Friendship and Loyalty

Advertisements
Advertisements
FacebookTwitterLinkedInPrintFriendlyShare

In the darkened stairwell of One World Trade Center, one man taught the world the meaning of friendship and loyalty.

Avremel Zelmanowitz, of blessed memory, was a Jew who worked in the World Trade Center. When the terrorist attack on September 11th caused people to flee the building, he risked his own chance of escape by staying behind with his friend and colleague, Ed Beyea, who was confined to a wheelchair due to a paralysis known as quadriplegia. Both men lost their lives, but the story of Avremel's love and devotion to his friend conveys a life-giving message to all.

Affectionately called by a Yiddish nickname, "Avremel," his Hebrew name "Avraham" serves as a reminder of his loving nature; just as the biblical Avraham was known for his love of humanity and his devotion to acts of kindness, so too, Avraham Zelmanowitz was known in his circles for his love of humanity and his devotion to helping others. He had a remarkable way of connecting to people and of finding a common bond with individuals of diverse personalities and backgrounds.

Avremel never married, and he shared a house with his brother Yankel (Jack) and his family. He was a loving uncle to his brother's children, and he was devoted to caring for his aging parents. In a tribute to Avremel, one family member wrote:

"As someone who mattered to, and was indeed needed by, so many, Avremel was a "family man" in every sense of the word. At the same time, he had his own life, his Torah classes, his varied interests, and a job and friends to which he was characteristically devoted. It was one such friend who was to be a player in Uncle Avremel's final, magnificent act of compassion, which has already served to inspire us, even as our hearts break with our loss."

FRIENDSHIP AND LOYALTY

When the tragedy occurred, Avremel was age 55, and his friend, Ed Beyea, was age 42. Ed became disabled after a diving accident at age 22, but he managed to work 14 years at Blue Cross/Blue Shield since his injury. Both he and Avremel were program analysts who worked on the 27th floor of One World Trade Center.

Avremel had joined the office two years after Ed was hired, and the two became very close friends. They both loved books and music -- often trading books and tapes, and they both served as the special uncle of their respective families. Like Avremel, Ed had no children of his own, but he was a father figure to his two nephews after their father died. Both friends had a great sense of humor, although Ed was robust and outgoing, while Avremel was the more quiet of the pair. One was a Christian; the other an Orthodox Jew.

Ed needed 24-hour nursing assistance, but otherwise led as normal a life as possible -- taking the subway to work, using a mouthpiece to tap the keys on his computer, and keeping himself busy with books, movies, TV and dinners with friends. His most regular dining companion was Avremel, whom he called "Abe."

One family member described how the different needs of the two men required some planning: "If Ed was going to make the arrangements, he'd make sure it was kosher, and if Abe was going to make the arrangements, he'd make sure it was wheelchair-accessible. They always had each other's best interests at heart."

On the morning of September 11, Ed's health aide had gone to pick up breakfast on the 43rd floor when the plane struck the tower. She hurried back to the 27th floor and found the two friends waiting for help in the stairwell. The aide, age 69, was affected by smoke from the higher floors, so Avremel told her to go on ahead. Ed wanted to wait until he could be securely carried down by several rescue workers, as it was dangerous for someone with his disability to be moved.

Avremel wouldn't allow his friend to wait alone when everyone else was fleeing the building, and he stayed with him. Both men called their families to let them know that they were okay, and it seems that with the help of some people, they were able to make it down to the 21st floor before the building collapsed.

FIERY FURNACE

In the days that followed, the media learned about Avremel's selfless act, and the story began to spread. President Bush, in his national prayer address to the American people, referred to Avremel's act as one of the many "eloquent acts of sacrifice" that were demonstrated by Americans during this crisis.

Avremel's family received letters from people all over the world who were moved and inspired by his love and loyalty to his friend. Some of the most poignant were letters from disabled people and/or their caretakers. One woman wrote, "Do you realize what a miracle Abe was for his coworker? Loneliness and fear can't exist if you share love with someone."

One tribute quoted the verse in Psalms: “God is good to all, and His compassion is on all His works" (145:9), and commented: "It seems that when Avremel said these words day in, day out, he really understood his prayers. He endeavored to inculcate into his own being the ways of Hashem, Whose kindness extends to all of humanity, Who doesn't prefer to save 'important' people, Who doesn't discriminate between human beings." (Naftoli Weiss, Hamodia)

Avremel's example should inspire us to empathize more with people who have disabilities. We can take various practical steps to make their lives easier, such as making our homes, synagogues, and community centers wheelchair-accessible. Moreover, we should include them in our plans and social events, invite them to our Shabbat and festival meals. If they are home-bound, we can help ensure that they have visitors and are able to celebrate properly.

Chumie Zelmanowitz, age 12, in a tribute to her Uncle Avremel, wrote:

"In the days of Abraham the first Jew, there was a king called Nimrod. He was very powerful. He conquered many nations, and no doubt killed many people. Nimrod said his god was fire. When Abraham refused to believe in this false god, Nimrod threw him into a fiery furnace. Our Uncle Avremel was also thrown into a fiery furnace, but his supreme act proclaimed to the world that his God was a God of kindness, and he would not forsake Him. He gave his life in a totally selfless way to help another person, and sanctified the Name of God before all mankind. I hope that in some small way I should be able to behave in my life with the same kindness as my uncle."

In the spring of 2002, the remains of Avremel were found, and flown to Israel for burial in the ancient cemetery on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.

To perpetuate Avremel’s memory, a tax-exempt charity fund has been established to help those in need. Contributions can be sent to: The Abe Zelmanowitz Fund, 1434 East 35th Street, Brooklyn NY 11234, USA.

Click here to comment on this article
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
EXPLORE
LEARN
MORE
Explore
Learn
Resources
Next Steps
About
Donate
Menu
Languages
Menu
Social
.