Dear Friends,

Chekov's gun theory: Once a rifle is introduced in a play it is necessary to use it. Let's make sure this theory, with respect to nuclear weapons, is proven wrong now and forever.

The leaders of Russia and the United States, this very moment, are brandishing and threatening to use these devices of existential destructive capacity. We ignore at our peril that if they do it will inflict immeasurable suffering upon humanity and all other living creatures on our planet.

Let's face it without blinking. Today, fingers are on buttons which could unleash consequential actions that are irreversible. We are living in a moment where business is not usual and silence in the face of such madness is complicity. UN Secretary General Guterres said simply: "We see a dark spirit of impunity spreading. The prospect of nuclear war remains – outrageously – a clear and present danger.”

Regardless of whatever differences any nations may have a truism must remain ever before our eyes: A nuclear war cannot be won and thus must never be fought.

In this newsletter we highlight the necessity of focusing on remembering what happened in recent human history in August of 1945 and we ask you to reflect along with us on the magnitude of these events and commit to create change and save history. How you choose to do it is not addressed with specificity today. Reflecting on the human aspect, our common humanity, is our emphasis. Take a moment, be still... and remember.

The overarching principles of our commitment are founded in two admonitions: 1. The founder of GSI, Senator Alan Cranston reminds us: Nuclear Weapons are unworthy of civilization. 2. Three founders of the World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS) Bertrand Russell, Joseph Rotblat, and Albert Einstein stated in their famous Manifesto:

“There lies before us, if we choose, continual progress in happiness, knowledge, and wisdom. Shall we, instead, choose death, because we cannot forget our quarrels? We appeal as human beings to human beings: Remember your humanity, and forget the rest. If you can do so, the way lies open to a new Paradise; if you cannot, there lies before you the risk of universal death.” 

With Respect,

Jonathan Granoff,

President, Global Security Institute

GSI President Jonathan Granoff is honored to be a founder of Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons, along with Ambassadors Thomas Graham (A member of GSI's Board of Directors) and James Goodby, Former Secretary of State George Shultz and Former Secretary of Defense William Perry, Monica Willard, Sidney Drell, and the Founder of the world's largest interfaith organization, the United Religions Initiative of which Voices is a part, Bishop Bill Swing. Voices believes that prayers matter. Please join others around the world on August 6th. Let us raise voices and hearts together.

Because there was an alarm in Hawaii in 2018 that notified the populace that there were actual incoming nuclear weapons, there remains a high level of interest and focus on the subject and we are honored to participate in them. The alarm was false or there would be no Hawaii today. 

We are honored to receive a special message by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, endorsing Nuclear Prayer Day.

World UNITY Week in June brought together spiritual leaders, peacebuilders, and global citizens for a sacred time of reflection, prayer, and purpose in preparation of Nuclear Prayer Day on August 6, calling us to a shared commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons. 

Hosted by Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons, renowned cellist Michael Fitzpatrick and Global Security Institute President Jonathan Granoff join together at Stone Church in New York for an inspiring prayer — that Nagasaki be the last use of a nuclear weapon.

In 2010, Jonathan Granoff was a participant at the Wolrd Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Hiroshima, along with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Jody Williams, and former South African President Willem de Klerk, Lech Walesa, Mairead Corrigan Maguire, Shirin Ebadi and the Mayor of Hiroshima. 

Former President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev sent a very personal and important message to his fellow Nobel laureates at the Meridá Summit in September, 2019. It was presented by President of the Global Security Institute Jonathan Granoff during the session on Priorities for Nuclear Disarmament.

We can learn a great deal from insights of Mahatma Gandhi and Rev. Martin Luther King. It is worthwhile to bring the light of their wisdom to help understand the challenge posed by nuclear weapons, says Jonathan Granoff.

A speech by Jonathan Granoff on the occasion of the 72nd Anniversary of the Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 2017, at Pax Christi Metro New York.