A Message from National Commander Selina Kanowitz Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks
JWV Remembers and Will Never Forget
Today, the Jewish War Veterans of the USA pauses to mark a solemn milestone: the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. A quarter of a century has passed since that fateful Tuesday morning, yet the memories of the 2,977 innocent lives lost at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, remain vivid and undiminished. May their memories be a blessing.
As the nation’s longest-serving active veterans’ organization, JWV expresses lasting gratitude for the extraordinary bravery of first responders, military personnel, and everyday heroes who ran toward danger to save others. We also honor the entire generation of service members, many of whom are in our ranks, who answered the call to defend our nation in the years that followed.
At Ground Zero in Manhattan, the names of the victims of this attack on our nation will be read aloud by their family members and loved ones at a solemn remembrance ceremony. Moments of silence will mark the exact times when the hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center’s iconic twin towers and when the towers fell. Vice President Vance is expected to attend.
At the Pentagon in Virginia, the 184 service members and civilians killed when hijackers steered a jetliner into the U.S. military headquarters will be honored. President Trump is expected to speak at the ceremony.
And in a rural field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, a similar ceremony, marked by moments of silence, the reading of names, and the laying of wreaths, will honor the victims of Flight 93, the hijacked plane that crashed after crew members and passengers attempted to storm the cockpit.
While these events are solemn, they also demonstrate the commitment and resilience of our American spirit to stand against terrorists, remain united in the fight against terrorism, and defend the United States Constitution. JWV vows to continue educating Americans, especially our youth and those born after 2001, about the significance of 9/11.
In the Jewish tradition, remembering—Zachor—is a sacred obligation. We do not merely look back to mourn; we remember to carry forward the light and legacy of those who perished. On this significant anniversary, we pray that the victims’ memories remain an enduring blessing.
We also recognize that this 25th anniversary is a unique moment of reflection for our community, coinciding with our preparations for the High Holy Days at sundown and throughout the weekend. As we enter a season of introspection, renewal, and prayer for peace, let us reaffirm our commitment to unity and resilience and to defending our shared freedoms.
I urge all in JWV to honor, in their own way, those lost on September 11 and to remember the survivors, family members, and first responders whose lives were forever changed that day. JWV recognizes those currently serving to protect the freedom we enjoy as Americans. JWV remains steadfast and condemns all terrorist actions, past, present, and future.
To the families of the victims, the survivors, the first responders, and the veterans who bear the physical and emotional scars from that day and the wars that followed: JWV stands with you. We will never forget their sacrifice.
September 11, 2026
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About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans (JWV) of the USA is the premier voice for Jewish uniformed service members and veterans in the United States. The JWV affirms that Jewish men and women serve honorably and heroically in the United States military in peacetime and in war. The JWV defends the rights and benefits of all service members and veterans, combats antisemitism, and supports the State of Israel.
