Twenty-five years after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, a global meditation event has been organized to commemorate the anniversary and honor those who lost their lives. The meditation is set to take place on Friday, September 11 at 9:11 a.m. New York time, symbolically reflecting the date of the attacks. Participants worldwide will be invited to meditate together for a duration of nine minutes and 11 seconds.
The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, were orchestrated by al-Qaeda operatives who hijacked four planes. Two planes struck the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, with the first hitting the North Tower at 8:46 a.m. and the second impacting the South Tower at 9:03 a.m. A third plane targeted the Pentagon in Virginia, while a fourth, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in Pennsylvania. The attacks claimed nearly 3,000 lives.
The global meditation initiative was proposed by Michal Lichtman, a spiritual guide focused on fostering awareness and connecting with what she terms the "inner light." Lichtman’s journey into spirituality began about a year before the attacks, leading her to explore themes of darkness, light, and healing. She describes the meditation as a practice that helps individuals recognize fear-driven patterns and cultivate clarity by tuning into their inner spirit, which she says is often obscured by external noise.
This year’s event builds upon a previous gathering Lichtman organized at Jerusalem’s Tower of David Museum under the banner of Migdalor – Growing Light. That initial event was planned for June 21, 2025, the summer solstice, but was postponed due to Israel’s conflict with Iran and rescheduled for September 11. Lichtman noticed the symbolic significance of the date only after rescheduling, noting various personal coincidences tied to the numbers 9 and 11. The Tower of David event brought together participants from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds for a guided meditation centered on inner light.
Lichtman stresses that the meditation is designed to be inclusive and accessible, not tied to any particular faith or spiritual tradition. She encourages participants to use the time to reflect on the memory of lost lives and to consider their own responses to suffering, emphasizing connection and healing.
The meditation also carries additional significance this year, as September 11 aligns closely with the eve of Rosh Hashanah 5787, the Jewish New Year. Lichtman associates the upcoming year with the Hebrew concept of “zechut,” which denotes merit, privilege, or purity, themes integral to her spiritual practice. She views the convergence of these dates as an opportunity for renewal and collective reflection.
The event is supported by production collaborators including Aviva Nessaïver and Tali Appel, who contributed to video and sound elements. Individuals interested in participating can access more information through the event’s online platform.
Lichtman hopes the meditation will serve as a moment of unity and healing. “When we connect to our inner light, we connect deeply to ourselves and, through that connection, to every human being in the world,” she said.