SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — On September 10, 2026, a day before the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Jewish National Fund-USA partnered with Chabad Hebrew Academy to honor first responders from San Diego Fire Department Station 37 and the San Diego Police Department, who risk their lives daily to protect and serve San Diego residents.
The “Shared Values: Honoring Our Heroes” program at the school-wide assembly highlighted the unbreakable connection and shared values cherished by the people of the United States and Israel. During the ceremony, representatives from the two organizations presented the first responders and members of the United States Navy with a certificate featuring Jewish National Fund-USA and KKL-JNF’s 9/11 Living Memorial in Jerusalem — the only memorial of its kind outside the United States that lists the names of all those who perished on that infamous day.
Established in 2009, the monument pictured on the certificate features an American flag waving and transforming into a flame of liberty and hope, with a piece of metal from the ruins of the Twin Towers incorporated into its base. The memorial is a testament to the deep connection between the United States and Israel and the countries’ shared values of peace, religious tolerance, democracy, freedom, resilience, and the fight against terrorism.
“As the years pass, it becomes even more important to share the lessons of 9/11 with those who did not experience it firsthand,” said Kayla Globerson, Jewish National Fund-USA Senior Campaign Executive, San Diego and JNFuture. ”By remembering the bravery of first responders, ordinary citizens, and countless heroes, we help teach the next generation the enduring values of courage, resilience, unity, and the responsibility to stand up for what is right, especially in times of adversity.”
Following the ceremony, middle school students heard from David Blacksberg, a former EMT with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) who was present at Ground Zero on September 11. Navy personnel spoke with the students and Rabbi Zevi New also shared his father’s firsthand account helping in the aftermath of 9/11.
“We expressed our heartfelt gratitude to first responders, firefighters, and security personnel for their courage, dedication, and service,” said Keren Bradshaw, Senior Educator at Chabad Hebrew Academy. “It was a deeply emotional and inspiring experience for our students and our entire school community.”
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Preceding provided by Jewish National Fund-USA