Sample Letters to United Nations
Secretary-General António Guterres
Secretary-General António Guterres
United Nations
405 East 42nd St.
New York, NY 10017
Dear Secretary-General Guterres,
I write with a heavy heart and deep sorrow over the seemingly endless killing in Gaza, the blockade, the man-made famine, and the violence in the West Bank. As a Jew, Rabbi, woman, and human being, I am aghast at the horror being committed falsely in my name—in the name of “protecting Jews.” This is a lie. Israel’s actions endanger not only Palestinians, but the Jewish people in Israel and beyond, fueling antisemitism (and anti-Muslim hatred) worldwide. These actions are also suicidal, as Israel isolates itself as a pariah state, while thousands of Jews leave and even soldiers despair to the point of suicide.
So many of us have tried, in every way we know, to stop this madness. I have written letters, made calls, met with Senators and Congress Members, protested, spoken out, joined groups, hosted Palestinian speakers, and donated to organizations supporting Gaza and the West Bank. And still the killing continues.
That is why I appeal to the United Nations. It is your sacred vocation to end fighting, broker peace, and bring aid to those suffering. The UN has a long and honorable history of delivering food and relief under the most difficult circumstances: assisting Palestinians in 1948; delivering Operation Lifeline Sudan in 1989; supporting 3 million survivors of the Rwandan Genocide in 1994; sustaining millions in Yemen from 2015–2022; and continuing aid in Syria. In 2020, the World Food Programme won the Nobel Peace Prize for its role in preventing hunger from being used as a weapon of war.
Since Israel blocks essential aid, and the U.S. continues military support—two policies I strongly oppose—we must find another path. Why not establish a humanitarian corridor that guarantees unimpeded aid?
This is your moment to stand tall and act decisively. To stop genocide. To save babies, children, women, and men. To embody the greatness and courage of the UN not only in words, but in action. Imagine being able to say that your leadership saved countless lives, helped end genocide, and opened the way to peace in one of the world’s most troubled regions.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent could also be called upon as partners in this immense effort, bringing their resources and long record of saving lives in disaster and war.
Please—there is no time to waste. Every day, more children, parents, and communities are destroyed. And yet, they carry gifts of love, care, and creativity the world desperately needs. The Rabbis teach: one who saves a single life saves the whole world. How many worlds are being lost each day? How many can yet be saved—through your leadership?
PLEASE step up to this moment with the full greatness of your office, and of the United Nations’ legacy.
I am more than willing to contribute however I can—writing, speaking, or even testifying at the UN. I can be reached at xxx-xxx-xxxx(phone/WhatsApp).
Thank you for your urgent response.
With sincerity and resolve,
A shorter one:
Secretary-General António Guterres
United Nations
405 East 42nd St.
New York, NY 10017
Dear Secretary-General Guterres,
I write with grief and urgency at the ongoing killing in Gaza, the blockade, famine, and violence in the West Bank. As a Jew, Rabbi, woman, and human being, I cannot remain silent. Israel’s actions, falsely carried out “in the name of protecting Jews,” endanger Palestinians, Jews, and people worldwide, fueling antisemitism and hatred. These policies are also self-destructive, leaving Israel isolated and broken.
For years I have written letters, met with lawmakers, protested, spoken out, and supported Palestinian voices and humanitarian efforts. And yet the suffering continues.
The United Nations has the legacy and the mandate to act: from feeding Palestinians in 1948, to Operation Lifeline Sudan in 1989, to Rwanda, Yemen, and Syria. In 2020, the World Food Programme won the Nobel Peace Prize for its lifesaving role. Now Gaza needs this same courage.
Since Israel blocks aid and the U.S. continues military support—policies I strongly oppose—the world must find another way. I urge you to establish a humanitarian corridor to guarantee unimpeded aid to Gaza. The International Red Cross, Red Crescent, and others could join in this urgent effort.
This is your moment to stop genocide, to save children, women, and men, and to restore the UN’s legacy of action and peace. The Rabbis teach: one who saves a life saves the whole world. Countless worlds can still be saved—through your leadership.
Please act now. I am willing to assist however I can, including speaking or testifying at the UN. I can be reached at xxx-xxx-xxxx (phone/WhatsApp).
Thank you for your urgent response.
Sincerely,