Family and Friends of Springfield 9/11 Victim Lee Adler on the Death of Bin Laden

For Alice Adler and her family and friends, the brings blessed relief.

Adler’s husband Lee was killed in the Twin Tower attacks on September 11, leaving her a widow and their daughter Lauren without a father. Adler was an active member of Springfield’s community, and for many in the Township, his death meant the loss of a coach, a temple leader and a friend.

With the man behind that attack now dead, Adler feels a welcome sense of peace.

“I am overwhelmed by the news that Bin Laden is finally dead,” Adler said in an email. “I have talked with some members of Lee's family and most of their feelings is that a fog has been lifted and they finally got the best sleep since Lee was killed.”

Rabbi Mark Mallach of where Adler was a Temple Trustee, described Adler as a “congregant and friend.” He said the death of bin Laden was not an occasion for rejoicing, but a cause for relief.

"I don't think the emotions could be described as happy or rejoicing," Mallach said. "A sense of peace is a better description, and a sense of gratitude to our soldiers for getting the job done."

Adler was 48 when he was struck down in 2001. He coached his daughter in a number of youth sports, including soccer and softball. This week marks a family milestone that illustrates the time since the attacks.

“Our one and only daughter, Lauren, graduates this Friday with a degree in Computer Science from C.W. Post University in Long Island,” Adler said. “The occasion will be all the more bittersweet because of the death of bin Laden.”

Alice Adler moved to Alabama in 2009 to be close to friends living there. Lee's brother still lives in town, and Alice Adler said she feels continuing love and support from family and friends in Springfield.

Adler said she hoped bin Laden’s death would be a blow to international terrorism.

“While the death of bin Laden will not bring back any of our loved ones that were taken from us 10 years ago, hopefully, as predicted by the many news analysts last night, his death will weaken the groups of Al Qaeda that are scattered throughout the world without Bin Laden to inspire their mayhem,” she said.
 
She added: “As on 9/11, I along with Lee's whole family rejoice in the strength of the American people in the face of adversity.”
 
Mallach said that Adler’s memory can be a source of strength for others.

“In our Jewish tradition, we say that his name shall be a blessing upon us,” Mallach said.