By Joel Leyden
Israel News Agency
http://www.israelnewsagency.com/israeljewsrememberislamicterrorattacksnewyorknetanyahuburnkoranswashintongroundzeroshabbatholocausthamasiranworldtradecentermemorialfacebook91110.html
Jerusalem, Israel ---- September 11, 2010 ..... In dozens of Beit Knessets (Jewish Temples) throughout Israel this morning, Jews walked or took their cars to attend Shabbat prayer services. But this Shabbat was different. This was the morning of September 11 or 9/11 and many in Israel have not nor would forget the 3,000 Americans who were murdered on this day 9 years ago.
In the northern Tel Aviv suburb of Kfar Sava, over 100 Jewish families prayed and sang Rosh Hashana New Year and Shabbat songs. At the end of the Shabbat service, it is customary for a few members to announce special events such as study classes, children's picnics or Green Eco projects to take place during the coming week. But one member, who had been in New York during 9/11, stood up and made both a statement and a request.
"Today is September 11. The day that 3,000 Americans were murdered 9 years ago in the largest Islamic terrorist attack. A day where we witnessed true heroism by police and firefighters - many who gave their lives to walk up smoke filled stairwells in the World Trade Center as many were running down, fleeing for their lives. A most tragic and sad day where just being a Jew or a Christian made you an "infidel" - a target for murder. A bright sunny morning where 5 Israelis were murdered, where 400 Jews were murdered. We shall not forget."
This Jewish congregation of Conservative Jews then stood for a minute's silence and reflection.
For some, they remembered the barbaric images of two planes smashing into and through the World Trade Center. Hot yellow, red and orange flames, people waving white shirts for help, jumping from the windows, the sound of jackhammers drilling at Ground Zero searching for life, the many black and white paper posters twisting in the wind of the missing faces placed on trees and electric poles, of thousands of people covered in grey dust as they slowly marched away from downtown New York to the bridges which would take them to Long Island or New Jersey.
For those living on the front line of democracy in the Middle-East, the Jews of Israel know the horror of terror attacks just too well. The too many restaurants, buses, hotels, shopping centers blown up by Islamic suicide bombers. The thousands of terror rockets launched by Hamas in Gaza which have slammed into the cities of Sderot, Ashdod and Ashkelon. The terror missiles that were launched by Hezbollah in Lebanon that have killed and wounded civilians in Kiryat Shomona, Metulla and the many Kibbutzim of Northern Israel.
The days and months of living under the threats by a nearly nuclear Iran to wipe Israel off the map.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in addressing an attempt by a few in the US to burn the Koran said that the burning of religious books is wrong and undermines religious tolerance and peace. The Israel Prime Minister urged that such irresponsible actions not be taken.
The Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: "Israel deeply mourns the more than 3,000 victims of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The people of Israel express their most heartfelt sympathy for the American people as they mark nine years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks."
On Facebook, YouTube and Twitter thousands from Israel have expressed their support to the 9/11 terror victims.
Jackie Cracka Butera posted on Facebook: "As the years pass by, we tend to let things go, I dont think we should ever forgive or forget this muderouse action, by radical muslems, we must always be vigilent." Irit Danenberg says: "They (Islamic terrorists) will use America's concept of religious freedom and tolerance to destroy our culture. Don't let it happen. Muslims are now trying to destroy Iran history and culture. Look at the Tomb of Firuzan recently destroyed." Ziona Etzion said: "Horrifying ...inconceivable that it happened on purpose". Sylvia Ginsberg adds: "Some Americans have already ready forgot! But not us!" And Rina Rosen says: "Not only do Israelis remember. None of us who is a mench will ever forget, regardless of nationality, skin color or faith."
An Israel 9/11 Online Memorial to the thousands of 9/11 terror victims was created in 2001. The Israel Condolence site hosts thousands of comments and more are welcomed.
At the end of the Shabbat service, an elderly man walked over to the younger, middle-aged man who had been in New York during the 9/11 terror attacks. He slowly rolled up his white dress shirt sleeve and showed him a number tattooed on his arm.
"I have not forgotten neither the Holocaust or 9/11. Nor will I."
The Israel News Agency, which is accredited by Israel Government Press Office, was the first on line news organization in Israel. The INA reaches up to 60 million readers through Google News and Internet social networking channels such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube from New York, London, Moscow and Paris to Toronto, Los Angeles, China and India. Leyden is presently launching the United States News Agency using the INA as a successful working model.
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