9/11 memorialised in Israel
As the world commemorated the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, Keren Kayemeth Le’Israel-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF- USA), and the Embassy of the United States of America in Israel held their annual memorial ceremony to honour those who perished during the dreadful attacks.
Photo: Alex Kolomosky/KKL-JNF
The 9/11 Living Memorial Monument is unique in its being the sole 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 were KKL-JNF vice chairman, David Yaari, representative of Jewish National Fund-USA Yoel Rosby, United States Embassy, Jerusalem Chargé d’Affaires, Stephanie L. Hallett, Israeli Fire and Rescue Authority Commissioner Eyal Caspi, commander of the Israel Police’s central district, Avi Biton, as well as other distinguished guests.
Israeli Fire and Rescue Services Commissioner Eyal Caspi, on behalf of the Israeli Fire and Rescue Authority, a delegation of 50 police on behalf of the Police Unity organization, families of the victims and Nefesh B’Nefesh were also present at the event.
The 9/11 Living Memorial was first established in 2009 by KKL-JNF and the Jewish National Fund-USA. 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 base of the monument, which overlooks a magnificent vista of the Jerusalem Hills and the Arazim Valley.
David Yaari, KKL-JNF Vice Chairman and Chairman of Kol Israel, the General Zionist party, said: “Today KKL-JNF commemorates a tragic day not just for the victims and the United States but for Israel and Jewish people around the world who stand with the US and our shared values of democracy and freedom in the fight against extremism and terror.
Twenty-two years ago on this tragic day, 2977 lives were abruptly cut short. We gather on this day at the 9/11 memorial, a joint project of KKL-JNF and Jewish National Fund -USA, at the only memorial outside the United States that lists all the lives taken on September 11th.
Today, we would like to commemorate their lives by pledging to plant 2,977 trees in the KKL-JNF forests throughout the land of Israel.”
Yoel Rosby, a representative of Jewish National Fund-USA, added: ” Today, I stand not just as an individual, but as a representative of more than a million dedicated Jewish National Fund–USA ambassadors across the United States. Every day, we carry a simple yet profound message – “Count on me; we are one.” We gather on this solemn occasion, the only Living Memorial outside the United States where the names of each victim are forever etched, overlooking the entrance to our eternal capital, Jerusalem. We come to remember, mourn, reflect, and pay tribute to the indomitable human spirit. We gather with courage and compassion to overcome tragedy, rebuild what was lost, and find healing.”
Jerusalem Chargé d’Affaires, Stephanie L. Hallett commented: “In the face of adversity, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to building bridges, nurturing compassion, and upholding the ideals that bind us as human beings. Together, we can transform tragedy into a force for positive change, ensuring that the legacy of September 11th is one of tenacity, unity, and hope.”
