NEW YORK, September 11, 2026 — On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, just days before the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Jewish National Fund-USA partnered with students and staff from Hillel at Baruch College to honor FDNY Engine Company 16 and Ladder Company 7, whose firefighters risk their lives daily to protect and serve New York City residents. The two companies were among the first responders who rushed to the World Trade Center following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, tragically losing several members of their firehouse.
FDNY Engine 16/Ladder 7 firefighters with Jewish National Fund-USA "Honoring our Heroes" plaque.
The "Shared Values: Honoring Our Heroes"program highlighted the unbreakable connection and shared values cherished by the people of the United States and Israel. During the ceremony, representatives from Hillel at Baruch College and Jewish National Fund-USA, including Vice President, Ambassadors, Sheryl Buchholtz, and Israel Program Admission Director Richard Abrams, presented the firefighters with a certificate featuring Jewish National Fund-USA and KKL-JNF’s 9/11 Living Memorial in Jerusalem — the only memorial of its kind outside the United States that lists the names of all those who perished on that infamous day.
FDNY Engine Company 16/Ladder Company 7 firefighter with Vice President, Ambassadors Sheryl Bucholtz and a Hillel at Baruch student.
Established in 2009, the monument pictured on the certificate features an American flag waving and transforming into a flame of liberty and hope, with a piece of metal from the ruins of the Twin Towers incorporated into its base. The memorial is a testament to the deep connection between the United States and Israel and the countries’ shared values of peace, religious tolerance, democracy, freedom, resilience, and the fight against terrorism.
“Bringing students together to help their communities is one of the most meaningful ways we have to mark such a solemn day,” said Dani Levine, Hillel International’s senior director of social impact. “Even though these students aren’t old enough to remember 9/11, it is inspiring that they are choosing to spend the day in service.”
Israel Program Admission Director Richard Abrams presenting the firefighters with the "Honoring our Heroes" certificate.
“It was an honor to work with Baruch Hillel in bringing smiles to the members of FDNY’s Engine 16/Ladder 7," added Jewish National Fund-USA Israel Program Admission Director Richard Abrams. "This event was a wonderful way to honor our first responders and our shared commitment to peace and creating a better world.”
Jewish National Fund-USA and KKL-JNF also hosted their annual 9/11 commemoration ceremony from the 9/11 Living Memorial in Jerusalem on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. The ceremony featured U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee; Emmy Award-winning actress Patricia Heaton; Jewish National Fund-USA CEO Russell F. Robinson; Jewish National Fund-USA Chief Israel Officer Talia Tzour Avner; KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky; and other distinguished guests. To watch the moving ceremony, visit Jewish National Fund-USA’s YouTube page.
For more information or to partner with Jewish National Fund-USA on future 9/11 Shared Values: Honoring our Heroes ceremonies, contact Richard Abrams at 973-593-0095 x828 or email rabrams@jnf.org
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About Jewish National Fund-USA
For 125 years, Jewish National Fund-USA has helped strengthen the land and people of Israel by investing in the communities, infrastructure, and leadership that shape the country’s future. Our work is focused on making Israel’s North and South places where families can build full, vibrant lives with access to medical care, emergency response, water solutions, parks, playgrounds, jobs, and economic opportunity. Working with our donors and partners, we support underpopulated communities, help attract new residents, improve quality of life, and create the conditions for long-term growth. Our work reaches beyond projects on the ground. Through education, travel, and leadership opportunities, we connect Americans of all ages to Israel in meaningful and lasting ways. That vision continues with the World Zionist Village in Be’er Sheva, a global center that will bring people together to live, learn, lead, and strengthen the next generation of Zionist leadership. From urgent relief to long-term transformation, Jewish National Fund-USA is helping build a stronger future for Israel and creating lasting legacies for generations to come. Learn more at jnf.org.
