Jeffrey Kaplan: A Mother Lost | 9/11: We Remember | PBS North Carolina

Jeffrey Kaplan was only 14-years old when he lost his mother to the September 11th attacks at the World Trade Center in NYC. Jeffrey talks about that terrible day and what he remembers most about his mother and the amazing legacy she left behind.
In the new PBS NC special, 9/11: We Remember, North Carolinians share personal accounts of that terrible day. From narrowly escaping the World Trade Center to losing loved ones and colleagues in the collapse, we hear intimate accounts of tragedy, heroism and resilience.
9/11: We Remember premieres Thursday, September 9, 7 PM on PBS NC and streaming online and on the PBS Video app.
Learn more and explore more special programming: www.pbsnc.org/...
Support more programs like this by becoming a member of PBS North Carolina today.
pbsnc.org/donate

[@MelissaLona]

His story sounds so so similar to my 9/11 story except my mom came home. I remember being in school in Math class when we got the news. My math teacher was visibly upset. When I heard the plane hit the building, my immediate thought was wow that’s horrible. It didn’t register that this event affected me. Even though I knew my mom worked down there, it just didn’t click that my mom life is in danger. It didn’t click until the very next period of class. I went to the Principal office to call my mom work phone and cell phone. By that time, there were a line of students who were trying to call their parents that worked in the WTC. I couldn’t get through to her so I left school. I walked home, picked up my siblings from their school and came home. My sibling’s school released them to me even though I was under 18 because I told them my mom worked in the WTC. They were crying for me and immediately released them. I came home to a bunch of voicemails from my aunts, uncles, grandparents, and my mom’s friends and cousins. It was in that moment that it really hit me that I may never see my mom again. The deep sadness came over me and before I can full fall into sadness, the door unlocked. My mom was standing in the doorway covered in white debri that looked like powder and sand. We ran to her and hugged her. She looked so exhausted. We helped her get undress and in the shower. And we laid in the bed and watch the news all night. My mom ran when the tower collapsed and she walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. She walked from Manhattan to our Brooklyn home. She was extremely weak and tired but she was alive and for that I am grateful. She’s still with us but she doesn’t talk about 9/11 much.

[@suras8984]

im so happy you still have your mom

[@stayenyolanebigsby9632]

God bless you and your family.

[@geetaverma196877]

God bless you and your family ❤❤

[@geetaverma196877]

Till today who works in WTC Towers and nearby that day couldn't get over about 9/11 attack because it was such a horrifying incident for so much people. Also it effects never go away from their life's till they are alive .

[@alejandrafretes4707]

Bless you, your mother and your family. ❤

[@brookesmith8967]

Broke my heart listening to his voice crack. The pain of losing a love one just never goes away. 💔

[@ammccoy2142]

Words from a loving son about his loving mother.

[@LouisianaAstroRambler]

I knew I'd break while watching this, I can't imagine losing my mother, especially in such a cruel way.

[@lsnead72]

To lose ones mother is the most difficult loss.

[@hildeschmid8400]

​@@lsnead72actually, losing one's child is much worse.

[@alisonjmiller5339]

Every way you lose your mother is cruel

[@LouisianaAstroRambler]

@@alisonjmiller5339 I'd still rather lose someone to old age while they're in a warm bed surrounded by family.

[@BlackStump172]

@@hildeschmid8400I disagree . It is worse for a child ( not adult ) to lose his mother , than the other way around . My grandson suffers my daughter’s loss more than me . His need is greater .

[@Yorkiepoo1983]

This is truly heartbreaking. I’m so sorry this happened to him, but I am so appreciative of him for sharing these beautiful memories of his mother. She would be incredibly proud of him. May her spirit rest in eternal peace.

[@commercialzone4141]

I imagine Your mother would have been so proud of you. Good son.

[@wrighty553]

A beautiful tribute from a loving and appreciative son to his mother; she would be very proud of you.

