to establish the Memory and Tolerance Museum. Interestingly, one of my college history teachers advised me to choose either “memory” or “tolerance” for the name of the museum. I disagreed: I wanted my museum to promote both values equally.

Over the past years, the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia has hosted more than four million visitors. What have been the most important indicators of the Museum's success? Can you discuss any challenges you encountered?

When I first began the creation of the Museum, I faced two main challenges; being young and female. They were the hardest obstacles to overcome. It was quite a challenge. I was searching for funding but knew that others just viewed me as a teenager with ambitious aspirations. Nevertheless, I proved that my beliefs were stronger than their prejudices and fears. I worked hard, and eventually I raised the funds to begin the construction of the Museum. My greatest challenge, however, was my goals for the Museum I had to be able to clearly communicate how I defined tolerance to ensure that the idea would be clearly understood.

Few people have a clear answer to this question – tolerance is difficult to define, and most people have their own understanding of the concept. Together with a small team of people who eventually became museum staff members, I visited several galleries dedicated to history, genocide, tolerance, and memories. Very few people we met wanted to talk about it, saying that they had tried to forget whatever they had seen in the museum. This was not helpful, because my goal was to create an exhibition that would communicate with people – one that would be a learning experience. I wanted to focus on empowering visitors to act and develop their own definitions of tolerance. Recalling those early days now, I would definitely say that my team reached this goal; we overcame all the challenges we faced.

Certainly, many of the four million people who have visited the Museum of Tolerance were impressed enough to begin making changes in their part of the world. Where do you think building a better life begins?

I believe in the power of small changes. By concentrating on and working to solve small problems, people learn how to achieve larger successes. The initial purpose of the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia was to raise the public awareness. My goal was not to educate the best doctors, the best lawyers, or the best teachers; rather, my vision was to plant some small seeds of consciousness. The exhibitions we develop for the Museum are not designed to be judgmental. I want every visitor to leave the Museum with an awareness of their power and an understanding of their own ability to make even small changes.

Mexico is a land of unique civilizations and architectural wonders, and it has inspired artistic expressions all over the world. Over the centuries, this country has become home to many seeking to escape terror, violence, and persecution for their ideas. How does the younger generation living in Mexico feel about the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia and its values?

Every time I see young people visit the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia, I see the passion and respect in their eyes and their desire to change the world. I am convinced that Mexico’s younger generations are capable of acting on the critical issues that need to be addressed because they have a mindset and tools that we lacked a couple of decades ago. However, I often feel that these young people are not sure how to create change. Some of them are afraid to take on the responsibility to make the world a better place. They need a leader. I have faith that someday their passion and respect will be ignited and their work will begin. Only then will we see positive results.

In 2018, Forbes México recognized you as one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Mexico. What are the benefits of being named an influential person? How can one use his or her position to make a change?

Although I do not like the word influencer, this so-called “weapon” has helped me connect with others who can force change. Many of them share my vision for the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia. When I reflect on my almost 20-years journey to establish the Museum, I know that my struggles were necessary to meet my goals and make the Museum an institution that works to ensure human rights.

In 2012, during the G20 in Los Cabos, Mexico, I was deeply impressed by the profound expression Bill Gates said: “Giving back to society.” Today, as an influencer, I have more of a chance to be heard and to use my voice to help in the struggle for freedom. I have more opportunities to meet with successful entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and individuals who are real changemakers working to make the world a better, more humane place.

Discussion with Vice-President Mily Cohen

What was your initial vision, and what goals did you set out to accomplish as a co-founder – and currently the Vice-President – of the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia? What inspired you to work on this project at such a young age?

Some moments change our lives forever. I have experienced two such life-changing moments. The first of these, which occurred when I was 12 years old, gave me my first insight into real life. We had just started our study of the Holocaust (Shoah), and this class gave me a vision of the world.⁷ I was shocked to learn what some human beings are capable of doing to others. The violence and oppression I read about was overwhelming. I spent a great deal of time learning as much as possible about the Holocaust and I gained a lot of insight. I also started reading about Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, and Mahatma Gandhi. I spent months trying to make sense of the behaviour of some human beings, and I was deeply affected. This knowledge would mark my life.

