WTC Hero Is Laid to Rest in Israel

A computer programmer hailed as a hero for remaining with his quadriplegic friend rather than fleeing the Sept. 11 attack on the World Trade Center was laid to rest Monday in Israel.

The family of Abraham J. Zelmanowitz, 55, buried his remains next to those of his parents at the cemetery overlooking Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives, a revered resting place for many religious Jews.

“We are fulfilling his final wishes,” said sister-in-law Evelyn Zelmanowitz, who was among a group of family members who accompanied Zelmanowitz’s remains from New York.

Zelmanowitz, whose remains were identified late last week, was hailed as a hero and praised by President Bush for his act of compassion.

He worked in a 27th-floor office and refused to leave behind his co-worker of many years, Ed Beyea, who couldn’t descend the stairs in his wheelchair. Both died when the tower collapsed.