[@Kellaub]

He looks atlot like his mama ❤ so sorry for your loss

[@meganemery6312]

I’ve watched a lot of 9/11 videos but this one is different. Just really hits a personal nerve, hearing a son talk about his mother. So so sad. 😢❤

[@debamodio5971]

Beautiful . I’m sure if his mom heard his words she would know she raised a smart , considerate , loving young man . People don’t always see their impact on others . It reveals itself with time . Even though her life was cut short she will live on through memories , stories and life lessons. And her namesake ❤️

[@crystalinabacteria3430]

Heartbreaking 💔 I'm from the UK & I was devastated with what happened. I watched many documentaries. I like listening to the stories of the people that were lost . To learn all about them as a person. They may have gone but I don't want to ever forget them. I don't want to forget that they were so brave. Some made devastating, courageous decisions to jump. In 2005 I visited Ground Zero & paid my respects. I had to because I remember sitting on my settee crying feeling helpless when it happened & unfolded into complete devastation on the TV. RIP sweet angels we will never forget 9/11💔🙏😢

[@grrlgd3835]

Sorry for your loss. Love from London

[@stephaniels5421]

Bless his heart. We don’t know how lucky we are when we can sit by the bed of a loved one & be close to them when they pass on. Typically, we don’t think of that as fortunate, but when you think of them perishing under the circumstances of 9/11, it’s really a blessing to get to hold their hand during their last breath.

[@mitzimcewan9124]

Your mom was beautiful, inside and out

[@laurelwood791]

Your ,"testimony" has touched me so deeply that I actually feel a connection to you as if I "know" you. No type of weirdo here, just another human being still obviously to this very day effected by 9/11. I wish you all the peace one soul can give to another. Continue asking , studying and seeking answers to those questions sir. God bless you. Thank you for the lovely tribute to your wonderful beloved mother.

[@leanneadams2549]

I’m so sorry your beautiful mother was taken from you ! Thank you for sharing what a kind and wonderful woman your mother was. All my prayers ! ❤️😞🙏💯

[@simonakalinkaite5965]

Very deeply sorry for your loss

[@stephtaglianetti]

He made me cry. I can't imagine the depth of his grief, pain and sorrow.

[@chezzachezza7325]

Sorry for the loss of your beautiful mumma 😢😢😢😢

[@AnnapolisGirly]

My heart goes out to this family.

[@oliverdesvaux]

Geez, what happened to his Mom? She was way below the impact zone? Did she not evacuate the building or something? Very sad 😞

[@onegirlrev]

They were told to stay put!

[@oliverdesvaux]

@@onegirlrev initially yeah, but they all started going down. Firefighters were even guiding them down. So many escaped, tragic that they she didn’t manage it

[@animicute9827]

hi i'm from Nagaland, INDIA watching your video, my heart is paining and i love u and ur family❤️

[@lw7210]

I'm so sorry for his family's loss. I love the fact that there aren't many Deborah's born in 2018. That's special.

[@johndurrer7869]

61st floor on the North tower. How did she not get out? She must’ve stayed to try to help people

[@matts.6904]

Wondering the same thing here.

[@johndurrer7869]

@@matts.6904 maybe she tried to leave through the plaza and got hit by debris or someone falling . There is certainly a big part of her story that is missing

[@DCGuy1997]

Heartbreaking.

[@ABSG7]

His eyes are striking

[@dhurley8522]

I’m so sorry Jeffrey 🙏🏻♥️

[@aliahspirituality]

You would not think looking at him that he carried such a deep loss. I am so sorry for any kid to grow up without their loving mother. Shes surely so proud of him and I admire what he's made of himself. He has a really cool career.

[@veronicahair7427]

Professor I absolutely love your videos. I’m so sorry this happened to you.

[@jodyj0]

The lady was well below impact zone at 64th floor,strange how she didn't get out, considering people trapped for 30 minutes before rescue in 89th, 90th, 91st floors well above her near impact zone got out on time managed to survive even if barely escaping bc they were so far up & had to wasted lots of precious unrecoverable time getting rescued out. Baffles me she was unable to escape with her life being so far down, how sad. 9/11 really hit me hard bc I was living in Manhattan only 10 years old & unfortunately,witnessed all the catastrophe, very traumatizing & scarring💔

[@onegirlrev]

Are you joking? Are you blaming her?There was a PA system telling everyone to stay were they were. She could have been walking out of the door as this entire skyscraper collapsed on top of her head.

