On Monday, Sept. 11, Jewish National Fund-USA in Boston’s vice president, Rhonda Forman, attended the organization’s remembrance ceremony at its 9/11 Living Memorial, located in the foothills of Jerusalem.
“I was lucky enough to be in Israel and able to attend the 9/11 memorial ceremony,” said Forman. “As a lay leader, I was honored to be asked to participate by laying a wreath on behalf of Jewish National Fund-USA.”
“The Living Memorial, the sculpture, and the space are so beautiful,” she added. “There were so many emotional elements. Meeting a lone soldier whose father died in one of the towers was especially moving. As an American, Bostonian, and part of the Jewish National Fund-USA family, I was proud to be there.”
In addition to Forman’s philanthropic work, she regularly volunteers her time to the projects she supports in Israel.
“I am in Israel as I am every year for a few months, where I volunteer at the Jewish National Fund-USA-supported ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran and the organization’s Lauder Employment Center,” said Forman. “Working with the residents at ADI fills my heart, especially when they recognize me year after year. Working with Lauder Employment staff makes me feel as though I’m giving more than just my financial gifts. Coming back every year is very meaningful for me.”
In addition to Forman’s participation, other notable attendees included U.S Marines, representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Israel, Israeli firefighters, diplomats from around the world, those who had lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks, and over 200 high school students from the Alexander Muss High School in Israel.
Recently, Jewish National Fund-USA and KKL-JNF’s 9/11 Living Memorial, located in the foothills of Jerusalem, was recognized by world-renowned Condé Nast publication Architectural Digest in its list of “The World’s 21 Most Powerful September 11 Memorials.”
In the U.S., an estimated 2,000 people attended 9/11 ceremonies around the country organized by Jewish National Fund-USA in partnership with local schools, houses of worship, firehouses, and police stations. With over 40 events held from California to New York, the commemorative gatherings served as an opportunity to honor local first responders and security professionals while recognizing the enduring friendship between the U.S. and Israel.
Beginning in October 2023, Forman will be Jewish National Fund-USA Boston’s new president. For more information or to get involved, contact the organization’s New England executive director, Sara Hefez, at shefez@jnf.org.
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