Honoring September 11th: Not a Tragedy
by Robert J. Avrech
Offspring#2 steps into our bedroom and says:
“Do you know what’s going on in New York?”
My wife Karen and I look at each other, baffled.
“Better turn on the TV,” says Offspring#2.
Black smoke is rising from one of the Twin Towers. A newscaster tells us that a passenger jet airliner has hit the World Trade Center.
Ariel, our son, senses that something is happening. He tears himself away from his Talmud study and steps into our bedroom, gazes at the TV screen.
“How many people work there?” Ariel asks.
“Thousands, tens of thousands, it’s an entire world.”
Ariel is home from Ner Israel Rabbinical Academy. Recently, he recovered from a brain tumor, from years of massive chemotherapy and radiation. It’s so good to have him home. Karen and I are thankful for every moment with our sweet and pious son.
And then the second plane hits. There is a terrible bloom of fire and I realize that jet fuel has probably incinerated hundreds of human beings.
We are blown into a horrific new age.
There is no doubt in my mind that Arab terror has finally come to the American mainland.
I remember thinking: Now maybe Americans will understand what Israel endures on a daily basis.
I grip Ariel’s hand.
“Too tight, Dad.”
“Sorry.”
Ariel recites Tehillim.
The Twin Towers look like a post-modern Vesuvias. Abruptly, one after the next, they collapse — flatten like toys.
We watch endless replays.
And then it happens, the very first signs that some Americans cannot, do not, will not understand.
Newscasters refer to the Twin Towers attacks as a “tragedy.”
Ariel says: “Daddy, this isn’t a tragedy, it’s an atrocity.”
I nod my head in agreement.
“Why do they call it a tragedy?”
“Because they don’t understand evil.”
Ariel died two years after 9-11—the effects of the chemotherapy ravaged his lungs—at the tender age of twenty-two.
Flood, fires, and plagues are tragedies.
Our son’s death was a tragedy.
We could not control it. Fighting the cancer, the effects of the chemotherapy and the radiation, was battling a force of nature.
Ariel was right; 9/11 was no tragedy, it was an atrocity, and if you cannot recognize evil, well, how can you fight it?
Unfortunately, there are many Americans who are clueless about evil, and so they have no idea how to properly memorialize those who were slaughtered on 9/11. And the most fitting memorial for those who were so cruelly murdered in the air and on the ground is never to forget, and to relentlessly strike back at our Islamist enemies wherever they are — until they are but dust and ashes.
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77 Comments
Ariel was wise.
Seek help, Opalescent. Please.
Ariel, what a gift.
and you are right about recognizing evil. ACORN anyone?!
[...] the rest here: Honoring September 11th: Not a Tragedy This entry is filed under America – Blogs, Big Hollywood. You can follow any responses to this [...]
I suggest everyone look up some of the things the Talmud says about Gentiles.
I don't know about the administrator, but my objection is to your insidious effort to subvert a well presented, deeply felt, clearly reasonable point about the difference between tragedy and atrocity. Your animus, political or social, or theological, or some twisted combination of those, is a fuse to future atrocities.
[...] the right words matter even more. (No Ratings Yet) Loading [...]
Uh, hey Opalescent. Any links? I didn't think so. Blah, blah, blah.
Ariel was correct. 9/11 was an atrocity. Lots of people have already forgotten.
Thus "truthers" can pick through the flotsam of myriad internet sites and construct a scenario which blames the attack on President Bush, the Mossad, the Bilderbergers, or Scooby Doo. The image of America in the mind's eye of the hijackers I don't even wish to contemplate.
It bothers me that our current President at the time sat in the pews of a church whose pastor gloated that "America's chickens have come home to roost." (continued)
For me, the day is a reminder that there are those in the world who would seek to kill me for the sole reason that I am an American. I now fly a flag in front of my house so that they'll know where to find me.
It is is also a day of great pride when I remember that about 600 of those killed were police, firefighters and aid workers who ran INTO those burning buildings after the planes hit; their sacrifice meant that the death toll was three thousand instead of thirty. I am proud of the passengers of Flight 93 who thwarted the fourth attack on the Capitol.
And I am proud of all those doomed victims in the Trade Center who, in the final moments of their lives, took time to call family to tell them of their love and to say good-bye.
There has always been – and will always be – a battle waged between good and evil for the control of men's will. Those who do not comprehend – or refuse to believe – that evil exists, are already conqured. However, there are those among us – Ariel was one – who recognize evil's existence, and the necessity of fighting it. I would liked to have known your son….