[@jodyj0]

@onegirlrev are you blind or deaf I said it's baffling bc 99% of people below impact in the North tower evacuated immediately & made it out, but then she could've been struck by a jumper, debris or gotten sick etc.. something that obviously detained her & prevented her escape. The ones that were told to stay put were the trapped victims above impact & the South tower tenants, the north tower individuals below impact were never told to stay put. Get that information correct.

[@WurmisD]

Port Authority employees on the 64th floor, including Mr. Kaplan's mother, were initially told to shelter in place by security. They were waiting for rescue personnel. It wasn't until very late that they finally attempted to exit the building, however when the north tower collapsed they were still in stairwell B. I believe only two people from this group survived the collapse.

[@jodyj0]

@WurmisD yes I have almost all the books about the WTC events on 9/11. I tend to focus on the WTC bc I witnessed it in person on the outside of course i was just a ten-year old child at the time. But its definitely very close to me bc I felt the terror close proximity too. I thought a nuclear weapon would be tossed & that it would be the end for all of us. It's was just horrific. Anyhow, the evacuation was so uncoordinated at the WTC on 9/11 that it frustrates me that lives could've been saved had there been more coordination. But then none of it should've ever happened, its was such a senseless cowardly massacre taken out in innocent individuals. I also get that there was barely enough time to react coherently bc nobody was prepared by the ambush & it all happened so fast in under an hour in the South tower & under 2 hours in the North it was a huge undertaking. I never have enough time to read them all in one sitting, Hopefully. I finish all of them before the year is up. So far I've started, but haven't made it through all of them yet. I started reading some chapters of the remarkable♡☆ & just phenomenal book■"102 Minutes" by Jim Dywer & Kevin Flynn■ The book is very revealing, insightful & explainitive. I've found some answers. It's true that Port Authority on the 64th floor of the nonexistent north tower were very misled, while basically almost everybody below the 91st floor walked past their floor they stayed put, bc they were told too on that floor. Most of the authorities downplayed a lot & gave instructions that were of little reassurance, they messed up badly, fatally in many cases. I've to look for the page number to pinpoint exactly which page I read this from, there's even their names revealing who made the phone conversations (who gave misleading instructions & who called) the books have been so eye opening.

[@Angelfly625]

I am so sorry for you loss . RIP to your Mother

[@Angelfly625]

RIP to everyone who lost their lives on 911

[@ecbrent2]

I wonder how many more lives would have been saved if both buildings had been evacuated after the first plane hit. So much devastation. ❤

[@Venom-zi4ht]

May she rest in peace

[@keithwarner6997]

You're dad really loved mom at wedding

[@helenmary9628]

You're so blessed to have such a wonderful Mom. You described her so well. She was a beautiful person. I love the pictures. She loved life and did so much with you kids. May God rest her sweet soul. You're a good son keeping her memory alive and being a good spouse and parent just like your Mom was. God bless. Beautiful story 💙💙💙

[@oleskao.4327]

You speak in a wonderful way about Mommy

[@danielavenditto3874]

Grazie

[@ReneKillion-ft5jh]

So very sad yet beautiful how this young man talks about his Mother. To lose your Mom so young, in such an evil way is understandably hard to figure out. All those lost on 9/11, innocently going to work that morning, like any other work day, to unkowingly be ripped from this world by the awful terrorists/Devils. Bless this young man and his family for sharing this story. 🙏

[@jennyjones4875]

awww my ❤ breaks for him

[@winko567]

this is so sad. i thought his mother would have escaped from the tower because she was below the impact zone, but then i remembered how long it took to walk down the stairs :( this is horrible :(

[@paullockwood4872]

Heartbreaking

[@threadz-sr6305]

My heart aches for your loss and it also makes my blood boil for all those thousands murdered on that day, thank you for sharing the story of you’re mother

[@KiwiHobbitful]

God bless

[@JaneShmane]

So beautiful.

[@Kori-_-.]

Hello, an eleven year old here. I’ve recently been following up and listening onto these tragic stories from 9/11. It hurts me mentally hearing all these stories, but it’s very important to remember these poor victims who succumbed to the attack. I don’t have a long, meaningful and sad speech like many people here, since I wasn’t in any of these people’s shoes, I cannot say I relate to any of this. It would be disrespectful, in my opinion, to say ‘Oh, I relate to this because in [Day/Disaster(anything)] I almost thought I lost someone important to me’, because this is focused on what happened to those victims and their loved ones. I don’t have words to describe how much my heart aches for everyone who witnessed, or even was involved with the incident in any way, and my heart and condolences go out to everyone who was affected by this horrible tragedy.

