Today, Israelis and Americans mark the tenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks—a turning point for both Israel, America and the international community.

IDF soldiers at a 9/11 memorial ceremony, Israel. Photo: Deputy FM Danny Ayalon.

Danny’s Act of Heroism

On September 11, 2001 at 8:46 AM, terrorists slammed the first plane into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Flying aboard American Airlines Flight 11 was 31-year-old Daniel Lewin—the first 9/11 victim.

Daniel Lewin, 31, was the first 9/11 victim.

Raised in Jerusalem to US immigrants, Lewin was a veteran of an elite counterterrorism unit of the Israel Defense Forces. The 9/11 Commission believes that Lewin battled the terrorists in an attempt to prevent the hijacking.

Lewin left behind a wife and children, and a successful Internet business which he co-founded. Before 9/11, Akamai Technologies Inc. had turned Lewin into a millionaire. After 9/11, he inspired Akamai’s continued success.

Slideshow: IDF Navigates the Long Road in Fighting Terrorism

The last ten years have seen a drastic change in the international community’s response to terrorism. While 9/11 left the world a less safe place, Israeli security forces and its military counterparts are committed to preventing terrorists from advancing their goals and ideology. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continues to play a leading role in fighting threats from Islamic extremists, assisting the United States and other countries in their war on terrorism.

The wave of terrorist attacks that began in the early-2000’s and killed thousands of Israelis was curbed by Israeli counterterrorism operations: Israeli security forces targeted terrorists responsible for heinous terror attacks against Israelis. The IDF continue to take steps in Judea and Samaria and Gaza to prevent terrorist attacks against Israelis.