MICHELLE HERMAN GOLDSTEIN

“The Brightest Smile”

By: Lizzi Ohrablo and Emon Reiser

September 11 th, 2001 is a day American citizens remember because of the horrifying events that took place at the World Trade Center in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in the fields of Pennsylvania. At approximately 8:46 A.M., American Airlines Flight 11, crashed into the North Tower, and was shortly followed by United Airlines Flight 175, which hit the South Tower at approximately 9:03 A.M. At approximately 9:47 A.M., American Airlines Flight 77 impacted the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93 went down in a field in southwestern Pennsylvania at 10:03 A.M. Almost 3,000 people died that day; many more would suffer health issues related to toxic fumes and debris from the buildings, and countless others were devastated by the loss our country suffered. However, to some, it is hard to fully grasp the tragedy, until you know the lives of the victims. Michelle Goldstein was one of these victims. A beautiful girl inside and out, thirty-one year old Michelle was working on the 96 th floor of the second building, the South Tower, when the planes hit. Thinking she was safe, and listening to people who had told her to stay where she was, Michelle didn’t have time to get out of the building when the second plane arrived. It was her seven-month wedding anniversary.

In 1988, Michelle graduated from J.P. Taravella High School in Coral Springs. She was a part of the first class to complete an entire four years at the school, which was founded in 1981. She attended college at the University of Florida in Gainesville, where she majored in business. After graduation, Michelle worked as an insurance adjuster in disaster coverage for State Farm in Weston, but because of her job, was often traveling. In 1999, wanting a more stable life, she decided to open her own insurance agency. On September 11 th, 2001, however, she was working as a senior risk specialist at Aon Risk Services.

When she was younger, Michelle was very active in the community and kept up with her schoolwork. Her mother, Ingrid Jaffe, says she never once received a phone call from the teachers complaining about Michelle’s behavior or lack of dedication. She helped abused and neglected children through an organization called Jasco. Some of her work with them included collecting toys and wrapping them and collecting food. As Ms. Jaffe says, “She was always very loving to everyone.” In her free time, Michelle would always be seen outside. She loved to swim, snorkel, play tennis, and rollerblade. When asked what Michelle’s best quality was, her mother said that no matter how bad the day, she would always be there to offer a smile. As her husband says, “You felt like she could just make your day better.”

In 1999, after Michelle decided to start her own insurance agency, her mother introduced Michelle to Ed Goldstein, an investment banker from New York. He was in Florida helping to care for his ill father when they met in June, and they got along really well. At first they may have seemed an unlikely couple. She had an outgoing personality, while he was very reserved. He says, “She got me to communicate, which I wasn’t always the best at.” In October of that same year, Michelle returned to New York with him, postponing the plans for her business. Ed proposed to her in February of 2000, and they were married February 11, 2001. Like any other couple, they had plans to create a life together and start a wonderful family.

The victims of 9/11 are sometimes referred to as martyrs, but those directly affected would know them as family, schoolmates, or co-workers. Michelle was no different. She left her husband and her family behind when her life was taken away from us just as suddenly and horrifically as nearly 3,000 others had. Their last exchange as mother and daughter is chilling.

“Mom, I’m OK. It’s not my building that’s on fire. It’s the other building.”

Mrs. Jaffe replied, “…Get out of there. Put some business cards in your pocket and take your phone and run quickly.”

To that, Michelle said, “Mom, they’re telling us to stay put.”

After the event, Mrs. Jaffe searched frantically for evidence that her daughter might have been found. She would find herself awake all night on the phone with hospitals.

“I felt that the night-time was the best time to get through,” she said, “It’s been very, very poor getting information.” Michelle Goldstein’s name never did end up on the list of survivors of that tragic day.

The untimely passing of Michelle Goldstein was a great tragedy to the world. Leaving behind a mother, father, stepfather, sister, husband, and many friends. She will be sorely missed. A kind, loveable, and dedicated woman, Michelle will always be remembered in the hearts of those who know her story.