SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., September 14, 2021 — On Sunday, September 12, school children of all ages in Scottsdale honored City of Scottsdale Police Department District 3 officers with remarks of gratitude, poems, and a plaque gifted by Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA) to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
School children in Scottsdale honor officers from the City of Scottsdale Police Department District 3 on the 20th anniversary of 9/11
JNF-USA also partnered with Nishmat Adin - Shalhevet Scottsdale students to honor the City of Scottsdale Fire Department and present a 9/11 memorial plaque on Monday, September 13, at a ceremony at Congregation Beth Tefillah. The students spoke from their hearts about what it means to be a first responder and shared beautiful words of remembrance for the victims of 9/11. Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega was the guest of honor and provided special comments regarding his appreciation for the local heroes.
JNF-USA 9/11 ceremony honoring first responders from City of Scottsdale Fire Department on the 20th anniversary of 9/11
“Events like this help kids remember what happened on 9/11 because they form a personal connection,” said JNF-USA Israel Programs Admissions Director Jennifer Sosnow. “Instead of reading about it in a textbook, they get to hear from first responders, ask questions, and learn about how their own community heroes work to keep them safe. It’s also a great way to build strong partnerships with the local first responders and teach them about our Jewish communities.”
The plaques presented to Scottsdale’s police officers and firefighters featured a prominent photo of JNF-USA and KKL-JNF’s 9/11 Living Memorial in Jerusalem — the only commemorative site of its type outside of the U.S. that lists all the names of those who perished.
City of Scottsdale Fire Department attends JNF-USA ceremony on the 20th anniversary of 9/11
The text on the plaques say, “The JNF-KKL 9/11 Memorial, in the foothills of Jerusalem, expresses the deep connection and shared values between the people of Israel and the United States. It is the only memorial outside of the United States that honors each victim. The memorial is an American flag waving and transforming into a flame. A piece of melted metal from the ruins of the Twin Towers forms the base of the monument. This memorial serves as the site of an official ceremony held with the United States every year, as Israel honors the memory of the heroes who fell and recognizes the heroes who walk among us. Thank you for your commitment and sacrifice.”
Officers from the City of Scottsdale Police Department District 3 pose with Jennifer Sosnow, JNF-USA Israel Programs Admissions Director
JNF-USA hosts a ceremony annually at that memorial, where those who lost loved ones in the attacks come together with the broader community to remember the victims. This year’s ceremony — attended by the United States’ Acting Ambassador to Israel; former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert; U.S Marines; and members of the diplomatic corps — was live-streamed from Jerusalem on September 12 and can be viewed on JNF-USA’s Facebook page.
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About Jewish National Fund-USA
JNF-USA is the leading philanthropic organization for Israel that supports critical environmental and nation building activities in Israel’s north and south. Through its One Billion Dollar Roadmap for the Next Decade, JNF-USA is developing new communities in the Galilee and Negev, connecting the next generation to Israel, and creating infrastructure and programs that support ecology, individuals with special needs, and heritage site preservation.