"Ariel was right; 9/11 was no tragedy, it was an atrocity, and if you cannot recognize evil, well, how can you fight it?"
And there are those in this current administration that prefer to couch evil in terms intended to be 'politically correct' :
NAPOLITANO: …… In my speech, although I did not use the word "terrorism," I referred to "man-caused" disasters"…
so as to 'offend' fewer people, without regard for offending those of us that DO recognize evil when it occurs.
good post. thanks.
Just for future reference it was 343 police and fireman.
Thanks, Robert.
I have been really up and down today. I commented to a soldier how proud I am he's standing between my family and that evil, at the same time trying to calm that voice that wants me to ride to the sounds of the guns, be the man I expect of myself to protect my family, all of them, even those "on the outs" throughout this great extended family called America, even though I know I would be a danger to everyone: old, fat, and way too slow.
Ariel's perspicacity was amazing. I wish more people had your son's clarity. Bless you for sharing that with us.
Keep Safe.
Mr. Avrech,
God bless you for sharing your son's wisdom with us. My brother fought brain cancer that same year. We attended as many National Brain Tumor Foundation events as we could, in order to learn to cope, as well as to bring hope to others, because despite an enormous, grade-four glioblastoma multiforme in a frontal lobe, my brother could walk and talk and kept a wry sense of humor about his illness. Surrounded by families facing the loss of parents, children and spouses, we learned about real tragedy, and Ariel was correct – there is no comparing the tragic results of natural illness with the intense evil of the intentional massacre of thousands of innocents. 9-11 was the very definition of a crime against humanity. I know from expreience you treasured every moment with your precious Ariel, and I thank you again for illustrating your point in such a personally painful manner. God bless you and your family.
While I don't agree with the pith of this post, just wanted to say that I appreciate the voice. Simple, powerful piece of writing.
RELEASE "PATH TO 9/11" NOW!!!
True, the term "tragedy" is overused. The loss of your son is tragic, no doubt. And I'm should be more grateful, I've had few losses in my life, save for older realtives. Losses, yes, but not a child, a close friend, someone who has hardly begun to live. And I am grateful, for the blessings of this life, my family, my country.
But I can't forget on this day, one thing. It isn't politcally correct, but I can't forget my hatred brought out by other's hatred. And I don't intend to let it go. Never forget those who commit evil acts. And yes, dust and ashes indeed. Once they meet that fate of dust or ashes, whether before or after death, then I can let go of that hate.
It's somewhat ironic, although more likely insidious, that the only evil some people (liberals) recognize, are people who don't agree with their "progressive" world view.
Well put, Mr. Avrech. Too many people shy away from the recognition that there is evil in the world. Perhaps it's too painful, too frightening. But we can't eliminate something until we accept what it is.
God bless.
What are you saying, Bibi? That recognizing who is committing the atrocity and denouncing it invites more atrocities?
Hmmm. Looks like Opalescent took his hatred and retreated. Typical. And WE'RE suppose to be the hate-filled ones.
My family and I thank everyone here at Big Hollywood for your generous and profoundly wise comments. You have given us a great deal of comfort and hope. May HaShem bless you.
So noted.
Podcast: http://www.davebrianbender.com
"On the evening of September 11th, 2001, I visited Jerusalem’s Old City to gather reactions in the wake of the attacks, as a reporter for The Jerusalem Post newspaper. While some Palestinians celebrated, calling it a fitting response to US support for Israel, other Christian and Muslim Arabs were dismayed by the scope of the horror.
"The experience was, for me and photojournalist Mati Milstein, one non-stop, audio-grabbing lope from the Damascus to the Zion Gates through the echoing length of the Old City's exotic warrens and souk:"… Read More
Podcast: http://www.davebrianbender.com
May our God bring you rich blessing and peace in this tumultuous time. I realize that nothing can ease the pain of the loss of your son, I only hope knowing that he is in God's mighty hands brings you some level of peace.
It gives me great comfort to know that same God will bring justice to those that killed many souls on 9/11.
Shalom from a Christian friend…
Robert,
Thank you once again for so poignantly drawing the clear distinction between the tragedy of your son's short, blessed life, and the atrocity of the 9/11 attacks. After eight years, many need to be reminded.
As evidenced by Opalescent's convoluted entry above, eighty years of painstaking clarification wouldn't be enough for some.
From studying my own heart, I have come to realize that hatred makes us stupid. We blind ourselves from everything which gets in the way of seeing the object of our hatred as vile, and grasping at every straw to construct an even viler image. (continued)
My words exactly – an atrocity, not a tragedy. Tragedies make us sad. Atrocities should make us angry. 9/11 was a tragedy for the families of those killed that day. 9/11 was an atrocity against the nation.
