On September 12, 2025, Congregation Rodeph Shalom partnered with Jewish National Fund-USA to remember the nearly 3,000 victims who perished 24 years ago on 9/11. The “Shared Values: Honoring our Heroes” program highlighted the unbreakable connection and shared values cherished by the people of the United States and Israel.
The nearly 50 congregants heard from Rodeph Shalom member Kim Model, who shared her deeply personal 9/11 story. Living across the street from the World Trade Center in 2001, Model witnessed the towers collapsing firsthand. As a show of appreciation for telling her story, as well as her support of the land and people of Israel, Model was gifted a certificate featuring Jewish National Fund-USA and KKL-JNF’s 9/11 Living Memorial in Jerusalem — the only memorial site of its kind outside of the United States that lists the names of all the victims who perished on that infamous day.
Established in 2009, the monument pictured in the photograph — an American flag waving and transforming into a flame of liberty and hope with a base that includes a piece of metal from the ruins of the Twin Towers — is a testament to the deep connection between the State of Israel and the U.S., and our countries’ shared values of peace, religious tolerance, democracy, freedom, resilience, and fighting terrorism.
“I know Kim was especially moved by the Jewish National Fund-USA certificate,” said Congregation Rodeph Shalom Education Director Mazi Goldenberg. “We were grateful to have help creating such a heartfelt and supportive gathering.”
Goldenberg visited the Jewish National Fund-USA 9/11 Memorial in Jerusalem and participated in a shared values ceremony with other senior educators nationwide while attending Jewish National Fund-USA's Educators Mission to Israel in July. Inspired by this deeply moving ceremony, Goldenberg was integral to organizing a similar shared values program at Temple Rodeph Shalom.
In addition, Jewish National Fund-USA Tampa President Nat Doliner shared remarks. “On this day of remembrance, let us honor the past, stand strong in the present, and recommit to building a secure and vibrant future for both America and Israel,” he said.
Jewish National Fund-USA also hosted its annual 9/11 commemoration ceremony at the 9/11 Living Memorial in Jerusalem, which was attended by U.S. and Israeli leaders, including U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, first responders, victims’ families, Americans traveling abroad, and U.S. students attending Alexander Muss High School in Israel.
For more information or to partner with Jewish National Fund-USA on future 9/11 ceremonies, contact Marc Silver at msilver@jnf.org or 727.536.5263 x891.
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About Jewish National Fund-USA
Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist engagement. The organization’s circle of impact extends beyond individual projects, generating a ripple effect that drives population growth and economic development in Israel’s north and south. From developing new communities in the Negev and Galilee to advancing environmental sustainability, supporting people with disabilities, preserving heritage sites, and connecting the next generation to Israel, Jewish National Fund-USA’s strategic approach ensures every initiative strengthens the fabric of Israeli society. The organization also operates the fully accredited Alexander Muss High School in Israel, offering an immersive study-abroad experience driven by academic excellence. Learn more at jnf.org.
