2009 Press Releases
U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem Remembers September 11 on the First Annual National Day of Service and Remembrance
September 11, 2009
Jerusalem
Today, the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem commemorated America’s National Day of Service and Remembrance, the first of what will be an annual event to remember the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The Consulate General community began the day with a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., the time that the first plane hit the World Trade Center in New York City, followed by a reading of a message from President Barak Obama on Patriot Day, a day devoted to remembering Americans and people from around the world who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks. Finally, members of the U.S. Consulate General community hosted approximately 110 orphans in Beit Sahour for an evening of theater performances and a traditional Ramadan Iftar.
Speaking about the National Day of Service and Remembrance, Consul General Daniel Rubinstein said, “on this day, President Barak Obama has encouraged Americans to reach out to others and foster understanding and collaboration through service activities. Although it commemorates a tragic event in U.S. history, on the National Day of Service and Remembrance, we are reminded of the importance of cooperation, coexistence and mutual respect, and America’s shared values with people around the world.”
In this spirit, the U.S. Consulate General partnered with INAD Theater in Bethlehem to sponsor “Ramadan Brings Us Together.” One hundred and ten children from a Beit Sahour orphanage were invited to join INAD’s theater performers and American staff from the Consulate General for a night of games, American music, and activities that promote ideals of civic responsibility and justice. The evening concluded with an Iftar for the children and leaders of the Beit Sahour community.
For more information please contact the U.S. Consulate General’s Press Office at 02-622-6908 or 02-622-6909.
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