The Isaiah Wall in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York, was the venue for both the. Second lighting of the Menorah, and the awarding of the 7th Menorah of Peace Award. The awardee for 2025

The Isaiah Wall in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York, was the venue for both the. Second  lighting of the Menorah, and the awarding of the 7th Menorah of Peace Award.   The awardee for 2025 is Mr. Ruben Mata from Mexico, now living in Thailand.   The purpose of this Award, granted by the Board of The Institute of the Noahide Code, presided by its Founder, Rabbi Yakov David Cohen, is to foster peace, understanding and religious freedom among the peoples of the world.  Mr. Mata accepted the award with not only gratitude, but also as representative of the civil societies that are not only prevalent in Latin America, the USA and the Far East, but also because religious freedom also guarantees human rights, as well as civil rights.   Rabbi Cohen added that respect for the religious freedom of the individual, wherever the person resides or is from, guarantees a cure for a society ill with hate and intolerance.   Rabbi Cohen promoted the idea that c.u.r.e stands for communication, understanding, respect, and education, for both men, women, children, and seniors, everywhere.   The Founder of the Institute of the Noahide Code, with special accreditation to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, stated that a day after the horrific Sidney attack against Jews, the time has come for humankind’s unity and solidarity with those who promote both Torah and Mitzvot.

Rabbi Cohen emphasized, that as the Director of the

Institute of the Noahide Code, he felt heartened welcoming to the Menorah Lighting Ceremony, Mr. Ruben Mata, his family members and friends who stood next to him, bringing more light into the world.   The Isaiah Wall stands right across the entrance to the United Nations Headquarters, and the Isaiah Wall further mentions that no nation will wage war against another nation, and that the swords will be transformed into plowshares.   The day after the horror of the Sidney massacre, it was heartening to know that a Mexican citizen would spread the light further, to remind all people to live in unity and peace.   The Noahide Code contains seven laws that encompass respect for G-d, for human life, respect for the Family, for other people’s property, taking into account the means for the peaceful coexistence of humanity within G-d’s Creation.   The establishment of a judicial system and the respect for animals and the environment form a part of these set of laws, or codes.

Lebanese born Rabbi Elie Abadie, raised and educated in Mexico, also participated in the event lighting the Menorah, and the award ceremony.   Rabbi Abadie is a prominent member of the organization Justice for Jews from Arab Countries.   Along with the awardee, Mr. Ruben Mata and Rabbi Cohen, dignitaries and members of the diplomatic community, the group went to City Hall to commemorate in New York City’s seat of Government, the granting of the 7th Menorah of Peace Award.   Public officials present at City Hall congratulated Mr. Mata, and asked Rabbi Abadie to lead the group in prayer, asking HaShem to allow the myriad of nationalities and ethnicities who live in a city known for its freedom of religion, to continue enjoying this right.   Rabbi Abadie prayed that New Yorkers continue to practice this freedom and for HaShem to continue His blessing for all New Yorkers in this regard.   Rabbi Cohen thanked the officials of City Hall for allowing him to spread the knowledge of the Noahide Code. Rabbi Yakov David Cohen invited all present to attend the nightly Menorah lighting ceremony throughout Chanukah in front of an international edifice which purpose is to keep peace, security, stability and humanitarian protection, worldwide.