Posted on 09/12/24
Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA), and the Embassy of the United States of America in Israel joined for their annual memorial ceremony to honor the victims of September 11, 2001. The first year following the October 7th massacre added another dimension and yellow ribbons to the evening event, as the world commemorates the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks,
The 9/11 Living Memorial Monument stands out as the only memorial site outside the United States to feature the names of all the 9/11 victims. This unique monument embodies the enduring and strong Israeli-American relationship, grounded in shared democratic values, peace, and a united front against terrorism.
The ceremony was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jacob J. Lew; World Chairwoman of KKL-JNF Ifat Ovadia-Luski; Chief of Staff Jewish National Fund-USA in Israel Talia Tzour Avner; Commissioner of the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority Eyal Caspi; Tel Aviv Police Commissioner in the Israel Police Amar Peretz; and other distinguished guests, including Fire and Police officials from the United States.
Of special significance this year, were the words of Jill Pila from New York and her daughter Jamie Gartenberg Pila, an IDF lone soldier who made aliyah with Nefesh B'Nefesh. Jamie never knew her father who was killed in NYC during the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers. She was born six months later and only heard his voice on a radio-recorded broadcast made shortly before the towers fell.
During the ceremony, representatives from various organizations and agencies, including the New York Field Office of Customs and Border Protection, laid wreaths in memory of the victims of the disaster, accompanied by U.S. Marines and Israeli firefighters.
Singer-songwriter Daniel Wais, born and raised in Kibbutz Be’eri, who tragically lost his parents in the October 7 terror attacks, expressed his solidarity with the grieving families and honored the event with a heartfelt performance. A group of IDF special needs soldiers also sang.
U.S. Ambassador Lew spoke of his being in New York City on September 11, “In tragic times we see uncommon bravery and service. In communities across America, we saw that following the 9/11 attacks – from first responders risking their lives running into danger to people across the country pitching in, many turned to lives of service. Here in Israel, I have met many heroes – ordinary citizens, Jewish and Arab, Bedouin and Druze, saving hundreds of Israelis on October 7…These heroes inspire us to seize every moment, to serve and build, to give more and do more.”
The 9/11 Living Memorial was established in 2009 by KKL-JNF and the Jewish National Fund-USA. The thirty-foot-high bronze sculpture was created by 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 piece of metal from the ruins of the Twin Towers is seen incorporated into the base of the monument, which overlooks the Jerusalem Hills and the Arazim Valley across the highway from Har Hamenuchos.
Ifat Ovadia-Luski World Chairwoman of KKL-JNF stated, "In the midst of a challenging year marked by significant obstacles, immense loss, and ongoing conflict since October 7th, we must remember the tragic events of September 11th, when thousands of lives were lost. As KKL-JNF commemorates this solemn anniversary, we honor the 2,977 victims and reflect on the deep and enduring bond between Israel and the United States. This monument stands as a powerful symbol of our unwavering friendship and shared values of democracy and freedom, showcasing the resilience and unity of our partnership as we continue to support each other through every challenge."
Kaddish was recited by an Israeli father, Peres Avraham, whose daughter was killed on 9/11 in the Twin Towers. Honored to recite tehilim was Rabbi Yosef Carlbach who came from New York.
