SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — In recognition of the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, Jewish National Fund-USA partnered with several schools and synagogues in the San Diego area to host 9/11 ceremonies, during which students learned about the terrorist attacks that forever changed America and the world. The events also served as an opportunity to honor local first responders and security officers who bravely serve our community.
On September 10, 2023, congregants at Congregation Beth Am held a special ceremony during Shabbat services to honor the individuals keeping their shuls safe. Jewish National Fund-USA President, Dr. Sol Lizerbram, and First Lady Lauren Lizerbram, and Rabbis David Kornberg and Matthew Earne personally presented Cameron Reardon, Safety and Security Supervisor at Beth Am, and several officers from the San Diego Police Department with plaques featuring Jewish National Fund-USA and KKL-JNF’s 9/11 Living Memorial in Jerusalem — the only commemorative site of its type outside of the U.S. that features all the names of those who were killed on 9/11. Established in 2009, the monument is a testament to the enduring connection between Israel and the U.S., and our countries’ shared values.
“On 9/11 each year Jewish National Fund-USA presents plaques to servicemen and women in the United States,” said Dr. Lizerbram. “Lauren and I, along with Rabbi Kornberg and Rabbi Earne were so proud to represent our organization in recognizing our community’s first responders. These men and women have dedicated their lives to ensuring our safety, and they constantly serve with dignity and pride.”
In addition, Congregation Ohr Shalom in San Diego and Congregation Beth El in La Jolla held similar ceremonies in their respective synagogues, where they presented their synagogue security guards with plaques recognizing them for their service to the community.
“Anticipating the coming the Days of Awe, we do what we can to help our country, our people, our children, and our community,” said Congregation Beth El Rabbi Ron Shulman. “Let us strive to add to our demeanor more kindness, greater patience, more understanding, greater compassion, more sympathy, and greater respect to every conversation and relationship we have.”
Jewish National Fund-USA also hosted its annual ceremony on Monday, September 11, 2023, paying tribute to the victims of 9/11 at its memorial in Jerusalem. Broadcasted globally on social media, the ceremony was attended by U.S Marines, the U.S. Embassy, U.S. police officers, Jerusalem chargé d’affaires, Israeli firefighters, and diplomats from around the world.
For more information about Jewish National Fund-USA’s Israel and educational programs, contact Teri Naftalin at TNaftalin@jnf.org or 858.824.9178 x483. For general questions about Jewish National Fund-USA, contact Monica Suissa, Executive Director, San Diego at MSuissa@jnf.org or 858-824-9178 x858.
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Preceding provided by Jewish National Fund-USA