[@vidananovazelandia]

You are a very mature and empathic 11 yo

[@sarahbgln]

That's a spam bot. This has been a recent recurring issue on KZbin videos of comments posted saying the commenter is of a certain age yet sounding more mature than the age they are claiming they are. These are being posted unfortunately on videos of tragic stories such as this​@@vidananovazelandia

[@rogerpereira9644]

Jeffrey my heart goes out to you and your family, I wish you to continue to be the strong person you are with a beautiful sold and you always have a star with you every place you go…

[@aleatoriamentecomaday8739]

😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@NOSFERATU_ONE]

Fascinating that he's voice sounds so much like Jeff Kaplans from Blizzard

[@ke11yke11z]

I grew up in Maywood nj

[@Diggerdog2nd]

Wow I didn't realize that people even on the 64th floor didn't get out. Maybe the door was jammed.

[@radiolola718]

I can feel his pain as he speaks .. how much he misses his mother … I wonder about the details of his mother’s story because if she was on the 61 st floor … wouldn’t she have had a better chance to get out ? It just makes me wonder only because there were survivors from higher stories …. So that’s why I wonder 😢

[@trueromancescamvi]

❤❤❤

[@floraridaswoboda]

Beautiful Bubbi

[@daniellefrancis1476]

Surely he should have been sent early from school?

[@bossmass1668]

People please obey God's Ten Commandments otherwise you will be judged soon as well))). . . . . . . . . . .

[@dmbgator86]

I’m someone who has followed 9/11 videos/stories closely. I’m confused on this one. She worked well below the impact zone and even called her husband after the first plane. The North tower was the last to collapse. How did she not get out?? What was she doing for well over an hour when everyone else was getting out. That is odd. Most people below the impact zone of the North tower got out that day.

[@pho3nixinflight]

Same.

[@rosepearl7092]

Could've been delayed by trying to help others, could've gone down the wrong stairwell, could've been hit or blocked by flaming debris (concrete, steel, large hunks of thick glass), the path to the stairwell could've been blocked by fire, the people at 911 could've told her to sit tight and wait as help was on the way (as they helplessly told many in an effort to reduce panic and ensure stairwells wouldn't be blocked by people trying to escape. Many were told to stay out so firefighters could get up the stairs), could've been sucked out of an open window or fallen through one of the abysses made by fallen chunks of ceiling as the building twisted and burst into flames, could've been electrocuted by a fallen cable in the pooling water on the floor etc. If you weren't there, you have no idea what those poor souls went through. And anyway, why is important that the exact nature of her demise is known to you? The trauma to so many, the terrible loss... I'm not sure we've really recovered. We've pushed it out of our minds to try to move on with the job of life, but not really recovered.

[@sandyadams7409]

It's a story only she and her coworkers can tell I'm surprised nobody mentioned her from her company to give her family some closure

[@moaningpheromones]

I thought the same thing - survival below floors of impact for WTC workers was something like 99% as you'd expect.

[@dmbgator86]

@@moaningpheromones The North Tower yes. They had 100 minutes to get out.

[@juarezcastelo]

Here's a Philosophycal conundrum: I don't know if I like the video or not.

[@Anna-fg6km]

I feel so sorry for this sweet kind sensitive man, who is talking so full of feelings about his mum…🥲

[@yeahnoonecaresifyouarefirst]

Well hakuna matata to you

[@meesh1002]

The amount of awe he has for his mom. Beautiful

[@jennyjones4875]

prayers up to the victims and families of 9/11

[@Sushi2735]

All these many years later, I still cry. It will never change and I’m 71. My heart still breaks for the horrible loss.

[@dianealbrecht496]

Me as well!

[@rubytuesday1316]

Being on Long Island NY at this time Im now 65 and also struggle with tears at these. Its not something we get through. Its something we learn to cope with

[@Sushi2735]

@@rubytuesday1316 It’s our Pearl Harbor. My grandma would cry just talking about it. It touched her heart so. All of us remember exactly where we were when we heard about the first crash………l.the horror begins for a nightmare of a day. I was in Atlanta. I can’t imagine being on Long Island!

