The grim incident of twenty-three years ago, which only takes its date to evoke its horror, resulted in the loss of over 3,000 lives, leaving a profound impact on multitudes. The irony lies in the fact that 911 is also the emergency call number, but instead of ‘nine-eleven’, we say ‘nine-one-one’. More than a decade back, I had the opportunity to converse with ex-Chaplain Jacob Cohen from Folsom, who was just 7 miles away from the disaster site – the World Trade Center towers.
Cohen, who along with his spouse Stephanie Rivera Cohen, had been on a family visit, recalls hearing a disturbingly loud and low flying aircraft. He instantly feared that it might be a commercial airliner in distress making an emergency landing at LaGuardia Airport. His prayer was to hope that the aircraft wasn’t teeming with innocent lives. Soon after, he learned that the aircraft he’d heard was the one that hit the first of the Twin Towers.
As another anniversary of the dreadful day approached, I reached out to Cohen, hoping he’d still be reachable at the same contact number and might recall our decade-old conversation. His familiar New York accent wasn’t only warm but also showed that he clearly remembered our previous encounter. Interestingly, he informed me that he had been considering reaching out to me this year as the surge of memories had been strong.
Cohen and I caught up for a lunch meet at The Sutter Club where he confided about his annual pre-autumn restlessness. He remarked, ‘Although time has lessened the immediacy of the tragic event, the onset of the date on the calendar triggers a cascade of harrowing memories.’
When asked if these could be symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, he affirmed, acknowledging that the condition has led him to seek therapy at different points over the years. Back in 2001, Cohen’s role as a police chaplain involved counselling both law enforcement officers and victims of crime. Following the World Trade Center catastrophe, he went to the wreckage site to be of assistance to survivors and grieving families.
However, as fate would have it, he had neglected to bring his chaplaincy ID on vacation, consequently delaying his ability to provide solace at police precincts and fire stations. He painfully told me how ‘each fire station lost a significant number of their men – seven, ten or even more.’
Cohen still marvels at the indomitable spirit of those who, in the face of overwhelming sorrow and uncertainty, relentlessly pursued the search for survivors, the identification of victims, debris removal, and reinforcing structures at risk. He gradually acknowledges that thirteen years post 9/11, he realized that he could no longer continue in a role which constantly exposed him to the extreme outcomes of human life – crime, fire, and accident victims.
Cohen, a tall and slim man with a beard resembling a younger version of Robert de Niro (67 to de Niro’s 81), exemplifies that even after witnessing countless horrific experiences and the sombre stories that followed, maintaining a cheerful demeanor is possible – all due to a firm belief in his faith.
A devout follower of his Jewish heritage, Cohen recognizes Jesus Christ as the messiah awaited by his people for centuries. Emigrating from Israel in 1961 with his parents, Cohen amusingly labels Brooklyn, New York as ‘the second Holy Land’.
Upon leaving chaplaincy services, he began associating with the non-denominational Foothills Church, a Christian and Missionary Alliance in Cameron Park. His services extended to various law enforcement bodies in multiple El Dorado County communities. In a recent endeavour, he and his wife set up a branch for the nonprofit – Israel’s Remnant Ministries.
The term ‘Remnants’ is vaguely used to denote those who stayed loyal to God even after enduring heavy hardships – a title which certainly does justice to Cohen’s resolve. Cohen, born in Israel, moved with his parents to Brooklyn, New York, which he humorously refers to as ‘The second Holy Land’, back in 1961.
With an impressive academic background that includes a master’s degree in divinity and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Cohen’s retirement isn’t on the cards any time soon. He and his wife continue to provide leadership by conducting tours of Israel biennially. The upcoming tour, slated for October 2025, hinges on the geopolitical situation in the region.
Listing ‘God willing’ as a condition for the continuance of his future plans, Cohen upholds his faith as the guiding force in his life. His journey from the traumatic event of 9/11 to his continued endeavours in serving humanity ebbs away from the stigma of mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder.
In a world often marred by chaos and suffering, individuals like Cohen illuminate the path with their persistent faith and dedication to aid in times of crises. His outlook towards mental health, openness about therapy and contributions towards society are more than just reassuring – they carry a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of difficulties.
Years might have passed since the horrific incident, yet the memories and the effects linger on, resurfacing time and again, especially around the grim anniversary. However, for individuals like Cohen, it’s their unyielding spirit coupled with faith that drives them not merely to endure, but to continue serving humanity.
Through these tales of courageous resilience, let us remember the horrific event, not just as a poignant date on a calendar, but as an eternal reminder of the human spirit’s ability to draw strength through adversity and continue serving, spreading compassion, and fostering unity. ‘God willing.’