Sarri Singer
Founder and Director of Strength to Strength, Focusing on Terrorism Victims
Sarri Singer, who moved to Israel at the end of 2001, became a victim of terror on June 11, 2003 when a teen-age suicide bomber blew himself up on the Jerusalem bus #14 she had taken to meet a friend for dinner.
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Sarri Singer, who moved to Israel at the end of 2001, became a victim of terror on June 11, 2003 when a teen-age suicide bomber blew himself up on the Jerusalem bus #14 she had taken to meet a friend for dinner. Sarri was severely injured, but when she recovered, rather than harbor resentment or hopelessness, Sarri founded Strength to Strength, a global haven for victims of terror; a network for survivors to heal, become empowered, and move forward to build a culture of peace.
Strength to Strength (//stosglobal.org) provides terror victims and their families with psychological and emotional support through regular meetings and retreats, a forum to share their stories, and access to information and advice, as well as raising public awareness of the unmet needs of terror survivors.
As the Director of Strength to Strength, Sarri has addressed audiences throughout the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, and Israel and continues to share her unique insight into the ongoing struggle victims of terror face in Israel and around the world.
On March 17, 2016, Sarri was one of the featured panelists at a United Nations’ Department of Public Information/Nongovernmental Organization Briefing, held in parallel with the 60th session of the Committee on the Status of Women. During the session, entitled “Women and Girls: From Adversity to Hope,” Sarri told the audience her story:
The daughter of a New Jersey state senator, Sarri had overslept the morning of September 11th, when those two planes struck the World Trade Center, killing thousands. Her office was only blocks away from the blasts. She watched with horror on television as her colleagues were evacuated and ran towards safety.
“I knew I could not sit idly by and just brush off the events of 9/11 as if nothing had happened,” Sarri says. So, in December 2001, she quit her job to move to Israel and volunteer with organizations that directly aided families who had been impacted by terrorism.
And then, in 2003, Sarri, herself, became a terror victim, one of over 100 people injured by an 18-year-old suicide bomber, dressed as a religious Jew. It has been 12 years since the attack, but Sarri says the memories are still with her every day.
Burned, bleeding, and frightened, she had been pulled from the bus. Her clavicle was broken, her ear drums were blown, her face was burned and bruised, and two pieces of shrapnel were lodged in her mouth–shrapnel that remains in place to this day, since it was not possible to safely remove it. And, yet, she relates, she was the lucky one because she learned later that those sitting and standing around her did not survive.
When people ask Sarri if she is filled with hate and the desire for revenge, she answers emphatically, “Absolutely not.” As she explains, hate only breeds more destruction. “I only have control over how I live my life going forward. Life is too short to repay destruction with destruction.”
Her answer to terrorism is Strength to Strength, which brings together people from all walks of life who are bonded by their experience of terror, but want to help build a global culture of peace. “It is only in a room of survivors,” she notes, “that everyone understands the wounds we wear are our badges of courage.”
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
A Conversation With Sarri Singer
Personal Reflections: A Survivors Story
Survival, not Victimhood: Maintaining Perspective on Terrorism
Healing the Wounds of Terror
The Strength Within
Social Responsibility and The Long-Term Needs of Victims of Terrorism
The Power of Action
Terrorism and Beyond
The Critical Role of the First Responder (For First Responders Only)
Videos
Interview with Sarri Singer: Getting Your Money's Worth with Judith West
Interview with Sarri Singer, Founder and Director of Strength to Strength
Books
News
Testimonials
Hearing Sarri Singer speak at NGU about her first hand experience with terrorism and listening to her testimony of forgiveness, love, and activism was truly a privilege. She spoke about personally traumatic issues with an admirable level of professionalism and and provided insightful information about the violence that occurred and is still occurring in Israel today. Most of all, Sarri encouraged and inspired audience members to arm themselves with knowledge and reminded us all that while we cannot control our circumstances, we can always control our attitudes, and that is what truly makes the difference.
North Greenfield University, Tigerville, South Carolina
Sarri Singer is a gifted and unique speaker. She has a wonderful combination of ease of delivery and sincere authenticity that make her both highly engaging and very easy to listen to. Her warmth and charm beautifully couches the intensity and significance of her message. I would enthusiastically recommend her for any audience.
AISH Center, NYC
How would it affect your life if someone tried to kill you? Sarri Singer can answer that question because a terrorist blew himself up on the bus she was riding. How her life progressed thereafter is a fascinating story of the triumph of will and faith over adversity and evil.
South Carolina Rotary Club
In a time where agencies are redefining their role in Emergency Preparedness both internally within their organization and externally as it relates to the population they serve, it is rare that you have an opportunity to hear firsthand the account of a victim of terrorism. Ms. Singer has been a welcomed figure on several occasions where she has addressed the Ocean County First Responder community and shared her story. Comments from those in attendance have included everything from a simple thank you to what a bright articulate young lady. Ms. Singer’s presentations within Ocean County has spurred conversations about preparedness that would have never taken place. For this we are thankful.
Public Health Coordinator/Health Officer, Ocean County Health Department
From the depths of her own struggles, as a survivor of terrorism, Sarri Singer managed to become a source of inspiration, strength and hope for so many. I have known Sarri for over 13 years. She was always there for us. Always willing to assist others, effectively communicate our people’s strength, uplift our spirit and present our collective story with dignity and passion. Sarri is a true asset for the entire community.
Ambassador Ido Aharoni, Israel's Consul General to New York (2010-2016)
Keynoting our annual women’s major donor luncheon, Sarri spoke movingly of her experiences of survival and hope in the aftermath of the terror attack in which she was a victim. Our guests were moved to tears, reliving the moments with her, but mostly because of the optimistic world views she shared. How this woman turned her personal tragedy into a global movement of healing is a lesson in inspiration.
Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks
Sarri’s presentation was fantastic! Her willingness to participate in our Living Lessons program and ability to connect with our student population and community was outstanding. We look forward to having her back to Franklin Lakes in the future.
Franklin Avenue Middle School, Franklin Lakes, NJ
Sarri Singer, a survivor of terrorism, has been a guest speaker at courses I teach on Terror Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark. Her experience, eloquently recounted, draws the absolute attention of medical students, faculty, and others in attendance. Her manner of dealing with the psychological effects of terrorism in particular is both instructive and inspirational.
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
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