[@LoweringMyProfile]

You're not alone. I was 20 years old back in 2001 and whenever I watch the documentaries like these about it I still become overcome with grief. What happened on that day is forever seared in my memory. May God bless the victims, their families and survivors of 9-11-2001.

[@annonym06]

So sorry for your loss Professor Jeffrey. You are the best Professor i have ever met in my life . Your interest and enthusiasm in class has inspired me so much . Thank you for being such a genuine person.

[@vnewen2157]

That’s so nice to see someone who appears like a great person with a beautiful but devastating backstory actually turn out to be a genuine person with a great impact on others… thank you for sharing this testament and humanizing this story

[@FrancaB-ct3wh]

❤

[@annonym06]

@@vnewen2157 That is exactly true. I used to respect him from the very start, but when i got to know about this ...i was so shook. They say , God keeps testing only the good people and People like him help me keep my belief in humanity

[@number13thirteen]

I re-watch this story every few months. Please know your mother will never be forgotten, thanks to you sharing your story

[@slamdunk406]

Jeffrey was one of my GSIs in the UC Berkeley philosophy department. Great guy. Thanks for sharing his story.

[@barbaravyse660]

It’s so devastating for children to lose a mother. May she rest in peace.

[@KerryMcSweeney]

She had a very loving face. You can almost hear the sound of deep understanding to whatever is on your mind. Thank you for sharing your story. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[@TheKreature13666]

I was born on November 6th, 2002, and I've been going down this 9/11 rabbit hole for the past hour, just trying to learn more about the event than what I was taught in school. (For example, it wasn't until earlier that I learned actor Steve Buscemi was a firefighter and was one of the first responders who showed up to the scene.) All of the photos, home videos, news footage, interviews, songs, and even video games, have not only shown me just how traumatic this event was, especially for those living in Manhattan at the time. But to me, it also showcases just how much this has affected our country within the last twenty two years. I'm not a medical professional by any means, but I believe the United States is suffering with/from something that I like to call: Nationwide Generational Trauma or National C-PTSD. From my perspective, it seems like the only way anything is ever going to get fixed in the US, is if we (as in the whole country) actually work through the trauma of 9/11, and actually begin the healing process.

[@dietitianmama]

Keep learning about it. There was a dramatic shift in culture that took place after this even that affected everything, including how children in your generation were parented. Many of us who lived through it are aware but not in a way that would change our behavior. But when we say everything changed, it literally means everything.

[@ellew4573]

A very beautiful mother.

[@likespurple2261]

This poor young man lost his mother, and shares his sorrowful story on YOuTube, and for that, half the comments he gets castigate his mother for dying in the North Tower. Shame on you people who did that.

[@egrintarg230]

Humans definitely have a soul. Some of the people who died that day are now children recounting the story to their new families. Some of them went to some other place. But they are not still trapped there in those buildings. We should all move on as well. But never forget.

[@seyhanguzelordu2530]

Professor Kaplan, I am so sorry for your lost.

[@andreaadkins5123]

My ❤ just breaks for him and his family. And although I didn't know anyone who died in this horrific tragedy....I do know what it is like losing your mother and because mine hasn't been gone long and I know my heart will forever be broken.

[@2300j]

Seeing anyone choke back tears breaks my heart.

[@rebeccafeder8582]

Crying for him. How unfair for all of them.

[@Flyingtaco82]

We never ever ever EVER forget. Not ever ever EVER. RIP. 🇺🇸

[@nataliemeenakshithegreat7780]

Oh Jeffrey rosh hashana just ended today I am so sorry for your loss Your mom was amazing your siblings your dad your grandparents I can’t fathom the pain you all felt but know that she has reincarnated now amen so her soul is all around you guys and protecting you

[@anniebananie7887]

He's got amazing eyes.

[@mamirojo07]

Yes he does and beautiful eyelashes to go with them ❤

[@luccaa7c790]

Philosophy saved my life once, i can see it saved his life as well...

[@batagur4233]

Your mother would be proud of you

[@greggruane3870]

I'm so sorry for your loss .you are wonderful at explaining in your videos, now I know where you talent comes from.

