Miracles and Fate on Floor 78

On September 11th, 2001, Ari Schonbrun went to his office at Cantor Fitzgerald - the Wall Street firm that occupied the top five floors of Tower One - and he happened to be on the 78th floor changing elevators when the first plane hit. In the midst of the smoke and chaos, Ari found a fellow employee who was terribly burned and who needed his help to walk her down 78 flights of stairs.
Of the 662 Cantor employees on the upper floors in the World Trade Center that day, only four survived. Everyone else was killed. Why did they survive? Was it simply luck? Or was it something more? Ari believes that God was looking out for him that day. There were many large and small miracles and if there’s anything that Ari does know it is how that day ended up being a day of rebirth.
Before 9/11, Ari had been focused on the wrong things. All he cared about was his job. He didn’t get it. He had lost sight of what matters most in life. After 9/11, Ari changed his life by putting his family first, by volunteering and giving back to the community, and by speaking to groups of people around the country.
Ari has been sharing and retelling his story to audiences worldwide since that day, and after repeated requests and testimonials to the power of his message, he decided to take the next step and write a book.
"Miracles and Fate on 78" reveals the power of creating meaningful connections to transcend the differences that often polarize and divide us from one another. A great and enduring reminder about what matters most in life.
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Пікірлер: 540

  • @tinat5484
    @tinat54848 ай бұрын

    Every 3 months most big companies have fire drills and they make employees walk down the stairs. No one is allowed to not participate and if you ignore the drill and keep working you will get yelled at by fire wardens. The younger employees don’t understand why it’s taken so seriously and why the drills are so frequent. Never forget.

  • @jbdixon4020
    @jbdixon40207 ай бұрын

    this is the best way to let the WTC and pentagon survivors tell their stories. no questions, no interrupting. living each moment of their experience.

  • @anywaaayeee
    @anywaaayeee8 ай бұрын

    Interesting that he said he couldn't find the stairs. We were in the same predicament on our floor. We ran out the office into the hallway, and didnt know where the stairs were. The door swung open, and a guy from Port Authority yelled, "Take the stairs! Dont take the elevator!" 🙏🏽

  • @user-ni4ei2td6q
    @user-ni4ei2td6q8 ай бұрын

    I cried as soon as he asked why the guy let everyone use his phone and he replied “I didn’t know how else to help.” 🖤

  • @c8Lorraine1
    @c8Lorraine18 ай бұрын

    Inspirational message. The last 5 minutes I got the message. Be the light in another’s life. Make one change in your life, for 30 days and then it’s a habit. I’m going to take 10 minutes each morning to read a scripture thereby making a difference in my life. I’m starting my journey to a better spiritual life and living the Word.

  • @FFEMTB08
    @FFEMTB0811 ай бұрын

    The beautiful thing of that day, people took care of people. Strangers, coworkers, everyone.

  • @queenbae8040
    @queenbae80402 жыл бұрын

    I have literally been binge watching these videos like it just happen yesterday. Each year for the month of September I make sure I never forget by watching survivor stories...stories of family members who loss a loved one. I make sure that September of every year is NEVER forgotten! I make sure I put in my children now that..9/11 is a day the USA stood still in time. Each year I learn a great amount of information than I learned a year before. Rest Peacefully for all the souls we lost...and prayers for all of the survivors and family members left behind! We will never forget you💙🥺

  • @littletilaa
    @littletilaa2 жыл бұрын

    I’m not sure who you are- but this had an impact on me. I named my son Ari. He turned 1 this July. It was also a family name but this made our decision a no brainer! Thank you sir for your compelling story, a true man and hero.

  • @lisaviglio4984
    @lisaviglio4984 Жыл бұрын

    I was a rescue nurse there on 9/12. I stayed all day across the street in the highschool waiting for victims. There were none. The most horrible feeling ever; either you walked out or you died with very few exceptions. He said that right.

