Jerusalem, Israel – The 9/11 Living Memorial Plaza, situated near Jerusalem, holds the unique distinction of being the sole monument outside the United States that meticulously lists the names of every victim who perished in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Dedicated in 2009, this significant memorial incorporates a piece of the World Trade Center, symbolizing the profound and enduring friendship between the United States and Israel. Its creation underscored a shared commitment to remembrance and a unified stance against global terrorism.
Designed by Israeli artist Eliezer Weishoff and commissioned by the Jewish National Fund (JNF/KKL), the plaza features a striking 30-foot-high bronze sculpture. This artwork depicts an American flag dynamically transforming into a flame, a powerful visual metaphor for remembrance and resilience. A melted metal fragment from the Twin Towers' ruins is visibly integrated into the monument's base, while the names of the nearly 3,000 victims, including five Israeli citizens, are engraved in both Hebrew and English on surrounding plaques.
The memorial's inscription explicitly highlights its symbolic importance, stating: > "This metal remnant was taken from the remains of the Twin Towers... It was sent over to Israel by the City of New York to be incorporated into this memorial. This metal piece, like the entire monument, is a manifestation of the special relationship between New York and Jerusalem." This sentiment, as noted in the tweet, reinforces the deep bond between the two nations, forged in shared grief and mutual support. The construction of the five-acre site cost approximately $2 million.
Each year, the plaza hosts annual commemoration ceremonies attended by American and Israeli dignitaries, victims' families, and first responders. During a recent event, Jewish National Fund-USA President Deb Lust Zaluda emphasized the memorial's ongoing relevance. "We understand that the devastation and tragedy of 9/11 echoes the devastation and tragedy of October 7," Zaluda stated, highlighting the memorial as "a powerful testament to the everlasting bond between the United States and Israel, grounded in our shared values of freedom, resilience, and democracy." The site continues to serve as a poignant reminder of the global fight against terror.