The power of one

Exhibit Recognizes Power of Each and Every One of Us

Toronto Police Services is hosting The Power of One exhibit for the next 10 days.

Launched by the Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), it features notable global figures past and present, including Mahatma Gandhi, Anne Frank, Mother Teresa, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Helen Keller, Terry Fox and Malala Yousafzai.

Chief James Ramer thanked the AGPI for the opportunity to display the important exhibit at headquarters and the Toronto Police College.

“The exhibit reminds us of how one person has the power to change the world for the better,” he said. “Although it is difficult to compare our own daily actions to those taken by the notable figures displayed here, one of the Toronto Police Service’s core values and one we live by every day is ‘do the right thing’.

“We do this by acting professionally, with integrity, and without prejudice, even in the most challenging circumstances, when no one is watching, and on and off duty. And by holding others accountable to the same standards, challenging any inappropriate behavior and asking ourselves, ‘have I lived up to my word and values?’”

Ramer said the Service will continue to stand in solidarity with all communities that face discrimination, including Toronto’s Jewish community, while working collaboratively with its community partners to keep Torontonians safe.

“It is my hope that this exhibit will inspire and empower those who see it, whether they are a member of the Service or not, and act as a reminder that each of our actions have the power to make the world and our city a better place,” he added.

Ryan Teschner, the Toronto Police Services Board Executive officer & Chief of Staff joined Ramer and members of the AGPI Board of Governors at the launch.

“The exhibit brings us face to face with individuals – single people in our history – who have, by virtue of their commitment to common good, made a difference,” he said. “It forces us to ask ourselves that if faced with the same things and even a risk to our lives, would we risk it all to save others?”

As the grandson of Holocaust survivors, the exhibit’s questions are deeply personal for Teschner, noting they would not have survived without other people putting their own lives on the line.

“We see many names and faces in this exhibit that are well known,” he added. “People we learn about through our studies and people that my wife and I teach our children about. But it is also important to acknowledge the quiet heroes that, through the decisions they made and the fears they faced, changed the course of generations. May this exhibit remind us all that we all have the capacity to do good for others and to be a source of light in the lives of others as we strive to create a world of justice and peace for all.”

AGPI Founder & Chairman Avi Benlolo said the exhibit showcases that each and every one of us can make a difference if we are just willing to try.
“Obviously, what we are trying to do is inspire and empower people from all walks of life to strive to make the world a better place,” he pointed out. “We do believe that everyone can contribute positively and to society.

“When we think about Gandhi or Mother Teresa or Anne Frank, they were born ordinary people. They weren’t born into extraordinary circumstance, means and power. They rose up and took hold of responsibility of their communities and each one contributed. That’s the story of what we want to inspire.”

The first exhibit in the AGPI Museum for Human Rights collection is meant to provoke meaningful thought and dialogue and inspire and empower all people to take action to make the world a better place

It forces its audience to ask:

• What would you do if you were in the same situation?
• What choices would you make?
• Would you risk your life to save others?
• Would you speak out?
• How can you help change the world for the better today?

It will be displayed at headquarters until December 3 and at the College from December 6 to 10.