  • @coachmeghna9304
    @coachmeghna93048 ай бұрын

    This is an incredible experience listening to this man.. I skipped this video 2-3 times as it was too long. But once i clicked on it, I didn't stop until he finished. It was a emotional roller coaster. I cried at the end when he finished with that ' God's whisper or the brick' God bless him. And God bless all those who suffered the pain of that dark day. I can feel it here 1000s of miles away in India.

  • @lindsaysawyer8310
    @lindsaysawyer83102 жыл бұрын

    This hits home so hard….my father was supposed to be on the 78th floor of the 2nd tower and was on his way but got a call from his client and asked to push back his appointment. He got there and watched the plane fly into the building. Your opening line about the weather and the sky is the exact way he described it and hearing you say it gave me chills….I always said God was looking out for my daddy that day. Thank you for sharing your story ❤️

  • @RaSyWash
    @RaSyWash2 жыл бұрын

    Wow, i saw that this video was an hour long and said “whoa i’ll watch a few minutes” but he was so captivating that I ended up watching the whole thing. So glad i did

  • @marieh1755
    @marieh17557 ай бұрын

    Thank God for people that keep their sanity during these kinda times so others that panic and freeze can be helped ! ❤

  • @teijaflink2226
    @teijaflink22269 ай бұрын

    Virginia was so lucky to survive, I'm sure he saved her life.

  • @ItsAboutPeaceBaby
    @ItsAboutPeaceBaby2 жыл бұрын

    He's such a good story teller.

  • @cathinieto39
    @cathinieto398 ай бұрын

    Ari, your story and subsequent message were powerful! I am Catholic, and I will join you to be a light of this world. Love transcends religions and race. Thank you for sharing your story ❤

  • @mtio2807
    @mtio28073 жыл бұрын

    “God is always giving us messages, but no one is listening” wow, so true

  • @laurieb.9555
    @laurieb.95552 жыл бұрын

    The phone guy is a different type of hero

  • @sherrymcmullin1914
    @sherrymcmullin19148 ай бұрын

    Ari was saved by God for this very purpose. Ari is amazing. This hr and message was well worth the hr. Wow.

  • @eydie57
    @eydie572 жыл бұрын

    I am from Kansas. And yes, we're that nice. We'll give you our socks.

  • @edithroberts8959
    @edithroberts89599 ай бұрын

    Amazing story if survival, humanity and God's blessings. 😊

  • @cajuncraftysue
    @cajuncraftysue11 ай бұрын

    I’m speechless having watched this. All the small miracles that came together for Ari to survive 9/11. It only takes one person to make a change. The effect is limitless. ❤

  • @EDT111
    @EDT1112 жыл бұрын

    This man is an amazing speaker. I can honestly say he left me wanting to be a better person.

  • @goodnewseverybodycom
    @goodnewseverybodycom8 ай бұрын

    I'm watching this after the 23rd anniversary along with many other videos on 9/11. There are many stories I'm still learning about. Thank you for sharing. I was in the World Trade Center back in 1989 during a family vacation and been more intrigue of that unfortunate event there ever since. I decided to share your video on my latest video today as part of #worldgratitudeday ..thank you for reminding us to be more grateful!

  • @TerritorialFlame
    @TerritorialFlame8 ай бұрын

    Like what he said about the lady who almost got him fired and how he still helped. I like to believe in such a situation, I would help even my worst of enemies & hope they would help me. Humanity? Morality? You can’t leave others behind ❤

  • @fishtail1129
    @fishtail11298 ай бұрын

    Praise God for your testimony! May He continue to bless you and use you to be His hands and feet.

  • @justme8837
    @justme88372 жыл бұрын

    It is crazy that when it is not your time to die everything will work to keep you alive.

  • @Nakomis67
    @Nakomis672 жыл бұрын

    I'm so glad I listened to the end. I stumbled across this looking for nothing in particular. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. I lost my entire family (siblings, parents,aunt', grandparents) within a short time. In short there is never enough time to grieve & carry on. I responded to this with a negative habit that almost killed me. And I was given a second chance. And another. I knew what the brick was for but I ignored it. I sat in the "dark" and I still am. Until today. The is sun shining and I get it. "What am I going to do with my second chance?" I'm going to live and light as many candles as I can. I don't know your name but it want to to thank you for lighting mine. Awesome. Blessings you made it out❤️

  • @lafenice2260
    @lafenice22602 жыл бұрын

    He's talking about personal responsibility here. He's a great soul, God blessed him.

