By Florence Wolpoff, WLCJ United Nations NGO Representative
Introduction
As one of your United Nations NGO representatives, I had the opportunity to attend this year’s opening sessions. Known as UN week, this is the time when world leaders come to address the General Assembly. I now share with you some of the messages I heard.
As a backdrop, I note that there was an underlying theme expressed by the nations of Africa seeking a permanent African seat at the Security Council with the power of a veto.
Israel, Gaza, and the Middle East
The opening session began with an address by Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations. He stressed that peace and security are the aim for the 21st century and emphasized that force cannot promote peace. However, after lamenting the attack by Hamas, he followed by decrying the severe loss to Palestinians in Gaza and called Israel’s actions as a “genocide.” All parties, he decried, must comply with international law. Expansion in the West Bank cannot be allowed to divert from the two-state solution.
President Trump draws a large audience of international delegates. Unfortunately, many leave after he speaks. I learned from past years that after his speech, the United States Embassy provides a luncheon for delegates. He spoke of the Middle East, Iran, and the close ties with Israel, among other topics. However, he did make a point that the UN, in expanding its areas of concern, has not given sufficient focus to its primary objective, to promote peace.
King Hussein of Jordan spoke out against Israel’s Gaza policy, as well as what is taking place in Judea and Samaria. He claimed this violates international law. What was interesting was that he failed to mention Black September in 1970, when his government threw out the Palestinians as a threat. Just to refresh your memories, Israel and Jordan signed a peace agreement in 1994. Jordan was the second country to normalize relations with Israel; Egypt was the first country.
Remarks from Palestine
Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian National Authority, was not able to address the assembly in person due to being denied a visa by the United States. He addressed the General Assembly via Zoom. He said he welcomed President Trump’s 20-point plan for restoring Gaza. He complained that historical and religious sites are being attacked, a situation that must be addressed. He also announced that there would be council elections in November and a presidential election to follow. He boasted about educational reform and went on to say that he rejects terrorists. He believes in peace and dialogue, he seeks a Palestinian state that respects law and security, and he is ready to live side-by-side with Israel. This would lead to peace, security, and the ability to work together for a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as its capital. He was adamant that Palestinians would not just disappear. While the UN already recognizes a Palestinian state, Abbas wants full membership and rights. I must admit surprise at his comments when year after year, he took pride in rewarding the families of the martyrs who killed Israelis, gave all kinds of excuses as to why elections could not be held, and spoke of the displaced Palestinians who still held onto the keys of their old homes.
Prime Minister Netanyahu
Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel was greeted by a staged walkout by many delegations. Simultaneously, he was also welcomed by supporters who sang out, “Am Yisrael Chai.” He challenged those who left as “moral cowards.” He promised to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons and recalled the 1967 war when Israel faced enemies on all fronts. At that time, Israel was not in the Golan Heights, the West Bank, or Gaza. He noted that Great Britain and France accuse Israel of colonialism, yet both those countries invented colonialism. He also spoke about October 7, 2023, which he called “the worst slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust.” He questioned why there is talk of starvation in Gaza when almost two tons of food per person have already been delivered.
Netanyahu said, “Israel is our land. We go way back in history and we believe in one God and quest for peace and justice. These values helped us survive…We have no other choice but to survive.”
The Future of the United Nations
I note that the term of Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, ends on December 31st, 2026. On January 1st, 2027, his successor will officially become the next Secretary General. The members of the Security Council interview and select candidates. Each of the five permanent members may exercise their veto power. The members of the Security Council have held several secret ballots to prune down the list. It had been reported that there were two top candidates: Rafael Grossi of Argentina and Rebecca Grynspan of Costa Rica. Word has it that Grossi is a capable diplomat whose greatest strength is in seeking to maintain relationships with all sides. However, he has demonstrated that he is overly critical of Israel and the United States. The other candidate is the Secretary General of UN Trade and Development, appointed by Antonio Guterres. She was a former vice president of Costa Rica. She is known to tread lightly around the major powers such as Russia and China. She is Jewish and is known to have relatives in Israel. However, a third candidate may be emerging, United Nations Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues Burkett of Guyana. She has previously described the Jewish state’s action against Palestinians as ”brutality that would make some of the history’s most crucial oppressors blush,” and in a speech she gave in 2013, she praised former Cuban dictator Fidel Castro as ”a visionary.” In the end, the 193 members of the General Assembly cast the deciding vote. I will keep you informed about this process and other UN happenings in the coming months.
Urging the UN to Speak Out Against Antisemitism
The United Nations commemorated 25 years since the Durban Conference of 2001. That is the body that infamously created the concept that “Zionism equals racism,” which is known as the worst international manifestation of antisemitism in post war history. Following what it did in 2001 when the United States walked out at the conference, the United States has chosen not to attend any commemorations since. They focused on the need to end racism, discrimination, genocide, and other governmental policies that deny human rights to all citizens, all noble goals. The various representatives either thanked the UN, noting that more needs to be done or felt that there had been little or no progress. I was pleased that there was no mention of Zionism, but two nations did emphasize the need to address antisemitism.
WLCJ Involvement
Women’s League is one of the founding members of the NGO called End Antisemitism and Promote Peace (EASAPP). EASAPP has presented a petition letter to the United Nations that called on global leaders to speak out against Antisemitism and to decline attending events that celebrate the Durban Conference. Women’s League has joined with other signatories, including Hadassah, International Council of Jewish Women, and Jewish Women International.
In closing, I leave you with the message of this year’s Torah Fund campaign, “Shema Koleinu,” “Hear our voice.” At the UN, we are observers, but we do have a voice and we must use it.
L’Shalom,
Florence Wolpoff
WLCJ United Nations NGO Representative
florence.wolpoff@verizon.net