The second personal breakthrough in my life occurred in 1994, when I got married and gave birth to my first child. That was the year of the genocide in Rwanda, and I could not understand how something like this could happen after the terrible years of the Holocaust. I was shocked to realize that such atrocities were still taking place in the world. Part of me felt sad about bringing a baby into a world that was still capable of such evil. It was an emotional catharsis for me and a time of revelation. I promised my son that I would do something to improve the world I had brought him into.

Those days spurred my search for a purpose – an issue to become involved in that would give me an opportunity to make a difference. I spent three years searching for a programme where I could contribute. I looked into UNICEF, the Red Cross, and the United Nations, but nothing felt like a good fit until I found and joined the March of the Living. From there, I found my path – to the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia. My mission became clear: I would help build a museum that would present the history of the good and bad sides of human beings – one that would teach people to become a part of society and help solve the problems that affect people around the world. One that would actually make a difference.

The Museo Memoria y Tolerancia has showcased over 70 exhibitions encouraging and teaching the core values of humanity. These exhibits have included “Gandhi: The Path of Nonviolence,” “The Legacy of Mandela: Twenty Years of Freedom in South Africa,” and “Martin Luther King: A Dream of Equality.” How can contemporary leaders use the words such as “nonviolence,” “freedom,” and “equality” to benefit humanity?

When I look at the example of Nelson Mandela, I see a man who united South Africa. Mandela worked to run his country like Springboks, the South African national rugby team, with all the people included. He used a different method to unite his society. His goal was to unite black people and white people in order to liberate South Africa of divisions between people with different skin colours.

When considering modern political leaders, I often quote the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: “I really do not want my pictures in your offices, for the President is not an icon, an idol or a portrait. Hang your kids’ photos instead and look at them each time you are making a decision.” Today’s political leaders should work to unite people because divisiveness always results in failure. Although there are governments that lead by the principle of “divide and conquer,” I believe leadership should come from the heart, not from the brain.

What would you change if you were elected as a government official?

Education would be a priority for me. I would offer equal educational opportunities to everyone. The absence of education is one of the most significant issues around the world that creates divisions within societies. I am a realist, and I know that one person cannot give everyone the same opportunities, but I would work to ensure that every person has unrestricted access to as many educational opportunities as possible. However, for the record, politics is the last field I want to pursue as a career.

Reflecting on the genocide in Rwanda, in your opinion, what has created these divisions among one society?

“Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.” This statement by Voltaire is the best summation of what began the Rwandan genocide. In 1994, Hutu extremists slaughtered about 800,000 people in Rwanda. They targeted members of the Tutsi minority and their own political opponents. The Tutsi and the Hutu peoples had lived together for a long time; they had intermarriage and shared the same culture, religion, and traditions. The colonizers suddenly turned the traditional Hutu–Tutsi relationship into an alleged racial conflict. The colonial authorities and the media created a detailed campaign to segregate the two communities. The motto “divide and conquer” was able to convince the people who had been living for centuries in peace that they were enemies of each other, provoking Hutus to commit a genocide with their co-national Tutsis.

You witnessed some of the trials in Rwanda after the genocide. Can you please share your personal experiences of this time period? What does genocide teach, apart from well-known humanitarian values?

Nine years after the genocide, I spent a month in Rwanda working with survivors and the Director of the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Freddy Mutanguha, who is himself a survivor. We investigated and gathered testimonials for the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia. During this trip, I had the opportunity to observe a local trial known as a gacaca, “justice amongst the grass.” That day, I understood that forgiveness and reconciliation can only be achieved after justice is done. I met people who had reconstructed their society based on the idea of justice for everyone. Today, Rwanda is a united community, and no one is ever asked if they are Tutsi or Hutu. This is the outcome of education and teaching programmes designed to eliminate division and polarization from society.

Do you think humanity needs to systematically witness tragic and senseless events to learn a lesson?