  • @queenellaa
    @queenellaa2 жыл бұрын

    My dad was supposed to be on one of those planes. I am so happy he wasn’t on them.

  • @petersmart9904
    @petersmart99042 жыл бұрын

    Really puts into perspective, the worst images of that day were ones you didn't see. No one can even imagine what it was like inside.

  • @shaib2678
    @shaib26782 жыл бұрын

    I figured I would end up scrolling through this or not watching the whole thing, instead I hung on to every word of the entire video. What an impactful story and a great storyteller.

  • @hersheymikeable
    @hersheymikeable2 жыл бұрын

    Although I am agnostic, there is great value in what he is saying. We need it then and I believe we still do, a moral correction in this country. We have to stop thinking about ourselves and help each other.

  • @roll400ex
    @roll400ex2 жыл бұрын

    This man makes you feel like you are there with him while telling his story; absolutely amazing!

  • @donw3912
    @donw3912 Жыл бұрын

    I remember September 11, 2001...on the west coast woken by a friend who just said turn on the TV...The stories from all who experienced this disaster and lived through it are so impactful. As I have gotten older I always say everything happens for a reason. This video is so amazing...I thought oh...it's a longer one...But I got sucked into it and how his day unfolded...amazing. This is one book I will be seeking when funds allow. I only wish I could give it a thousand thumbs up vs one. Thank you for sharing your story Ari.

  • @amywilliams4917
    @amywilliams49172 жыл бұрын

    i’ve watched dozens of stories from 9/11 and this is one of the craziest. blows my mind. ari is an amazing storyteller with an amazing story. god bless him.

  • @therobinsonstwinkle9192
    @therobinsonstwinkle91922 жыл бұрын

    This is an amazing story with a good message. I was running late to work that day and normally would be strolling in to get my coffee at World Trade Center very early. Thank god I was overworked the day before and was tired from doing homework with my daughter the night before. It was not my time, was grateful I was running late cause I would’ve been there. My coworker called me, she was early that day she would start meeting and never heard from her again. My mom was one of the ones who walked that long walk uptown. It was nerve wrecking I wasn’t there and couldn’t get hold of her. A Good Samaritan gave her a ride up after 4 plus hours of walking. It was night time beginning. Heard a loud knock on side of my building in window it was my mom thank God.

  • @openlybookish
    @openlybookish8 ай бұрын

    Excellent testimony. One of the best survivor stories of Sept 11th I've ever heard.

  • @pommiebears
    @pommiebears2 жыл бұрын

    I still mourn with all Americans. My honest and most sincere condolences to everyone who felt loss. I cried and prayed for you all. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

  • @judiarmstrong8258
    @judiarmstrong82582 жыл бұрын

    I’m not Jewish and just stumbled upon you Ari - it was meant to be. You were my message! Thank you. 🙏

  • @marisaposten4526
    @marisaposten45263 жыл бұрын

    this guy is an amazing story teller

  • @karly4justice
    @karly4justice8 ай бұрын

    What a powerful testimony and message of encouragement for us all as a nation to be better and help others along the way. Well done sir Ari!❤

  • @kenni__kay
    @kenni__kay2 жыл бұрын

    I could watch this guy describe how to make buttered toast. Such an inspiring man. It really puts into perspective how life can end in a blink of an eye. Hug your loved ones and tell them how much you love them. It could end at any second.

  • @jeniferburton5235
    @jeniferburton5235 Жыл бұрын

    I love this!! As awful as it was that day from every single angle, it also showed the heroism and the good in people. These people frozen in fear still stopped and helped those who needed it. It doesn't get better than that.

  • @myJLI

    @myJLI

    Жыл бұрын

    🙌🙌

  • @maggiesatterfield2402
    @maggiesatterfield2402 Жыл бұрын

    "You can listen to the Whispers or you can wait for the Brick." This is the most powerful line I have heard. This is a great message.

