Torah Scroll Dedicated at United Nations HQ Promote “Peace and Unity”
March 3, 2025
NEW YORK – On Monday, a Torah scroll commissioned by Rabbi Yakov David Cohen of the Institute of Noahide, a UN-NGO, was dedicated at the United Nations Headquarters, marking a significant moment in promoting the values of peace and unity. The dedication was followed by a celebratory luncheon at the Millennium Hotel, attended by community leaders and supporters.
The scroll was written in Israel, during Chanukah, following a menorah lighting ceremony at the UN, and inscribed in honor of Rabbi Cohen’s parents, Mr. Chaim Eliazer and Esther Cohen, both born in Brooklyn. His mother passed away at a young age while his father worked as a naval engineer at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Rabbi Cohen described the dedication as a deeply personal tribute, connecting his family’s legacy to the universal values of the Torah.
Rabbi Aaron L. Raskin addressed the gathering, emphasizing that the Torah was given to bring peace and unity to the world. He highlighted the role of the Universal Noahide Code in guiding both Jews and non-Jews toward ethical living, reinforcing the idea that all of humanity has a shared responsibility in upholding these fundamental principles.
Steven Cohn was honored during the event, recognized for his contributions to promoting these ideals. Attendees celebrated with song and dance, symbolizing the joyous commitment to spreading moral values and harmony among nations.
The dedication took place just steps away from the iconic Isaiah Wall outside the UN, which bears the prophetic words calling for nations to transform “swords into plowshares.” Rabbi Cohen underscored the significance of this location, stating that the message of the Torah aligns with the UN’s vision of a more peaceful world.
As the event concluded, guests reflected on the timeless relevance of the Noahide Code and the power of faith in shaping a better future. “If we commit to these values with joy,” Rabbi Cohen remarked, “we can truly change the world.”
HISTORIC: The first Sefer Torah written in Israel for the U.N. was dedicated on Monday March 3, 2025 at the United Nations. International Affairs Commissioner Ed Mermelstein, Judge Saul Stein & Councilwoman Inna Vernikov.
Original Post by Rabbi Yaakov Cohen Noahide Envoy to the UN.
We at the Sanhedrin Initiative extend our congratulations to the United Nations on taking this opportunity to add the sacred Torah in its original Hebrew and written in the Halachic traditional manner in accordance with written and oral Jewish tradition, into their halls, may the light of Torah illuminate the voids and darkness and injustice we see the world over, may it ground those who fly like a firey soul to Hashem G-d, and thank you to Rabbi Cohen, and all the jewish delegates and all those who supported and are freinds of the Jewish people in these pivotal moments of history.
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