9/11 Living Memorial Plaza

The 9/11 Living Memorial Plaza consists of an Israeli cenotaph surrounded by a larger complex near Ramot, Jerusalem. It was built on 5 acres (2.0 ha) of land, having been completed in 2009, and had been designed by Israeli artist Eliezer Weishoff to honour the victims of the September 11 attacks, which were carried out by al-Qaeda against the United States in 2001.

9/11 Living Memorial Plaza
Cenotaph of the complex: an American flag morphing into a flame of remembrance
31°48′24″N 35°10′44″E
LocationWest Jerusalem, Israel
DesignerEliezer Weishoff
MaterialGranite, bronze, aluminum
Opening date12 November 2009
Dedicated toVictims of the September 11 attacks

Construction
The 9/11 Living Memorial Plaza Complex
The 9/11 Living Memorial Plaza Complex

The cenotaph measures 30 feet and is made of granite, bronze, and aluminum. It takes the form of an American flag, waving and transforming into a flame at the tip. A piece of melted metal from the ruins of the Twin Towers forms part of the base on which the monument rests. A glass pane over the metal facilitates viewing. The names of the victims, including five Israeli citizens,[1] are embedded on the metal plate and placed on the circular wall. The monument is strategically located within view of Jerusalem's main cemetery, Har HaMenuchot.[2]

The folded part of the flag is reminiscent of the collapse of the towers in a cloud of dust. The flag morphs into a six-meter-high memorial flame representative of a torch.[2][3] It is the first and only monument outside of the United States which lists the names of the nearly 3,000 victims of the 9/11 attacks.[4][5]

Inauguration (2009)

The cenotaph was designed by award-winning artist Eliezer Weishoff. It was commissioned by the Jewish National Fund (JNF/KKL) at a cost of ₪ 10 million ($2 million).[5] The inauguration ceremony was held on 12 November 2009 with representation from the US Ambassador to Israel, James B. Cunningham, members of the Israeli Cabinet and legislature, the families of victims and others.[1][5]

Commemorations

The 2013 memorial for the 9/11 attacks was commemorated at Living Memorial Plaza. Families of victims and diplomats attended the event. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel B. Shapiro commented during the ceremony: "Here, at this painfully beautiful memorial site, we are a reminder to everyone that we, Americans and Israelis, stand together in a spirit of solidarity and commitment to the future."[1]

In Israeli society

Israel has issued postage stamps with the 9/11 Living Memorial Plaza pictured, as a tribute to the World Trade Center victims. Also, Israel Coins and Medals Corp issues medal for 9/11 victims with the image of Living Memorial.[6][7]

Additional monuments

Following the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, the Jewish National Fund and JNF-USA erected a stone plaque listing the names of the 11 victims of that attack next to the 9/11 Living Memorial Plaza. In February 2019, Pittsburgh mayor Bill Peduto visited the synagogue memorial and planted an olive tree beside it "as a symbol of peace and continuity".[8]

  • The memorial from above
    The memorial from above
  • Names of 9/11 victims
    Names of 9/11 victims
  • General view of the monument in front of the Har HaMenuchot
    General view of the monument in front of the Har HaMenuchot
  • Inscription on the monument
    Inscription on the monument
  • General view of the monument
    General view of the monument
  • Part of waving American flag
    Part of waving American flag

See also

References
  1. "Commemoration Ceremony for 9/11 Victims at the Living Memorial near Jerusalem". KKL-JNF. 12 September 2013. Archived from the original on 10 October 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  2. "The 9/11 Twin Towers Memorial". Jewish National Fund. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  3. "Monument: September 11 attacks". nrg.org. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  4. "9/11 Living Memorial in Jerusalem". Jewish National Fund. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  5. "Jerusalem to dedicate first 9/11 memorial with names outside U.S." Haaretz. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  6. "Jerusalem's Tribute To WTC Victims". Israel Post. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  7. "Living Memorial". morag.artvision. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  8. KKL-JNF (28 February 2019). "Pittsburgh mayor visits Tree of Life Synagogue memorial in Israel". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 6 April 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
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