So very sorry for the loss of your son. But I appreciate you sharing both your loss and your thoughts. Ariel was indeed right. An atrocity. But the bigger atrocity will happen if we forget–if we let 9/11 fade into history, or if we stop remembering the evil that occurred that day, or if we forget the courage of the NYPD and NYFD and other volunteers when they came to help, or if we forget what the values upon which America was built. USA! USA!
Hi – would Ariel call bombs falling from unmanned US Drones on the innocent Afghani and Pakistani civilians a tragedy or an atrocity. Because if terrorists flying jets into buildings is evil – what is a government that kills innocents on a weekly basis?
If you were working in Manhattan and watched the Towers fall, as I did, you would never use the term crime for 9/11 or some other PC term. It was intended to induce massive terror in Americans and did. It exceeded the fear caused by Pearl Harbour and killed more people, almost all innocents. There is a major segment of Americans who cannot face any danger and therefore deny its existence. Like a major segment of the English in the 1930s, they hate those who warn of impending disaster and flock to politicans who deny any danger in order to gain popularity. If Iran succeeds in developing nuclear weapons and medium range delivery systems or Pakistan's are grabbed by misguided persons, the chaos and mass death created by Hitler et al will almost seem minor.
Huh? Please make sense.
I believe that when faced with pure Evil, Man at first refuses to believe it or confront it. Look at genocide waged over the centuries. Look at all the Jews who when faced with Evil, chose to believe that they were being "resettled" rather than to consider Evil of the most monstrous sort. I think within our DNA is a hope for the basic goodness of Man.
Even when the first airliner hit most refused to believe – or consider – that it was a deliberate act. It took the 2nd airliner to convince people. Even then it would seem some refuse to believe it even today.
When the first airliner hit there were those in a company in the 2nd tower who wanted to evacuate. "Everything's all right", the security people intoned, "It is in the other tower".
So they all went back up the elevator and perished shortly after when the 2nd plane hit.
There were those who, remembering the 1993 bombing, spent precious time going to the roof instead of going down, wanting to be rescued by helicopters. They finally made it to the top only to find the access door was locked. Most above the crash sites perished; there were a few (small handful) who despite the elevator shafts being destroyed, chose to try and pick their way down throw the ruins. A handful trying this survived. When the Empire State Building was made, the safety code mandated an elevator shaft at each corner of the building.
When the WTC was being built the safety standards were relaxed to allow 4 shafts all placed in the center of the building, for better space utilization. People paid dearly for this change on 9/11.
I went to see Manhattan for the first time just 4-5 years ago. A friend of mine there gave me a walking tour of the area, I stopped at the fire station by the Fulton Fish Market. This was the station that responded first, and virtually all of the firemen were killed in the stairwell trying to rescue people.
I took a picture of the plaque and a fireman stared at me. I felt that I was intruding on hallowed ground.
In writing this I am trying to come to terms with the 9/11 "Truthers". I think their basic problem is that they cannot come to terms with what is pure Evil, and would rather think that our government is capable of the same.
Which in itself is strange.
He can't make sense because he has no common sense. Only some rat b@st@rd communist would take the death of someone's son and use it for a political statement. Show me proof of where our military maliciously and joyously kills innocent civilians ANYWHERE. Do you see any Americans dancing in the streets over deaths in the middle east? No you don't. When they come for you, I'm looking the other way, retard.
I believe that when faced with pure Evil, Man at first refuses to believe it or confront it. Look at genocide waged over the centuries. Look at all the Jews who when faced with Evil, chose to believe that they were being "resettled" rather than to consider Evil of the most monstrous sort. I think within our DNA is a hope for the basic goodness of Man.
Even when the first airliner hit most refused to believe – or consider – that it was a deliberate act. It took the 2nd airliner to convince people. Even then it would seem some refuse to believe it even today.
When the first airliner hit there were those in a company in the 2nd tower who wanted to evacuate. "Everything's all right", the security people intoned, "It is in the other tower".
So they all went back up the elevator and perished shortly after when the 2nd plane hit.
There were those who, remembering the 1993 bombing, spent precious time going to the roof instead of going down, wanting to be rescued by helicopters. They finally made it to the top only to find the access door was locked. Most above the crash sites perished; there were a few (small handful) who despite the elevator shafts being destroyed, chose to try and pick their way down through the ruins. A handful trying this survived. When the Empire State Building was made, the safety code mandated an elevator shaft at each corner of the building.