  • @narcoholic22
    @narcoholic228 ай бұрын

    That was awesome. Got me thinking how lucky I have been, how ungrateful I have been and how grateful I will be after listening to this. If this doesn’t humble people… NOTHING WILL! God bless America! ❤

  • @eyden1562
    @eyden1562 Жыл бұрын

    It's surrel to hear multiple aspects of this same story from various survivors. Those who had to stop because Virgina could pass them down the stairwell, as the firemen were going up. Various people, at various points in the evacuation, all recalling differing viewpoints of the same people, like the man of the red bandana. RIP to everyone we lost, God bless all the survivors, and prayers for the millions affected by this tragedy. 🙏

  • @jodywho6696
    @jodywho66968 ай бұрын

    I'm so happy you have taken a very bad episode in your life and made it better. Not only for yourself but for anyone else who cares to hear and listen to your story. Thank you for telling and retelling your story. ✨

  • @gregquinnthrift9632
    @gregquinnthrift96322 жыл бұрын

    20 years ago . Still brings a tear to my eye. I still can't believe what happened on September 11 . 2001

  • @Nuttybear30
    @Nuttybear307 ай бұрын

    An amazing story - still hits me! The man with the voice who told you to go to the stairs was a man called Welles. I’ve just watched another video of him ‘the man with the red bandana’. Unfortunately he didn’t make it, but managed to save lots of people.

  • @CoroCieloAzul
    @CoroCieloAzul Жыл бұрын

    Amazing. I’ve been seeing a lot of 9-11 videos on my feed without understanding why. I’m not even Jewish and somehow this came up on my feed. The title got me but I didn’t get a chance to watch it. It came up again as soon as I got off work and the message is amazing and I wholeheartedly believe this message is the reason I keep seeing 9-11 videos. All that to lead me here. God is GREAT. 😭

  • @Page57
    @Page572 жыл бұрын

    I love his personality and his accent.

  • @evearcana2392
    @evearcana23922 жыл бұрын

    Literally crying after watching this. Just got down on my knees and prayed to God for many things. This is so beautiful and needs to be told and remembered for all time. God bless you Ari 💗

  • @stephanie4174
    @stephanie41748 ай бұрын

    I’m not even half way through this video but what an amazing guy 🙌 Absolute hero. If I’m ever in trouble like Virginia was, I’m hoping somebody like him is there to help me.

  • @Thundersnowy
    @Thundersnowy2 жыл бұрын

    We said we would never forget. But we did. It's time to remember 20 years later.

  • @juliaross5268
    @juliaross52688 ай бұрын

    This is my very favorite 9/11 story. My very favorite. Thank you, Ari! May I call you ‘Ari’? What a splendid job you did! Whenever you get to the part where you and your brother are reunited I cry all over again.

  • @happybunny8704
    @happybunny8704 Жыл бұрын

    I could listen to this man speak all day…he surely is a gift.

  • @andreanderson9456
    @andreanderson94562 жыл бұрын

    Out of all the stories i heard his is painted so vividly

  • @AICEMarineScience
    @AICEMarineScience8 ай бұрын

    I remember the 2003 blackout, I was outside of Cleveland Ohio. I was a teenager in the mall and everything went dark and alarms started going off everywhere. I thought it was another 9/11 I called my parents panicked and told them I love them

  • @Liv-or5ci
    @Liv-or5ci7 ай бұрын

    I’m only at 18:50 but “the firefighters were coming up” just sucked the air out of my chest and I started sweating immediately. I can’t think about it too hard.

  • @crispyy.roseeMUA
    @crispyy.roseeMUA10 ай бұрын

    This man is an incredible storyteller. His interpretation of Virginia coming up to him was super interesting and insightful

  • @carolleslie517
    @carolleslie51710 ай бұрын

    I loved that Ari saved the tape from his answering machine of all his loved ones messages ❤️

  • @theleaderofsloths1748
    @theleaderofsloths1748 Жыл бұрын

    how does he say this story without crying, it’s impressive how he holds himself together to simply tell the story, i know i would’ve broke many times

  • @cajunscorpion
    @cajunscorpion2 жыл бұрын

    Great storytelling! It’s odd that a lot of people were still working after the attack…here in Houston they shut the city down, offices sent their workers home, and school let out early.

