BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., September 14, 2026 — Beverly Hills Mayor Craig Corman and Councilmembers Sharona Nazarian, Mary Wells, Lester Friedman, and Rebecca Pynoos joined Jewish National Fund-USA on September 11, 2026, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and honor members of the Beverly Hills Fire and Police Departments who risk their lives daily to protect and serve the local community.
In the spirit of gratitude and remembrance, 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, Jewish National Fund-USA National Campaign Director Rick Hirschhaut and Women for Israel Chair and Board Member Frances Bilak presented certificates of appreciation to Beverly Hills Fire Chief Gregory Barton and Police Chief Max Subin in recognition of the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of our nation’s first responders.
The certificates featured 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. 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.
“We remain profoundly grateful for the men and women who answer the call to serve and protect our communities,” said Jewish National Fund-USA National Campaign Director, West Coast and Mountain States, Rick Hirschhaut. “Some acts of service can never be thanked enough, and this annual recognition is a small expression of our enduring appreciation.”
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 Kelly Halligan, Jewish National Fund-USA Director, Greater Los Angeles, at 323-964-1400 x960 or KHalligan@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.
