As the world commemorated the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA) brought together over 3,400 students at ceremonies across the U.S to honor first responders.
In Israel, the Embassy of the United States of America, JNF-USA, and Keren Kayemet Le’Israel-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) held their annual memorial ceremony to honor those who perished during the horrific attacks. The 9/11 Living Memorial Monument is unique as the only memorial site outside of the United States to include all the names of the 9/11 victims, which perfectly characterizes the strong, enduring Israeli-American relationship based on shared democratic principles, peace, and cooperation in the fight against terror.
Attending the ceremony in Israel were United States Ambassador to Israel Thomas R. Nides, President of JNF-USA Dr. Sol Lizerbram, CEO of JNF-USA Russell Robinson, and Board member of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-JNF David Yaari.
Other distinguished guests, delegations, and organizations in attendance included: Deputy mayor Hagit Moshe on behalf of Jerusalem Municipality, Israeli Fire and Rescue Services Commissioner Eyal Caspi on behalf of the Israeli Fire and Rescue Authority, National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women, United Airlines, as well as the Women’s Zionist Organization of America. Representatives from KKL-JNF, JNF-USA’s Presidents Mission delegation, Zionist leadership Academy delegation, members of the Diplomatic Community, and Nefesh B’Nefesh were also present at the event.
The 9/11 Living Memorial was first established in 2009 by KKL-JNF and JNF-USA, and made possible thanks to Ed Blank of New York. The impressive, thirty-foot-high bronze sculpture was created by the Israeli artist Eliezer Weishoff and KKL-JNFs’ landscape architect Yechiel Cohen. It portrays the American flag folded into the shape of a memorial flame. A metal shard from the ruins of the Twin Towers is incorporated into the monument’s base, which overlooks a magnificent vista of the Jerusalem Hills and the Arazim Valley.
The ceremony also included a moving performance by JNF-USA’s Special in Uniform band.
United States Ambassador to Israel Thomas R. Nides: “From this date, there are thousands of stories of real acts of heroism… This is what humanity is all about. Today is a reminder that Israel and America are in this together.”
President of Jewish National Fund USA Dr. Sol Lizerbram: “Standing here near Jerusalem, a city that has too much experience dealing with the evils of terrorism, our Jewish National Fund-USA and Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael memorial, made possible thanks to Ed Blank of New York, stands as a bastion of tolerance and symbol of our enduring commitment to peace and prosperity.”
Board member of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-JNF David Yaari: “The attacks of 9/11 were aimed at the values near and dear to all champions of democracy and what it embodies, not only assaults on the U.S. The monument symbolizes the desire for a bright, quiet future. We must remember the violence and voice tolerance at all timed. KKL-JNF will continue cooperating with the U.S. Embassy and JNF-USA to strengthen the partnership between the Jewish people in Israel and the U.S.”