  • @kimberleeturner8475
    @kimberleeturner84752 жыл бұрын

    Virginia was such a big part of his story and how she was a reason why he got in the ambulance. I listened to the end of this story to find out how she was doing but he never mentioned her again.

  • @autumn.breann
    @autumn.breann11 ай бұрын

    I am so grateful that God used you to share your story. It’s a miracle that you are here today, sharing your story and changing you completely.

  • @ivi122
    @ivi1222 жыл бұрын

    Wow this man is a great storyteller! When he went through was so difficult yet he came out of it a better person. I don’t usually like to watch videos that this long but he was so good at telling his story that I couldn’t stop watching

  • @degrios3768
    @degrios37687 ай бұрын

    What a great speaker!

  • @j.whiteoak6408
    @j.whiteoak6408 Жыл бұрын

    I remember watching it all unfold on TV that day ... seeing the first tower on fire - and the sickening moment when the second plane struck. But in those seconds when each of the buildings went into free-fall ... I felt a tight knot in my stomach, knowing that thousands of people were dying in those two moments. God Bless all those who lost someone that day .. I am truly sorry for your loss. But the world doesn't forget, and we will never forget. Stories like this will help us to continue to remember .. not that most of us need any reminders - but those who were too young or weren't born yet will learn about the horrors of that day, and they will remember too.

  • @michellebabicz2143
    @michellebabicz21439 ай бұрын

    This man is anointed. What a profound message. So glad I came across this. Thank you, Ari.

  • @sweetiepielarae
    @sweetiepielarae Жыл бұрын

    I'm so grateful that I watched this.

  • @myJLI

    @myJLI

    Жыл бұрын

    Us too!

  • @donnaanderson2
    @donnaanderson2 Жыл бұрын

    You are an amazing man. You took your tragedy and managed to turn evil into miracle. I am so stuck in my tragedies and cant seem to find my way out. Your ability to tell your story and make it uplifting and hopeful is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing it with the world and with me. Im glad I ran across this video. Hopefully I can find my way out of the darkness and hopelessness Im stuck in. I had two sons, my entire world, and I have had to live through burying them both. Both traumatic horrific deaths, young lives stolen from them before they had really begun. Only two and half years apart. It feels like I died with them and I am just waiting till my broken heart finally knows to stop beating. I will keep trying, I promise.

  • @teodelfuego
    @teodelfuego2 жыл бұрын

    I’d like to buy John Roccasalva a beer or two

  • @aprilknochelmann2492
    @aprilknochelmann24928 ай бұрын

    I am not a Jewish man. But I am a spiritual being. A mitzva. Is something I try to take seriously. Bless all who do the same.

  • @aimee1860
    @aimee1860 Жыл бұрын

    Wow God's grace was on you !!

  • @AllMi3htykid
    @AllMi3htykid2 жыл бұрын

    I think the craziest part about the whole day what sticks the most was how perfectly blue the sky was I don't think I have ever seen the sky so blue before looked as if it was a perfect day

  • @chooselife903
    @chooselife9032 жыл бұрын

    The messages from God are so profound. Now the pandemic The question is what’s next. The world is darker than ever before. Pray pray pray.

  • @rODIUMuk
    @rODIUMuk11 ай бұрын

    This guy is SO glad to be alive. If I had survived that shit, I’d act like this too

  • @youremeraldagent
    @youremeraldagent8 ай бұрын

    We are more divided today than ever. We need to find what unites us and make that decision.

  • @ronaldo101000
    @ronaldo1010002 жыл бұрын

    This gentleman is a natural public speaker. Good job.

  • @linrogers4326
    @linrogers43262 жыл бұрын

    He’s right. Look at the world this year, all the natural disasters, covid. What damage we have done to the world in the last 70 years. He is a remarkable man.

