Surviving the 9/11 Terrorist Attack with Shumi Brody
Sep 29, 2021
In this episode, Sharon is joined by Shumi Brody, a survivor of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Twin Towers. Shumi was working in the North Tower when the plane struck the building. As she was escaping down the stairwell, a brief encounter with a firefighter changed her life forever. He told her to keep moving and stay calm. Shumi recounts the horrific sights and utter confusion she experienced that day, while also detailing the acts of love and selflessness she witnessed as people put themselves at risk to save others’ lives. She hopes to tell the story of 9/11 for those who cannot and honor the firefighter who comforted her in a moment of tragedy. As well, Sharon and Shumi discuss how to teach your children about the events of 9/11.
Links to Full Episode:
This Episode Will Teach You:
- Why Shumi was working in the World Trade Center on 9/11
- Shumi’s experience escaping the building after the first plane hit
- The firefighter that changed Shumi’s life
- The acts of kindness and selflessness Shumi saw on 9/11
- The panic Shumi’s parents felt because they could not reach her
- The confusion and tragedy Shumi experienced as the buildings collapsed
- How Shumi made it to safety
- Survivor’s guilt
- How to teach your children about the events of 9/11
3 Biggest Takeaways:
- Shumi Brody had just started her job at a law firm located in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Though work did not start until 9:30 a.m, Shumi got to work before 9. As she was taking the elevator up to the 56th floor, the building began to violently shake. Confused, Shumi exited the elevator into a hall of people running for the stairwell. The first plane had hit the building.
- Shumi discusses what it was like to escape the North Tower before its collapse. On her way down the stairs, a brief encounter with a firefighter changed her life forever. He told her to keep moving and stay calm. When Shumi made it out of the building she was shocked to see two gaping holes in the Twin Towers. She also describes how she made it to safety and reconnected with her family.
- Shumi recounts the aftermath of the events of 9/11 and the lingering effects of the environmental damage and the racism she observed in the city toward Middle Eastern-Americans. However, Shumi has used her experiences from 9/11 to bring others hope through her messages on social media. She tells her story for those who cannot. Lastly, Shumi and Sharon discuss what we should teach our kids about 9/11, reminding them of the tragedy while also pointing them towards the acts of selflessness of our first responders.
About the Guest:
Shumi Brody was working in the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. She is now a mother of 3 and has been a legal recruiter for the past 15 years.
