Community Set to Honor First Responders

With ceremonies commemorating the tragic events of 9/11 set to take place across the U.S., Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA) together with the Israeli Consulate in Miami, and Tzofim(The Israeli Scouts – Shevet Almog), will acknowledge South Florida’s brave first responders at a virtual commemoration honoring the Plantation Fire Department.

“Today, we remember those who perished on 9/11 and pay special tribute to South Florida’s first responders, many of whom know colleagues who were affected by the attacks.,” said JNF-USA Executive Director, South Florida, Dr. Roni Raab. “Our local firefighting men and women are especially close to our hearts given JNF-USA’s longstanding support of Israel’s firefighters. In addition, we deeply appreciate Chief Don Todd from the Plantation Fire Department and Mayor Lynn Stoner for providing us with the opportunity to acknowledge their respective contributions.”

“Israel and the United States share an unbreakable bond, said Interim Israeli Consul General Galit Peleg. “By commemorating 9/11, we honor our shared values and commitment to defend freedom. As a new generation emerges that did not witness the events which unfolded on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, we have a responsibility to recount what happened on that fateful day, while educating them about the dangers of hate and destructive ideologies.”

“In addition, last week a delegation of Israeli firefighters arrived all the way from Israel to California, to stand shoulder to shoulder with their American colleagues. Only four years ago, US firefighters fought fires in southern Israel. We share values, we commemorate, and we stand together in action. This is the legacy we leave for the next generation.”

JNF-USA’s 9/11 Living Memorial in Jerusalem, Israel is the only commemorative site of its type outside of the U.S. that lists all the names of those who perished on 9/11. JNF-USA together with Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael hold a commemoration ceremony every year at the memorial in Jerusalem with members and veterans from the US Armed Forces, first responders, United Airlines staff, and other dignitaries in attendance. This year, the ceremony will be held online.

Head of the Israeli Scouts – Shevet Almog, Gal Gan-El, thanked the Plantation Fire Department and expressed her sense of solidarity in being able to take part in this year’s ceremony: “We teach our scouts to explore and take pride in their own identity. For Israeli-Americans, there is considerable overlap in the tragedies and triumphs that our nations have faced. Yet, this shared set of experiences only serves to deepen our appreciation of our past while confirming our shared destiny.

The (virtual) 9/11 commemoration to remember the victims of the 9/11 attacks while acknowledging America’s first responders and honoring the Plantation Fire Department will take place on Wednesday, September 9 at 5:00pm. To register, click here. For more information, contact JNF-USA Executive Director, South Florida, Dr. Roni Raab at rraab@jnf.org or 561.447.9733 x883.