No, I do not believe that is true. What I do believe is that human beings are capable of learning from heroes such as Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi. More often than not, these examples help people learn to live with love rather than hate. I also want to highlight another vision that I have for a new museum. There are dozens of museums focused on genocide, terrorism, torture, and war. These institutions teach us how to react in a crisis, but none of them focus on teaching us how to achieve something beautiful, such as love. Thus, one of the dreams that I have had for the past few years is to create such a museum – a museum of love. Looking ahead 10 years, my vision for the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia is to replicate it in other countries around the world. I am convinced that people need similar cultural institutions in countries such as France, Spain, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and many others.

Discussion with the Director of International Relations, Sonia Arakelian

Can you please describe your impression of the dream of President Sharon Zaga and Vice-President Mily Cohen?

Sharon and Mily shared a big dream of establishing a museum. Their story began when they attended the International March of the Living, a yearly educational programme that brings together individuals from around the world to study the history of the Holocaust and to examine the roots of prejudice, intolerance, and hatred. The girls were impressed by all they learned there, and when they returned to Mexico, they wanted to contribute to society. Their first idea was to write a small book, and during that time, the concept of the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia was born. However, they were too young, and the museum required considerable investment. They realized that at their young age, it was one thing to dream; it was far more challenging to make dreams come true.

When Sharon and Mily raised the first part of the money they needed, they decided to buy a small property where they planned to construct the Museum. In the early 2000s, the Mayor of Mexico City put the land up for sale for $2 million. Despite the price, these two young visionaries did not give up – they continued their search to fund their dream. Eventually, they met with Marcos Katz, a prominent entrepreneur in Mexico and Israel who has become one of the leaders of the Jewish community in Mexico. When Sharon shared her dream for the Museum, Marcos gave her half of the amount needed, and eventually they were able to buy the property. They worked hard to encourage many people from the Jewish community, international organizations, banks, and individuals to support the construction of the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia. Ultimately, they raised $30 million to establish the Museum. Sharon and Mily wanted the Museum not only to exhibit the history of the Holocaust but also to help others understand what to do with this knowledge. The Museum team was proactive and eager to involve people in making contributions to their communities, schools, and families. Their goal was, and remains, promoting global peace.

What brought you to the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia? Can you share why the Museum is so meaningful for you?

I believe that my journey to become part of the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia began when my grandfather died. He was a survivor of the Armenian genocide and, despite all his struggles, became an eminent leader of the Armenian community in Los Angeles. After his death, some of his colleagues expressed their hope that, as his grandchild, I would follow in his steps. At the time, I was married and living in Mexico, where there was no sizeable Armenian community.

Six years later, I received a phone call from Sharon, who told me about her vision for the Museum. She spoke about her desire to develop exhibitions to commemorate the Holocaust, the Rwandan genocide, and the Armenian genocide, to name just a few. At that moment, without any hesitation, I wanted to help her realize her vision. It allowed me to learn more about the Armenian genocide and other tragic events. Today, I am involved in many crucial humanitarian crisis – human rights, discrimination, etc. The Museum will always have an extraordinary place in my life and heart.

As the Director of International Relations at the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia, one of your main roles is to create and maintain relations with countries that have gone through many challenges. Can you discuss your position and how you plan to contribute to the development of the Museum?

The primary focus of my work is the field of public relations. I arrange meetings with governmental institutions and museums in countries scheduled to present exhibits at the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia. Much of my time is spent building new relationships with international fundraisers. I participate in global forums, where I work to make new contacts and bring new ideas to the international community. I was recently invited to a forum in New York City sponsored by Morgan Stanley. Representatives of some of the most influential foundations in the United States were present at this forum, so it was an incredible opportunity to represent the Museum and to connect with new partners.

I also want to highlight the enduring contributions of the USC Shoah Foundation, particularly the continuing support of Stephen D. Smith and the Armenian Film Foundation. Together with Carla Garapedian of the Shoah Foundation, they have been invaluable partners of the Museum. These collaborations and enduring connections have maintained the sustainable development of the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia in the international community.

The co-founder of the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia, Mily Cohen, defined the real meaning of tolerance: “Compassion without action is meaningless.” What is your reflection on this?

The first time I heard this quote was when His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America,⁸ made an official visit to the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia. During his visit, Mily gave a speech to commemorate the Armenian genocide. One of her comments was particularly striking: “Compassion without action is meaningless.” These words have become the guiding theme of the Museum.

