Res. No. 701
Title
Resolution calling upon the United Nations to recognize and observe Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur as well as other significant religious days.
Body
By Council Members Nelson, Comrie, Jackson, Clarke, Katz, Fidler, Recchia, Foster, Avella, Sears, Addabbo, Weprin, Brewer, DeBlasio, Gennaro, Gerson, Koppell, Liu, Lopez, Martinez, McMahon, Rivera, Sanders, Yassky and Quinn
Whereas, The purposes of the United Nations, as set forth in its Charter,
are to maintain international peace and security; to develop friendly relations
among nations; to cooperate in solving international economic, social, cultural
and humanitarian problems and in promoting respect for human rights and
fundamental freedoms; and to be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations
in attaining these ends; and
Whereas, Although demonstrably secular in nature, the United Nations shuts down for the Muslim holy days of Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adah, but stays open for the holiest days on the Jewish calendar; and
Whereas, Since the creation of the United Nations in 1945, it has shut
down for Christmas and Good Friday, important Holy Days for Christians; and
Whereas, The United Nations has even gone so far as to hold key
addresses on Jewish High Holy Days, sending a very strong message to Jews in
our country and around the world; and
Whereas, The United Nations also stays open for significant Buddhist and
Hindu Holy days; and
Whereas, The Jewish High Holy Days, which begin with Rosh Hashana,
which occurs on the first and second days of the Jewish month of Tishrei-the
Jewish New Year-and culminate with Yom Kippur, which occurs on the tenth
day of Tishrei-the Day of Atonement-- --are vital expressions of religious and
spiritual faith for millions of Jews; and
Whereas, Yom Kippur is the most sacred and spiritually important Holy
Day in the Jewish calendar: It is a day when Jews all over the world ask
forgiveness for their sins and fast for twenty-four hours: and
Whereas, Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are no less important than the
Muslim Holy Days of Eid Al-Fitr and Eid-Al-Adah or the Christian Holy Days of
Christmas and Good Friday, and in this respect the United Nations should give
serious thought to shutting down over the Jewish Holy Days; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the United
Nations to recognize and observe Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashana and
Yom Kippur as well as other significant religious days.
WA:bg
D-Res. 2003
LS#1618
1/17/03
|1013|