Americans and Israelis Remember Fallen at 9/11 Ceremony in Jerusalem
JERUSALEM, September 11, 2023 — Over 500 people attended Israel’s official 9/11 Ceremony hosted by Jewish National Fund-USA and KKL-JNF, in partnership with the Embassy of the United States in Israel on Monday, September 11. The moving event, broadcast globally on social media, took place at the organizations’ Living Memorial located in the foothills of Jerusalem. The site is the only 9/11 memorial outside the United States that lists all the victims who perished during the horrific attacks.
Notable attendees included: United States Embassy, Jerusalem Chargé d’Affaires, Stephanie L. Hallett; Members of the United States Marine Corps; Jewish National Fund-USA Representative, Yoel Rosby; KKL-JNF Vice Chairman, David Yaari; Israeli Fire and Rescue Authority Commissioner, Eyal Caspi; Commander of the Israeli Police’s Central District, Avi Biton; as well as 53 U.S. Police Officers, and 200 students from the Alexander Muss High School in Israel.
Also in attendance were families of the victims of the attacks, Nefesh B’Nefesh representatives, and U.S. airline officials.
Jerusalem Chargé d’Affaires, Stephanie L. Hallett remarked: “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 11 is one of tenacity, unity, and hope.”
Held annually, the ceremony and monument serve as a timeless reminder of the shared values and mutual solidarity between Israel and the U.S.
Jewish National Fund-USA Representative, Yoel Rosby, said: “As I look upon the audience today and see the students from the Alexander Muss High School, it becomes evident that it is our duty to advocate tirelessly for the message that hate will never triumph, and love will always prevail. For over 115 years, Jewish National Fund-USA has been building, growing, and promoting this message.”
The 9/11 Living Memorial is also surrounded by thousands of trees, symbolizing life, hope, and renewal.
David Yaari, KKL-JNF Vice Chairman and Chairman of Kol Israel, the General Zionist party, added: "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 U.S. and our shared values of democracy and freedom in the fight against extremism and terror.”
In addition to the annual 9/11 event held in Jerusalem, Jewish National Fund-USA honored the deep and enduring relationship between Israel and the United States through local commemorations held across the country. The events served as an opportunity to recognize first responders and security professionals, with many held at firehouses, police stations, schools, and synagogues.
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Media Contact:
Joseph Krebs
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 education. As a leading philanthropic movement, the organization supports critical environmental and nation-building activities in Israel’s north and south as it develops new communities in the Negev and Galilee, connects the next generation to Israel, and creates infrastructure and programs that support ecology, people with disabilities, and heritage site preservation, all while running a fully accredited study abroad experience through its Alexander Muss High School in Israel. Learn more at jnf.org.