His Eminence Hovnan Derderian, in his conversation with Mily Cohen said: “The society we all live in should avoid being privileged from one another to secure the bridge between followers of different religions, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue. Respect will foster tolerance.” Archbishop Hovnan Derderian impressed me deeply, referring to the statement made by Rabbi Schulweis: “We will not play the sorrowful game of one-downmanship. No one's blood is redder than the rest.”

The Museo Memoria y Tolerancia is a proactive institution. We invite our visitors to take action and get involved in the problems of society and to use their abilities to make a better world. Tours of the Museum, which are designed to help visitors understand how to be a worthy part of society and how to live in a diverse world, always end with Mily's memorable words “compassion without action is meaningless.”

You have been involved with the Museum for over 14 years. Can you share the story that made the deepest impact on you and still remains within you?

Among the many touching stories I have witnessed over these years, I would like to share the story of Rwanda's Ambassador for Peace, Jean-Paul Samputu. He visited the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia with several other survivors of the Rwandan genocide, and I was assigned to give his delegation a tour. When we had completed the tour, I asked him, “this is the way we have presented the story of the genocide in Rwanda. What is your opinion? Would you add anything?” He responded:

“The genocide in Rwanda happened when I was twelve. I escaped to Uganda as a refugee and left my family in Rwanda. When I returned to Rwanda, I discovered that my family had been massacred. They were killed by my best friend, a Hutu. Even today, I still find it hard to accept. This unbearable situation had a terrible effect on me. For many years, I struggled with addiction to alcohol and drugs. A group of Christian missionaries tried to support me through prayers, but to no avail. Luckily, one day, I met a healer. The healer said, ‘if your heart is black, no one can help you.’

I kept hearing the words ‘forgive him,’ so I decided to find the man who murdered my mother and ask why. I did find him, and he said, quite simply, that he was following the orders of his superiors. If he did not follow orders, he and his family would have been murdered. As hard as it was, I decided to forgive him. Today, I am a Peace Ambassador of Rwanda, travelling all over the world and promoting the process of reconciliation.”

This was my first experience of such compassion and acceptance. It eventually put me on the path that I now follow.

Conclusion

Eduardo Galeano⁹ once wrote that “many little people, in little places, doing little things, can change the world.” The mission of the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia is to inspire its visitors to make those small changes, which one day may change the world. The founders and the staff of the Museum hope to teach the visitors to contribute to society. This is a place for individuals who want to study, reflect, and analyze the contemporary world, and the values of humanity. Mexico has opened up to the world, attracting people seeking to discover new ideas of tolerance.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alexander Woodman

Alexander Woodman is an Assistant Professor of Social Medicine. His research focuses on global reproductive health, communicable and non-communicable diseases among Arab and Jewish adolescents, sexual health, medical ethics, transnational and transcultural health politics. He received Doctorate in Social Medicine from University of Salford, Manchester, England. He also earned his Master of Public Health and Master of Science degrees from University of Southern California, USC and California State University, CSU. He graduated from University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA with Bachelor's degree with honors.

Notes

1 Falk, Identity and the museum visitor experience. Routledge, 2016.

2 Kreps, “Appropriate museology and the “new museum ethics”. Honoring diversity,” 4–4.

3 Smørdal, Stuedahl, and Sem. “Experimental zones: Two cases of exploring frames of participation in a dialogic museum.” 224–232.

4 Black, The engaging museum: Developing museums for visitor involvement. Routledge, 2012.

5 Rivera, Olsen, Sattar, Venkataraman, and Donahoe. “An At-A-Glance Guide to the Genocides of the 20th and 21st Centuries.”

6 “International March of the Living: 2020.” The International March of the Living: An Annual Educational Program. Available at: https://www.motl.org/home/

7 “USC Shoah Foundation.” University of Southern California, 2021. https://sfi.usc.edu/

8 “Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.” Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. https://www.wdacna.com/primate

9 “Eduardo Galeano.” Central Washington University, 2015. https://www.cwu.edu/latino-latin-american/eduardo-galeano