America and the world were forever changed by the tragic events of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and even after 21 years, those who lost loved ones are still coming to terms with their loss. Gabriel Jacobs Dick’s life was redefined by the momentous event, even though he was not yet born when it happened. The attack meant that he would grow up without a father, altering the course of his life from day one. Gabriel likened the event to the butterfly effect, where every occurrence leads to the next, creating a chain reaction. As reported by People, Gabriel’s father, Ariel Jacobs, was a sales executive attending a meeting at the New York restaurant Windows on the World located in the North Tower of the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11, 2001. Tragically, Jacobs lost his life in the attack, just days before his 30th birthday, and six days before his son Gabi was born.
Gabi’s experience was featured in a segment of the documentary titled “Rebuilding Hope: The Children of 9/11.” Talos Films partnered with People magazine to capture the lives of individuals whose parents were lost in the 9/11 attacks before they were born. The documentary, directed by Ellen Goosenberg Kent, showcases the stories of these children who were 19 and 20 years old when they shared how the attacks affected their lives and how they and their families have coped with the loss. Even though each story takes a unique path, all of them start on September 11, 2001.
Jenna Jacobs, Gabriel’s mother, expressed that these children are the next generation after the tragic event of 9/11. They bring joy, comfort, and love to their families. Gabriel, who was 19 years old and a junior at SUNY Purchase College in 2021, recently had the opportunity to watch videos of his dad. Although he had seen many pictures of his father growing up, watching a video of him was a surreal experience for Gabriel. He explained that hearing his dad’s voice for the first time at 19 years old, pushed an emotional button he didn’t know he had. Gabriel realized that his dad was a real person, and watching the video made him feel like his dad was right in front of him.
Growing up, Gabriel developed a profound fear of airplanes, elevators, and tall buildings due to the tragic death of his father. He confessed that he would only fly if it was absolutely necessary and would avoid elevators at all costs. However, Gabriel held onto a deep-seated belief that if he could ride an elevator to the top of the World Trade Center, he could conquer his fear. In hindsight, Gabriel acknowledged that the terrorist attacks achieved their goal of instilling fear in people’s minds. He stated, “The whole point of terrorism is to make people afraid. So, if you are terrorized, then they have succeeded.”
Just a month before the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Gabriel mustered the courage to take the elevator. Standing at the bottom of the elevator, waiting to ascend the 102 floors to the One World Observatory at the World Trade Center, he couldn’t shake off the feeling of dread that gripped him. He always believed that he was cursed, and the fear of something terrible happening to him intensified as he prepared to go up. Despite this, he took a leap of faith and went to the top. As he looked out over the city, Gabriel felt a “crazy release of tension” and a newfound hope for the future. He knew that this was the last view his dad had seen, but it wouldn’t be his last.
Gabriel has never had the opportunity to know his father, but he finds a sense of connection when he does something that reminds his mother of his dad. Jenna, Gabriel’s mother, is incredibly proud of him and admires his self-reflection, convictions, and kindness. She feels the proudest of the fact that Gabriel’s identity goes beyond the tragic events of 9/11. Gabriel lives in the present and does not let the attacks define his life, something that his father would have wanted for him as well. Gabriel honors his father’s memory by living a great life that is full of happiness and fulfillment.
On the eve of the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, the powerful new event special from Diane Sawyer – reuniting with the children born right after 9/11. The strength, the resilience, the love. The 20/20 Special premieres Friday night on ABC. pic.twitter.com/HOUQpqI633
— 20/20 (@ABC2020) September 4, 2021
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