On Thursday, November 12, 2009, international dignitaries, politicians and Israeli leaders will unveil a monument dedicated to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Commissioned and built by the Jewish National Fund-USA/Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (JNF-USA/KKL), the memorial depicts the World Trade Center and Pentagon through sculpture and landscape architecture. Designed by award-winning Israeli artist Eliezer Weishoff, a 30-foot high bronze sculpture donated by Edward Blank is composed of a waving American flag transformed into a memorial flame. It rests on a gray granite base, part of which is from the original Twin Towers. The sculpture is surrounded by a circular, crater-like plaza and reflection area tiled in stone and funded by the Bronka Stavsky Rabin Weintraub Trust.

The Jerusalem monument is one of the first major international memorials to 9/11 and the only site outside of New York to recognize the names of every victim of the attack.

“My wife died just a few days before 9/11,” explained New York resident and memorial donor Edward Blank, “and then the whole world was sent reeling by the events of that day. I was looking for a meritorious way to recognize the many feelings I was having, and this memorial was the perfect fit.”

Dignitaries from Israel and around the world are scheduled to attend, including U.S. Ambassador to Israel James Cunningham, Ambassadors of other nations whose citizens fell victim to 9/11, U.S. Congressman Erik Paulsen who is leading a delegation from the U.S., Israeli cabinet ministers, Knesset members, families of 9/11 victims and other distinguished guests.

The event will take place in Arazim Park in the capital, beginning at 12:30pm.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)