The 9/11 Living Memorial Monument is unique in its being the sole memorial site outside of the United States to include all the names of the 9/11 victims, which perfectly characterizes the strong, enduring Israeli-American relationship based on shared democratic principles, peace, and cooperation in the fight against terror.
Attending the ceremony United States Ambassador to Israel Thomas R. Nides, Board member of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-JNF David Yaari, President of JNF-USA Dr. Sol Lizerbram, CEO of JNF-USA Russell Robinson, as well as other distinguished guests.
Israeli Fire and Rescue Services Commissioner Eyal Caspi on behalf of Israeli Fire and Rescue Authority, Deputy mayor Hagit Moshe on behalf of Jerusalem Municipality, Black Elected Legislative Women Delegation, United Airlines Delegation, as well as Women's Zionist Organization of America, attended the ceremony to honor the victims’ memories. Likewise, representatives from KKL-JNF, JNF-USA's Presidents Mission delegation, Zionist leadership Academy delegation, members of the Diplomatic Community and Nefesh B’Nefesh were also present at the event.
The 9/11 Living Memorial was first established in 2009 by KKL-JNF and JNF-USA. The impressive, thirty-foot-high bronze sculpture was created by the Israeli artist Eliezer Weishoff and KKL-JNFs' landscape architect Yechiel Cohen. It portrays the American flag folded into the shape of a memorial flame. A metal shard from the ruins of the Twin Towers is incorporated into the base of the monument, which overlooks a magnificent vista of the Jerusalem Hills and the Arazim Valley.
United States Ambassador to Israel Thomas R. Nides: “From this date, there are thousands of stories of real acts of heroism… This is what humanity is all about. Today is a reminder that Israel and America are in this together."
Board member of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-JNF David Yaari: "The attacks of 9/11 were aimed at the values near and dear to all champions of democracy and what it embodies, not only assaults on the U.S. The monument symbolizes the desire to a bright, quiet future. We must remember the violence and voice tolerance at all timed. KKL-JNF will continue to cooperate with the U.S. Embassy and JNF-USA to strengthen the partnership between the Jewish people in Israel and in the U.S."
President of Jewish National Fund USA Dr. Sol Lizerbram: "Standing here near Jerusalem, a city that has too much experience dealing with the evils of terrorism, our Jewish National Fund-USA and Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael memorial, made possible thanks to Ed Blank of New York, stands as a bastion of tolerance and symbol of our enduring commitment to peace and prosperity."