  • @anthonyhorton8932
    @anthonyhorton8932 Жыл бұрын

    It’s truly amazing how people can come together and help each in a time of need and desperation. This man is a hero👏🏽✅

  • @jordanreck3875
    @jordanreck38752 жыл бұрын

    Such an amazing storyteller, felt like I just watched a whole movie. Serious chills

  • @iwnunn7999
    @iwnunn79999 ай бұрын

    Gentile agnostic here who believes if there is a God you'll find that force within. If you're without apathy, kindness, compassion, and love, you are without "God". great story, incredible lesson beautifully told.

  • @ingrid_inthesky
    @ingrid_inthesky2 жыл бұрын

    lol On a happier note, I remember the "Can you hear me now?" commercial🙋🏽‍♀️

  • @FYM711
    @FYM7112 жыл бұрын

    I remember this day like it was yesterday I was in high school Murray Bertram few blocks away and my whole school shook and got evacuated so fast I walked all the way home to harlem that day there was no public transportation that day at all I felt manhattan shake as the buildings fell down it was so sad it haunts me till this day

  • @peterwoodaman5936
    @peterwoodaman5936 Жыл бұрын

    Unreal story. I was like others just stumbled upon this video and ended up watching the entire thing. Amazing

  • @Gr8thxAlot
    @Gr8thxAlot2 жыл бұрын

    This is one of the most relatable survivor stories I've heard. (I'm glad the scholastic book orders have finally stopped for us, hah!) Thanks, Ari!

  • @loriepostlewaite162
    @loriepostlewaite1628 ай бұрын

    Yours is the second story be heard f Devine intervention and you talk about being a light and I believe that day you were a light for Virginia and the people who followed you down thank you for sharing your story God bless you ❤️🙏🏻 I hope Virginia is doing good now…I will pick up a positive habit

  • @cindytruxal725
    @cindytruxal7258 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much. Incredible message so many of us need to hear.

  • @myJLI

    @myJLI

    8 ай бұрын

    So glad!

  • @grammysal
    @grammysal8 ай бұрын

    I’m from Kansas, and yes we would have given you socks and more. We’ve learned how to help our fellow citizens because of our tornadoes. Not anything as horrific as 911, but still disasters in there own right.

  • @scarpfish
    @scarpfish2 жыл бұрын

    It amazes me how we can recall the tiniest details when a seemingly unexceptional day becomes a traumatic experience.

  • @Dreamkeeper_101
    @Dreamkeeper_1012 жыл бұрын

    "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.." sooooooo true. I needed to hear this today.

  • @funshine817
    @funshine8179 ай бұрын

    Every single bad thing that happens ALWAYS leads to good, for God is good...God is love.

  • @patriciaschuster1371
    @patriciaschuster13712 жыл бұрын

    His talk is so human. Gotta have more of these. Thank you.

  • @jeffreyrowley9004
    @jeffreyrowley90042 жыл бұрын

    Ive listened to 10,000 9/1 1 stories over the years, most broke my heart, made me cry or angered me, this one helped me to laugh for the first time regarding that day.

  • @carolwicker9812
    @carolwicker98122 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful story! I am happy that you were spared on that horrible day.

  • @christiannedebiasi381
    @christiannedebiasi3812 жыл бұрын

    Stumbled upon this just after getting the news my aunt and her grandson were killed in a car accident. I’m sure god had plans for them. I’ve heard many stories from 9/11. Your expressions are wonderful. You are a very good speaker. One of the most interesting stories I’ve heard.

  • @Idiot-Savant
    @Idiot-Savant10 ай бұрын

    Wow, never thought i was gonna finish this because it was an hour-long but i was so immersed into his narrative that it was over before i even realized it.. ❤

  • @DaleGeorgePhair
    @DaleGeorgePhair10 ай бұрын

    What a story, I could picture every moment in my head. Can’t imagine even half of the things people like this man went through that day. God bless everyone involved or affected by that day. X❤