Next week marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, a coordinated terrorist operation by al-Qaeda that resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths in the United States. The assault involved the hijacking of four commercial passenger planes, two of which were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, causing their collapse. A third plane struck the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., while the fourth crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers intervened against the hijackers. Among the casualties were five Israeli nationals: Daniel Lewin, Shai Levinhar, Alona Abraham, Hagay Shefi, and Leon Lebor.
The National September 11 Memorial in New York City was designed by Michael Arad, an American-Israeli architect whose father, Moshe Arad, served as Israel’s ambassador to the United States. During his diplomatic tenure, Moshe Arad publicly criticized the Palestinian human rights organization Al-Haq, alleging it was a front for the Palestine Liberation Organization led by Yasser Arafat.
In other news from Israel, the literary and academic circles have seen several notable developments. A project launched in October 2022 by the National Library of Israel to examine 60,000 books looted by the Nazis but preserved has recently uncovered an article written by former Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Isaac Halevi Herzog. This finding highlights the rich cultural heritage of pre-Holocaust European Jewry. Herzog’s grandson, President Isaac Herzog, visited the library following the discovery.
Additionally, the National Library formally accepted the photographic collection of Dan Hadani, a 102-year-old Holocaust survivor and founder of the Israel Press Photo Agency. Hadani’s archive, which documents many aspects of Israeli history, is reported to be the library’s most downloaded photographic collection.
Education and community events were also prominent this week. The Haredi school year began a day early at Ateret Shlomo in Kiryat Ye’arim, coinciding with the town’s 50th anniversary. President Herzog participated in the festivities, emphasizing the compatibility of religious and secular studies by referencing his grandfather’s dual expertise in both Halacha and marine biology. He encouraged students to study diligently while fostering inquiry and mutual respect amid societal challenges.
Reichman University announced the renaming of its International Institute for Counter-Terrorism to the Nancy and Stephen Grand International Institute for Counter-Terrorism, recognizing the couple’s philanthropic support. The institute, established in 1996, serves as a leading academic center for terrorism and security studies and collaborates with governments and organizations worldwide.
Meanwhile, the Friends of Irgun Nechei Zahal, also known as Beit Halochem USA, rebranded itself as Warriors of Israel. The organization supports disabled Israel Defense Forces veterans and their families, emphasizing the enduring responsibility to care for wounded soldiers—especially in light of recent conflicts, which have left thousands injured and requiring long-term rehabilitation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in a relaxed setting during a recent meeting with reserve combat soldiers. Organized by the Support Our Soldiers association and the Mifal HaPayis national lottery, the event aimed to highlight the experiences of reservists and featured a photography exhibition to be displayed in Israel and internationally.
On the media front, the Israel Press Council and the Foreign Press Association condemned attacks on Palestinian residents and journalists in the West Bank village of Kusra. Such violence, largely attributed to radical Israeli settlers, has raised concerns about the safety of civilians and reporters operating in the region. The Foreign Press Association urged Israeli authorities to investigate the incidents and ensure accountability.
Efforts to combat Holocaust distortion continue in the United States, with City University of New York launching a consortium among its campuses to promote awareness and education on Holocaust denial. Supported by grants from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany and the Rabbi Israel Miller Fund, the initiative aims to equip administrators, faculty, and students with the tools to recognize and counteract misinformation.
Lastly, various cultural and community milestones were marked this week, including a 36th anniversary celebration at Hampton Synagogue in New York, attended by prominent rabbis and featuring a donated Torah scroll in memory of Holocaust survivors. The anniversary held symbolic meaning, reflecting the traditional Jewish significance of the number 36 as representative of righteous individuals and life.