When the WTC was being built the safety standards were relaxed to allow 4 shafts all placed in the center of the building, for better space utilization. People paid dearly for this change on 9/11.
I went to see Manhattan for the first time just 4-5 years ago. A friend of mine there gave me a walking tour of the area, I stopped at the fire station by the Fulton Fish Market. This was the station that responded first, and virtually all of the firemen were killed in the stairwell trying to rescue people.
I took a picture of the plaque and a fireman stared at me. I felt that I was intruding on hallowed ground.
In a day full of ironies, one stands out. The FBI agent who spent years trying to convince the Bureau of the danger of al Queda, lost his life when as security head of the Towers, was trying to help people that fateful day.
In writing this I am trying to come to terms with the 9/11 "Truthers". I think their basic problem is that they cannot come to terms with what is pure Evil, and would rather think that our government is capable of the same.
Which in itself is strange.
My condolences on the passing of your son, and thank you for pointing out the differences between tragedy and atrocity. You said it better than I ever could.
"Show me proof of where our military maliciously and joyously kills innocent civilians ANYWHERE"
I never said they did – I said unmanned US drones have killed innocent civilians. You know I'm right. Who cares if it's done with joy or with anger or with a sense of duty – innocents are dead – we killed them and I want to know why that's not a tragedy or an atrocity?
"Only some rat b@st@rd communist would take the death of someone's son and use it for a political statement." That would be his father who smeared his dead boy's name over the Internet to try to prove a point.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Melissa L. Sutton and Big Hollywood. Melissa L. Sutton said: Honoring #911 http://is.gd/3ajuu #waronterror #tcot #sgp [...]
The president wants us to turn this into a day of 'service'.
People cutting up trees and cleaning beaches.
*Remember*
If you are going to have a day of 'service' to remember the horrors and hero's of that day. Make it special, so it does not wind up' like Labor day and Memorial day' (another excuse for a sale at the local store.)
Honor the dead–by cleaning up in/around cemeteries. Putting flowers on a strangers grave.
Honor the Firefighters and Police, by stopping at your local station with a card or baked good. Give them a donation.
Honor the Military by sending cards/gifts to those far from home thanking them. By going to the local Vet. Hospital and visiting a wounded warrior.
Fly the Flag high and renew your vowel to support Freedom -for fellow Americans. Show those who would oppress us-we will not give up-nor back away from the fight-within or without of our borders.
Reread the Constitution and teach others what it means….why 'We the People', are different from other countries. What has made America Great, how to hold on to that Greatness (and not be ashamed)
Remember what happened………The War came to our Shores – We did not Seek it, but We will not Hide from it! We Will Not Cower before those who seek to destroy Us or Our Way Of Life!
I have to say Robert what you have said today has caused me to think all day – does man not recognize Evil or does he simply refuse to see it?
Seems to me the typical moral equivalence argument of the left. Sometimes wars are necessary to defeat evil – they don't recognize that. God help this world without some sense of righteousness and universal good.
So if in any war innocents are killed along with the enemy that is an unjust war in your book? Innocents will always be killed. Thank God your "logic" didn't prevail in WW2. I can just see how you would report D Day.
Thank you for bringing this up. A colleague of mine was on American Flight 11. It infuriates me to hear the attacks referred to as a "tragedy". Mainstream media avoid the word "atrocity" because it is so potent. But it is absolutely accurate. If this was not an atrocity, what on earth could ever be?
"Because if terrorists flying jets into buildings is evil – what is a government that kills innocents on a weekly basis? "
As I recall, we're supposed to call it "Change you can believe in".
For the sake of clarity…you want this to stop, warpublican?
To our enemies: DON"T ATTACK THE UNITED STATES, or we might just do something WORSE than an unmanned drone…
Want the drone to go away?
Present ALL the leaders and terrorists of Al Qaeda and the Taliban at FOB Shank IMMEDIATELY. I know a gentleman there that would really like to be somewhere better, and he would really appreciate this.
Or get dead. Either way works for me…
For the sake of clarity…you want this to stop, warpublican?
To our enemies: DON'T ATTACK THE UNITED STATES OR ITS CITIZENS ANYWHERE, or we might just do something WORSE than an unmanned drone…
Want the drone to go away?
Present ALL the leaders and terrorists of Al Qaeda and the Taliban at FOB Shank IMMEDIATELY. I know a gentleman there that would really like to be somewhere better, and he would really appreciate this.
Or get dead. Either way works for me…
Sanmon, Stergeye,
firefighters and paramedics killed: 343, law enforcement officers: 72
http://nyfd.com/9_11_wtc.html
http://nleomf.org/media/press/911anniversary09.ht...
