Twenty years ago, the PopTort’s offices (at the Center for Justice & Democracy) were just blocks from the World Trade Center. As part of what we remember that day and during that month, here are two emails that we sent to CJ&D’s friends in September 2001. We weren't sure we'd make it but we did, thanks to all the wonderful support we received. We are grateful. (Photos are near CJ&D offices, taken by Joanne Doroshow, September 16, 2001.)
Memo 1
To: Friends of the Center for Justice & Democracy
From: Joanne Doroshow, Executive Director
Re: An overwhelming experience
Date: September 16, 2001Our office is several blocks from the World Trade Center, and I went there today (Sunday) for the first time since September 11 to retrieve some things. I was allowed there because we are in an area, close to the New York stock exchange, that is in relatively good shape. It was an overwhelming experience. The air was bad, buildings were still covered in soot, police, utility workers, troops in camouflage wearing gas masks were everywhere. I left the area as quickly as I could.
Our hearts go out to our Lower Manhattan neighbors who lost so many people. We are also terribly sad for the small businesses that may not survive, like our printer, Fitch Graphics, almost directly across the street from the WTC, and Big Apple Copy Center, also very close to the towers. The people who work there are wonderful -- both had been doing major jobs for us at the time of the disaster.
In addition, several Center for Justice & Democracy supporters have law offices in the direct vicinity of the WTC. Out of respect for their privacy, I won’t mention their names here. But please know that for now, the lives of everyone working in this area has been monumentally changed.
I would like to note with special appreciation the staff of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, whose offices are 3 or 4 blocks from the WTC. Last Tuesday morning, I was on my way to check our post office box mail when the planes crashed into the WTC. Our post office, Church St. Station, is right across the street from the WTC. I ran to the NYSTLA office because it was very nearby -- closer than my own office -- and stayed with the staff through the harrowing collapse of the WTC, our eventual evacuation and the 5 hour ordeal to get uptown and home.
After the first building collapsed, NYSTLA staff opened their offices to people from the street who were trying to escape suffocation. They ushered people into their CLE classroom, offering them water, snacks and access to news. At the time, NYSTLA staff did not know whether there would be enough oxygen for themselves, let alone another 50 people. But they allowed people in nonetheless, keeping them safe through the second building collapse, and until NYSTLA eventually evacuated. The NYSTLA staff deserves to be commended for this. I thank them very much.
Like all businesses and non-profit groups around us, our work routine has been permanently disrupted and only time will tell what the lasting damage may be. I hope not much, but we may need to call on our friends for a little help. At a minimum, some of our work has been put on hold. But we hope to be back in our offices, full-time, later this week. Thanks so much to everyone for their thoughts and concerns.
Memo 2
To: Friends of the Center for Justice & Democracy
From: Joanne Doroshow
Re: An Update
Date: September 21, 2001Lower Manhattan is gradually coming back. For the first time, I saw no troops on my way to work this morning.
Yesterday was the first day one could get close to the World Trade Center area, especially the Southeast corner. It's hard to describe so I won't try. I was there because it's where the subway stopped. Sadly, this is our neighborhood. Still no electricity on one side of the street.
As far as our post office is concerned, that's over. It will be at least a year before that opens again. Miraculously, the building is still standing. We must go to the main post office -- 33rd. and 8th Ave. -- to get our mail now. But when I went there yesterday, even though I had to stand in a long line, it was all worth it when the goofy guy I usually deal with at our old post office appeared. I was just so happy to see that he made it. Same goes for our printers who came by yesterday. They have a satellite office and they are trying to survive. Their main offices were destroyed, and their employees witnessed horrors that are unbearable to mention, but tragically not unusual.
There's been a noticeable change in all New Yorkers. As someone said, people seem human again. Everyone's helping everyone, no one complains. But there's also an quiet sadness over everyone and everything, especially down here.
We are all back to work again. Our phones and email work intermittently, so if you are having a hard time getting through, please keep trying. Hope all is well where you are.
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