September 11 attacks: A survivor reflects on faith and loss

As the United States approaches the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Joseph Connor reflects on the personal devastation caused by the al-Qaida-led strikes. Connor, who witnessed the impact on the North Tower from his 36th-floor office, lost his cousin, Steven Schlag, a bond trader at Cantor Fitzgerald.

Connor describes the profound struggle with faith following the loss of his cousin and the sight of the destruction in New York. He notes that the attacks, which also targeted Washington and saw a thwarted attempt in Pennsylvania, resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths. Despite the initial anguish and questioning of God, Connor credits his religious faith with growing stronger over the last decade.