Thanks it looks like you are right. I need to say a few more prayers tonight and then make up for 7 years. God bless their courage and souls.
[...] Robert Avrech combines linguistic precision with emotional power to remind us that 9/11 was NOT a [...]
Because they aren't deliberately targeted, ghoul. The terrorists aimed for soft targets. They flew airliners into buildings full of innocent civilians, they use carbombs on marketplaces filled with innocent civilians or brainwash people into wearing bombs and detonating them amongst innocent civilians…. even having young women raped and convincing them that the only way to "cleanse" their shame is to wear a bomb and blow themselves up amongst innocent civilians. They've attacked schools with children, murdered and raped them. You take civilians killed by bombing raids and try to claim it's the same.
Sorry, intent does matter. If we could avoid killing innocent civilians to get these dirtbags (and we actually do try) we would. The people you are trying to protect seek out innocent people as main targets. That you cannot (or more likely WILL not) tell the difference only shows that you are a mindless ghoul oh-so-desperate to find anything you can grasp to claim we're the same as these monsters.
Amen.
Wow, this column is an obscenity.
I am shocked that Mr. Avrech would actually reveal to the world his bloodthirsty nature, in the grim satisfaction he felt in believing America now in the same situation as Israel, (which was apparently his spontaneous, natural response to 9/11) and of course to incinerate the broadly named Islamist enemies until they are "dust and ashes."
I was born and initiated a Jew, but I am rabidly anti-Zionist: Mr. Avrech's stark delineation of good and evil serves him no good: Israel is an illegal nation stolen from those who lived and owned on it but one hundred years ago, and whose peoples live in the worst sort of oppression. If there are Evil, Maleovelent Spirits in this world, certainly the man who self righteously refuses to discuss his oppressions, and who names the despairing, nihilistic violences of his captive sufferers but the workings of irrational hatred, so to cover his own deep guilt, is surely among them.
Kurt Ulysesses Larsen
The Detective In The Mirror
My sympathies regarding Ariel- I too feel that most people do not recognize atrocity, or the face of true evil, thus will not fight these things as they should be fought. Now, THAT is a tragedy.
Evil sometimes shows us clear signs. Evil sometimes is loud an clear.
Some have eyes and do not see. Some have ears and do not hear.
Thank God for the Ariel's of this world.
If you feel that way why did you Progressives vote to send us over to fight this war for you?
I have made no secret of the fact that Mr. Avrech is my favorite poster here! I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful son, Robert. It saddens me so much to hear of his passing, but I am proud that such a wise person walked among us for his very short life. Thank you for sharing such a personal story.
[...] never sat right with me since the attacks of 9/11. It dawned on me yesterday when I read this article pinpointing exactly what had been nagging at me for eight years. I keep hearing the attacks [...]
warpublican
I truly cannot understand the perspective from which you perceive the world. It is as if there is, within you a sickness of the spirit which causes a bitterness towards others that is unfathomable.
I do believe that those drones would not be doing their job if 9/11 had not happened.
You act like we just pick a country and decide to start carpet bombing people.
If you want to start a fight with America and then complain about the consequences you need to go pound sand !!!!!
I am sorry for your loss Mr. Avrech. As we believe in our faith "Families are Forever"
I think Bibi is replying to Opalescent's trolling post above.
It's okay to politely disagree. There's is no need to give Miles a thumbs down.
"…would Ariel call bombs falling from unmanned US Drones on the innocent Afghani and Pakistani civilians a tragedy or an atrocity."
If the innocent civilians are standing in front of terrorists when they get bombed, then it is a tragedy put upon them by the cowards who hide behind them.
Ah. Thanks for the clarification.
Actually, the word “kill” is a mistranslation.
The original Hebrew in the Bible reads: “Al tirtzach” which means, “You shall not murder.”
There is a world of difference between killing to preserve life and fight evil, and the crime of murder.
Hence, we are commanded to kill murderers whenever and wherever possible.
Thou shall not KILL !!!!!!! anything that OUR FATHER HAS CREATED PEACE
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[...] Big Hollywood » Blog Archive » Honoring September 11th: Not aHonoring September 11th: Not a Tragedy | Secolul 21 ~ 21st Century – September 11th, 2009 at 8:56 am … My words exactly – an atrocity, not a tragedy. Tragedies make us sad. Atrocities should make us angry. 9/11 was a tragedy for the families of those killed that day. 9/11 was an atrocity against the nation. [...]
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