JERUSALEM (Press Release)– On Thursday, November 12, Israel took another step in the country’s long history of solidarity with the United States and global victims of terror as international diplomats, U.S. and Israeli politicians and religious leaders unveiled a monument dedicated to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Commissioned and built by the Jewish National Fund-USA/Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (JNF-USA/KKL), the memorial depicts the World Trade Center and Pentagon through sculpture and landscape architecture. Designed by award-winning Israeli artist E. Weishoff, a 30-foot high bronze sculpture is composed of a waving American flag transformed into a memorial flame. It rests on a gray granite base, part of which is from the original Twin Towers. The sculpture is surrounded by a circular, crater-like plaza and reflection area tiled in stone. The Jerusalem monument is one of the first major international memorials to 9/11 and the only site outside of New York to recognize the names of every victim of the attack.
The vast plaza which includes the names of those fallen as well as amphitheater-style benches along the interior that provide visitors with space for viewing and reflection was funded by the Bronka Stavsky Rabin Weintraub Trust. “This poignant Living Memorial on behalf of the victims of 9/11 helps demonstrate the shared commitment of two great democracies that battle terrorism – Israel and the United States,” said Carmi Schwartz, nephew of Ms. Stavsky Rabin Weintraub. “This testament to the solidarity shared by the U.S. and Israel goes beyond lip service to unite these nations and their allies in the global fight against the destructive forces of humanity.”
“My wife died just a few days before 9/11,” related Edward Blank, New York resident and donor of the bronze American flag sculpture, “and then the whole world was sent reeling by the events of that day. I was looking for a meritorious way to recognize the many feelings I was having, and this memorial was the perfect fit.”
Dignitaries from Israel and around the world attended the dedication ceremony at Arazim Park in Jerusalem, including U.S. Ambassador to Israel James Cunningham, ambassadors and diplomats of other nations whose citizens fell victim to 9/11, including Canada, Mexico, Germany, Poland and the Netherlands, U.S. Congressmen Henry Waxman and Erik Paulsen, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Israeli cabinet minister Benny Begin, families affected by 9/11 and other distinguished guests including well over 100 Americans that made the journey especially for the ceremony.
IDF Brig. General (Ret.)Dov Shefi, whose 34-year-old son Hagay was murdered on 9/11 while addressing a conference of bankers at the Windows of the World restaurant on the 106th Floor of Tower 1, addressed the ceremony. “Since September 11th, 2001 not only the entire world has changed but the lives of 3000 families have been changed from white to dark-black. We lost our joy and we have never stopped mourning our loved ones,” he said. “Today’s inauguration ceremony of this important memorial symbolizes the identification of the State of Israel, of J.N.F. and the donors, with the thousands of families of the victims of September 11th throughout the world, with the United States and with the City of New York.”
“Set against the magnificent backdrop of Jerusalem, the Living Memorial will be a moving site from which to mourn the victims of 9/11 as well as consider the thousands of victims of terrorism worldwide,” said Russell F. Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of JNF. “This should be a place for visiting dignitaries – presidents, prime ministers, ambassadors, and citizens of the world – to come together to remember, reflect and heal. More than anything we hope that this Living Memorial will remind us to reaffirm our commitment to tolerance, the unity of mankind and democracy. “Jerusalem is a battleground of civilization but also a place of hope,” continued Robinson. “The memorial is situated in Jerusalem’s green belt; what better place to show that civilization won?”
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Preceding provided by Jewish National Fund