by Sharon Lowe
Updated 11th September 2024
Looking back at the below piece I wrote three years ago on the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attack in New York where I lived at the time, it’s not just the trauma of that day that stands out, but how it forever changed the way we view security and freedom. Twenty-three years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid, especially as I watch new conflicts unfold, particularly the war Israel now finds itself embroiled in. The attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah—groups backed by Iran—echo the same fears I felt in 2001. The tactics, the ideology, and the cold calculation of targeting civilians are eerily familiar. Yet the global response is starkly different.
When the U.S. launched its War on Terror after 9/11, the world stood in solidarity. The mission to dismantle terrorist networks like Al-Qaeda and ISIS was seen as necessary. The atrocities committed by ISIS—bombings, executions, and mass terror—were universally condemned. But when Israel defends itself against threats from known terrorist organisations – Hamas and Hezbollah, the world’s response is divided. These groups, much like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, seek to destroy a democratic state and impose their own radical vision on the region. Yet, Israel’s defensive actions are often met with skepticism or outright condemnation, as if the right to defend oneself is not equally applied.
As the U.S. was supported in its fight against ISIS, I can’t help but wonder why the same clarity isn’t extended to Israel. Hezbollah’s rockets rain down from Lebanon, Hamas launches barbaric attacks from Gaza, and Iran continues to fund and arm these terror groups. Just as New York became a battlefield in a war we didn’t choose, Israel is once again facing an enemy that seeks its destruction, yet the world watches through a clouded lens.
In recent years, the world and its inhabitants have changed dramatically. We’ve witnessed the rise of movements like Occupy Wall Street, experienced the financial strain of a global recession, endured the devastating impact of COVID-19, and seen mental health issues skyrocket alongside the ever-increasing cost of living. These challenges have left people searching for purpose, grappling with a sense of disillusionment. At the same time, the world has embraced the “woke” movement, opening itself to new ideas about inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance. We’ve welcomed new acronyms, embraced greater sensitivities, and reimagined education to encourage critical thinking about race, identity, and justice. And yet, amid this push for inclusiveness, when it comes to the Jewish people and Israel, these principles often seem to be abandoned. The same voices advocating for tolerance and equality frequently fall silent or even turn critical when Jewish people or Israel’s right to exist and defend itself are at stake. It’s a troubling double standard in a world that claims to champion acceptance for all.
The truth is, we all live under the same threat, whether it’s in New York, Tel Aviv, or Melbourne. Terrorism doesn’t distinguish between borders or people. The fear I felt on 9/11, the uncertainty that followed, and the long road to feeling safe again is something Israelis live with every day. Yet the global community seems quicker to question Israel’s right to defend itself than to remember that we’ve all faced this kind of terror before.
As I reflect on the events of 9/11, the feeling of community and resilience stands out most. But so too does the lingering fear that history is repeating itself in varying forms and new challenges. For all of us, not just the Jewish people who lived through that day, the message should be clear: the fight against terror is universal, and the right to self-defense should be as well.
Original post 11th Sept 2021
The backstory
20 years ago today I was watching the Today Show while talking to a nurse at Columbia Presbysterian Hospital in New York where we had spent the better part of the past 3 months since Jade was born. We watched a plane hit the World Trade Centre. A moment later Greg called to say that I should let mum know that we are ok. I didn’t think much of it until we watched the second plane hit the next tower. The situation got very real very fast. Greg was working at Credit Suisse at 23rd and 5th Avenue. Everyone was evacuating his building and he was trying to make his way to us in Harlem.
Not wanting to take a subway he was racing uptown, and withdrew money along the way at an atm. Consciously avoiding Time Square and Penn Station he eventually made his way into a taxi. We lost contact along the way as the phone network was overloaded. Everywhere became a potential target, even the hospital. From the hospital window I could clearly see the smoke and fire from the towers. It looked like a scene out of a terrorist movie. It was several hours before Greg made it up to the hospital on 125th St and I knew he was ok. The hospital staff discharged everyone other than us that day in order to make room for the victims. It was the first night in 3 months that we had the room to ourselves and the first night we would have been happy to share the room with anyone. The victims never made it to the hospital. Greg lost friends that day and other friends managed by sheer luck to have been late for work or switched jobs just weeks prior. Each person had/has a story from that memorable day.
On the positive side the feeling of community in New York was so strong. The gratitude and care was alive and well in spite of the heavy feelings of loss and fear. After the attack, “Wanted: Bin Laden Dead or Alive” posters hung in offices, American flags flew high, and unity was strong.
The aftermath
The feeling that you never knew if it would happen again stuck with us for a long time. It took six months for us to venture down into the subway. Even when we moved back to Australia and headed to shule the fear that another attack was looming has stayed with me. Our last trip to New York, 20 months ago, was the first time we headed down to the 9/11 memorial. It was an emotional visit.
20 years later the Taliban is back in power and we are living in Australia under lockdown and with a curfew. Who would have thought?! There are many definitions of freedom and multiple ways to define yourself in these moments.
