United Nations HQ Menorah
INSTITUTE OF NOAHIDE CODE INVITES THE UN PRESS CORPS
The HISTORIC U.N. MENORAH LIGHTING CEREMONY
ISAIAH WALL/ RALPH BUNCH PARK 1ST Ave and 43rd St. NYC
Israel Ambassador Gilard Ardan with families members from Oct 7 hostages Chanukah Dec. 14, 2023
Lighting and Remarks by Ambassadors
Background
The origin or lighting a Menorah stems from the moment when just a few people were able to confront a huge and well-trained army that wanted to do away with religious freedom and be victorious over that army. It is also a symbol of freedom, of the yearning of people to exercise their religious beliefs without any external imposition. And finally, the Menorah also incorporates the notion that there should ever be more light in the world, as one candle is added each night to be lit at the darkest period of the year. In all countries of the world, leaders have been seen lighting the Menorah at their Jewish communities.
As the Rabbi Director of the Institute of the Noahide Code, a U.N. NGO, I am heartened coming into the United Nations Headquarters with the Isaiah Wall right across the UN in which the day is mentioned that no nation will wage war against another nation, and the swords will be transformed into plowshares. The Seven Universal Laws of Noah are means by which humanity strives to live in unity and peace. These laws for peace and unity encompass respect for G-d, for human life, respect for the Family, for other people’s property, the creation and respect of a judicial system, and respect for all creatures and environment.
The United Nations acknowledges human rights as well as humanity’s right to freedom, including that of religion. This Menorah lighting ceremony would be open to all, including visitors to the United Nations of all races, religions, and ethnicities. It would be a celebration of all that unites us as human family that we are: our yearning for ever more light at a time that humanity hopefully emerges victorious with light over darkness, the forces of human rights and freedom successful over intolerance, and the ideals of the Noahide Laws prevailing throughout the world.
