A Somber Anniversary September 9, 2011 "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness." — Lamentations 3:22–23
Ten years ago this Sunday, a group of Islamic fundamentalists were carefully packing knives and pepper spray, and double checking their passports and plane tickets. Then, on September 11, 2001, they boarded four commercial airline flights, took over the planes, and crashed them into the two World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon, and — in an attempt to reach either the White House or the Capitol that failed thanks to the heroics of passengers of the hijacked jet — a field in Pennsylvania. At the end of the day, 2,996 lives were lost, including those of the 19 terrorists.
Life wasn't the only thing lost that day. America was irrevocably changed by the loss of a feeling of safety on our home soil; our sense that catastrophic terrorist attacks don't happen within our borders. Since the attacks, Americans have been on heightened alert. We deal with greater restrictions and safety procedures when we travel, enter government buildings, and gather at large events. We look for things that are suspicious, hoping to avoid the next attack.
In this heightened sense of caution, Americans have come to know an even greater kinship with Israel. For decades, Israel has been rocked by terror attacks. The threat of terrorism is a daily reality in the Holy Land, where no one is a stranger to heightened security procedures, bomb shelters, and gas masks.
This kinship of vigilance is really born from a kinship of shared values. Both Israel and the U.S. are Western nations founded on principles of peace, democracy, the value of a human life, and freedom of expression and religion. Islamic fundamentalist fanatics find these godly principles troubling and threatening; it is these very biblical ideals they try to thwart with their shootings, bombings, and other acts of violence.
But it is also these biblical ideals that keep the U.S. and Israel moving forward and even thriving despite the constant threat. We know Who wins this war — and that gives us the unstoppable weapons of hope, courage, and faith.
Just as the terrorists prepared to perpetrate their heinous and cowardly acts ten years ago — even as they undoubtedly prepare for similar acts today — so we too prepare. We support all the brave men and women who fight in the armed forces that stand on the front lines of the war on terror. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and the world. We participate in God's work of caring for people in need. And, all the while, we cling to the biblical promise of God's steadfast and loving care: "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22–23).
With prayers for shalom, peace,
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein
President
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