September 11, 24 years later

September 11, 24 years later
For over twenty years now, I have been spending this day with my friends, members of the 9-11 Families organization, whom I respect greatly.
I recently met Galina and Efim Gelfand, whose daughter's husband, Boris Kalif, a talented 30-year-old software engineer who worked on the 94th floor, died that terrible day. All that remained of him was his wallet with his cards, a silent symbol of his life cut short.
I have vivid memories of Felix Ksido, Lyudmila Ksido's husband, who is no longer with us. He often came to my house with tears in his eyes to talk and told me how he gave Lyudochka's comb for DNA identification.
I remember how touchingly Marina Hertzberg's friend Roman Tsukerman recalled her, telling how extraordinary and kind this girl was.
My daughter and I were among the first visitors to the 9/11 Museum, along with a delegation from the World War II Veterans Association (President L.B. Rosenberg), and our tour guide was Valery Savinkin. A street on the corner of Coney Island and Brighton Beach is named after him. For us, Valery is a symbol of courage and humanity. I still remember the museum exhibits: the video camera that captured the fall of the towers.
The organization is currently headed by Roman Hertzberg, father of the beautiful Marina, whose beauty and inner light were admired by everyone in life and continue to be admired today. Assembly member Alec Brook-Krasny presented Roman Hertzberg with a certificate of honor.
Let's return to the memorial rally. Dina Lider's speech left no one indifferent. Her husband, Jonathan Lider, was not with us this year, but his memory lives on in our hearts. Dina spoke about terrorism. She quoted a speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who drew parallels between September 11 and the tragic events of October 7.
Ross Tisnovsky, Elena Belilovskaya's brother, hosted the ceremony with a touching and heartfelt demeanor. The string quartet's soulful chords were extraordinary; it seemed as if the music were weeping along with us.
Senator Steve Chan and his senior adviser, Ari Kagan, who has spent 24 years with the 9-11 families, as well as members of the Assembly, attended the event.
There are countless more caring people who came to express their condolences and share a moment of remembrance with us. Here are just a few: board members of the American Association of Disabled Veterans of World War II Anna Malkina and Alexander Rosenberg; President of the Harber Houses Residents Association Linda Harrison and Secretary Lyudmila Davidenko; kind creative personality and producer Rita Kagan; public figure Alexander Kozodoy; Inna Bogachinskaya and her husband; Anna Shpilkovskaya; Karen Lisa LichtBraun; Stephanie Neta Benshimol; and police officers whose colleagues heroically perished on that terrible day and in the years that followed. For all of us, this day is not just a date on the calendar, but a living reminder of the value of human life and the strength of spirit.
One of the main goals of the September 11 Family Group charity is not only to remember loved ones but also to pass on these memories to future generations. We hope that children will defend America, Israel, and freedom.
At the end of the rally, a letter of thanks was read. Many of my friends will find their names in it.
"We, the members of the September 11 Family Group, express our gratitude to everyone who gave us their time, energy, and attention, and provided generous and sincere support in maintaining the September 11 Memorial and organizing our memorial ceremonies: Architect Raya Saratovskaya; Blinkom Media; Inna Vernikova, member of the New York City Council; Michael Novakhov, member of the Assembly of New York; Radio USA 105.1 FM HD2, President Anna Pekerman; Davidzon Radio, President Gregory Davidzon; Dina Leader; Elite High School; Idelchik Memorial House; Lisovetsky Memorial House, Landscape Institute; New York City Department of Parks and Recreation; NYPD, 60th Precinct, Division of Community Outreach; Sinagoga FREE; Media holding R.Reklama CEO Pavel Smukler, journalist Marina Lagunova; Sinai Academy; Tour Masters Productions Group; Universal Accounting; UA Construction; Association of Sports Veterans, President Eduard Luchin, Ate Studio, Producer Alexander Arbit.
We thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts."
Marina Lagunova