[@BlackStump172]

My grandson lost his Mum when he was 8and a half . I worry about his pain and loss that cannot completely heal . This was a very moving voice to hear .

[@reylatable]

This will never stop being just so heartbreaking 😢. Rest in peace to your mom and all those innocent lives loss on September 11 2001 😢❤

[@sarahshulman2086]

I found out that that private school that Melissa doi went to started a scholarship fund in her honor after this happened

[@cindypltnm]

Does anyone know why his mother did not make it out building despite her being on the 64th floor?

[@sarahbgln]

What do you think? 🙄

[@PandS100]

She seems like such a loving woman my heart dropped I wanted to cry omg this was a tragic day for so many families.

[@Amy-466]

So sorry for you and your families huge loss... Heartbreaking.

[@JD-yu3dk]

I wonder why his mom couldn’t or didn’t leave the building.

[@keithwarner6997]

You're amazing **

[@srs3572]

This poor man 😢

[@michellelambert6039]

The sad thing is she was way below the impact zone she should have been able to get out she must have been one of the people who listen to the people who told her to stay and wait for help

[@ornellarose6378]

Beautiful

[@phoenixresurrection]

😢

[@mariechosgaire6984]

Yes, I remember not knowing the significance watching the smoke billow from the first tower. I thought a plane accident at firsr, I was 10 years old. The minutes passed and when the realisation hit of what was actually happening.... Damn. I was watching from Ireland so I can't imagine being an American citizen or a New Yorker watching this unfold. Bless you all. ❤

[@mariechosgaire6984]

Just got to the end, I'm also very philosophical after losing my Mum. I think of were she is everyday. R. I. P Jeffery mom and mine.

[@helenajeret]

Randomly clicked... nostalgic to see the campus of UNCG where I was an exchange student in the spring semester in 2010. I remember the day of 911 clearly. I was 15. It was also a crisp September day, sunny and all. Since I was 7hrs ahead, it was late afternoon. I was home from school and eating some noodles before going to volleyball practice, TV was playing in the kitchen and a "youth show" was on (you know, a bit of games, a bit of news, music videos etc). Suddenly, they stopped and said something happened in NY, a plane has crashed into a building. They live broadcasted CNN's feed I think that showed the smoking tower. I kept eating my noodles. Then the second plane hit. And seeing that scene repeated.... I felt that something has changed. I couldn't say what but it just felt like a shift. I went to my practice and told others that planes had crashed into buildings in NY. Noone really understood what I was saying and didn't think it was significant. I visited Ground Zero in March 2010.

[@KrystyneY]

I'm so sorry for his loss.

[@user-tg8ug2pt2m]

Each and every one of these wonderful people will always live on in our shared and united love. Peace to all people who have good for humanity and nature in mind! Let the evil devour itself, let us try to forgive, because adding more bad to something bad will not make the world a better place.

[@sabrinashelton1997]

I wonder why she didn't get out. She would have had more than enough to time to. Strange.

[@edwardzarnowski5558]

Maybe she went back to help someone else.

[@slrs8777]

I’ve been watching a lot of 9/11 videos lately and many of the people in the buildings were told to stay put. No one really knew the severity of the situation, did not know they were under attack, and believed the buildings to be secure. Announcements over the intercom in the towers plus security instructed everyone to stay in the building. Unfortunately many people listened and thought it was safer to stay in than go out to the unknown where debris was flying everywhere.

[@sabrinashelton1997]

Yeah, I know that's true for the second tower, but didn't he say she was in the first one? So to stay in the first after both towers had been attacked makes no sense to me. Maybe she had a medical emergency and couldn't move? Maybe she went up to try and see a friend in a higher floor? Maybe she left and went to the second tower and then was hurt? I wonder if she called anyone and let them know her plan or if her family has to just always wonder?@@slrs8777

[@goalchamp1439]

This is very hard to watch, even so many years after the tragedy. But thanks to those shared memories, these poor people are being remembered

[@iamhappy679]

Rest in peace So sorry to those who died So sorry to their loved ones 🕊🤍

[@lauraMacKinnon321]

This is so sad..😢 Sorry for the loss of your mother. Never forget that horrible day. ❤