Ambassador
James B. Cunningham

Biography

Speeches

American Embassy Tel Aviv Press Section
Remarks by U.S. Ambassador James B. Cunningham
At the JNF September 11 Memorial Dedication
Entrance to Jerusalem
November 12, 2009

Ambassador James B. Cunningham At the JNF September 11 Memorial Dedication Entrance to Jerusalem November 12, 2009 (Photo Credit: Matty Stern/U.S. embassy Tel Aviv)

Ambassador Cunningham: Prime Minister Olmert, Minister Begin, Congressmen Waxman and Paulson, Rabbi Metzger, families of the victims, ambassadors and distinguished guests.  I am honored in joining you in dedicating this living memorial commemorating the victims of September 11.

We gather here at the entrance to Jerusalem with members of the families and we remember those whose lives were lost in New York City, in Washington D.C., and in my home state of Pennsylvania.

Jerusalem too has endured the scourge of terrorism and the United States and Israel are both committed to the fight against terror.  We are determined to provide our citizens with security, not only through our might, but more importantly through the power of our fundamental values.  Some of you know I was the Acting Representative to the United Nations on September 11 and, of course, I will never forget that incredible day and the inability to comprehend what was actually happening as the towers were coming down.

After the Secretary General and I made the absolutely correct decision to open the General Assembly on September 12, despite the chaos in and around Manhattan, I told the assembled representatives in the Assembly: because this attack struck at all of us, it is right that we should work toward a coalition to defend our shared values against terrorism.  Because the attacks on September 11 were an attack on all of us and were an attack on the values that we all share and aspire to achieve.

That work goes on today—I’m afraid it will continue long into the future—and this memorial serves to remind us not only of those whose lives were lost, but of our purpose.

On behalf of my country, I thank the State of Israel, the city of Jerusalem, and the Jewish National Fund which initiated this unique and eloquent memorial.  I also salute those who generously contributed to its establishment.  Artist Eliezer Weishoff has created a profoundly moving vision.  It will become a national part of the landscape for all those entering this city.

This memorial contains a metal beam from the World Trade Center.  Just last week a new U.S. Navy ship, the USS New York, built with World Trade Center steel arrived in its namesake city.  It is a symbol of regeneration and rededication to life and security.  This memorial, too, surrounded by forests, provides a point for contemplation not only of tragedy and loss, but of the hope for a secure future and our shared desire for peace.

I hope this memorial will remind all those who visit here, or who see it from afar, that we can all aspire and contribute to building communities based on our shared values -- societies that choose life and peace and will surely triumph over hatred and terror.

So, let us not forget the victims of some 92 countries, and let us remain committed to defeating terror around the world.

Thank you very much.