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UF Students, Community Remember 9/11

Dozens of University of Florida students and community members gathered at Turlington Plaza on UF's campus today for a Good Deed Mitzvah Marathon that commemorated victims of 9/11 to spread love and kindness.

“It’s important that they commemorate that terrible day through acts of love and kindness, which can chase away much darkness,” said Lirun Ronen, president of the Lubavitch-Chabad Student Group at UF.

Organized by the Lubavitch-Chabad Jewish Student Center and the Lubavitch-Chabad Student Group, the event ran from 11 to 2 p.m. Participants chose from a variety of good deeds – donating, helping a friend, calling a grandmother – and filled out a form to attach to a mini wooden replica of the Twin Towers to create a memorial called the “Twin Towers of Good Deeds and Love.”

"Each deed is really important, even if it seems small or insignificant," said Rabbi Aaron Notik, who hoped that the event will bring more positive energy to the community.

Students gathered to memorialize and remember the tragic day fifteen years ago, as well as to meet new people and show kindness. Each participant received a sticker acknowledging their good deed.

"We are living in a world where terror constantly threatens us,” said Chanie Goldman, co-director of the UF Lubavitch-Chabad Jewish Student Center. “It is especially important now that all people practice extra goodness and kindness, proving that evil will never win.”

Ramon is a reporter for WUFT News and can be reached at news@wuft.org or 352-392-6397.