On the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the Rabbi who was stranded in Gander remains forever grateful

Rabbi Leivi Sudak can't attend the 20th anniversary ceremonies in Gander, Newfoundland this Sept. 11, because it is on the Jewish Sabbath. But the Lubavitch rabbi of Edgware is forever thankful for the kindness he received from the Gander community on that fateful day when 38 flights were diverted to the small Newfoundland airport when the World Trade Centre towers were attacked. He tells The CJN Daily what his life has been like since then, and why he likes his character appearing in the hit Broadway musical "Come From Away" by David Hein and Irene Sankoff, two Jewish Canadian writers.
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[@MystikalDawn]

I grew up in Gander and was living there in 2001, I was 12 years old when 9/11 happened, we were used to only seeing a couple of small planes land each day and instead on that day it felt as if the sky was falling on top of us. As a 12 year old kid, I knew something big had happened but I wasn't old enough to really understand the full scope of it. But seeing all those massive planes landing in Gander after seeing the images on TV brought a feeling of eeriness. My father was faculty at Gander Collegiate high school so he volunteered a lot of his time to help the stranded passengers. Mom helped too but she had a hyper 12 year old on her hands so her time was limited haha.

[@TheCJN]

Thank you for sharing your story with me!

[@laurengin4581]

An incredible story, rabbi is very wise and its heartening to see his loving open mindedness for the Hindus and Arabs with whom he was stranded.

[@shopsshire9282]

God Bless, from the States🇺🇲 God, bless Canada 🇨🇦!!

[@seebanff7865]

Thank you Rabbi, for sharing your experience and insights. And thank you Ellin, for bringing it to us. Yes, out of that dark hour, we have a beacon of light and hope that all can be fine with the world, if we all just try hard enough to make good for each other.

[@joeyt.]

WTG Ellin, keep posting your interviews here. joe

[@frankkennedy880]

Beautiful reflections and Godly advice.

[@TheCJN]

Glad you think so!

[@IanSinclairTaiChi]

In my mind, orthodoxy seems like a prison, and it frustrates me to see the limitations that it places on lives and relationships. However, in my heart, I have such respect for the sacrifice, adaptability, and discipline that enables people to adhere to their sacred law. Listening to this was at once awkward, challenging, and inspiring. Thank you.

[@user-ro6lf7lw4s]

Well said 🇨🇦

[@sheteg1]

You should have went to see the whole play. You missed out. Believe me any Jewish law in religion would not of cared.

[@aviationwhys9961]

Agreed, under abnormal circumstances, every rule, law, or condition has exceptions, and understanding.

[@laurengin4581]

@@aviationwhys9961 at least they took him onto the stage and he got to vibe with the play and audience. The producers really went above and beyond for the airplane people.

[@petebradt]

Would not HAVE cared. #FuckingInternetMorons