Stunning Visual Poem to Yemeni-Born Brooklyn-Raised Muslim Hotel Worker Who Saved Many Lives on 9/11

“Abdu – A 9/11 Story” is a stunning visual poem by filmmaker Paul Stone (previously) about Abdu Malahi, a Yemeni-born, Brooklyn-raised Muslim who worked as an audio/visual technician at the Marriot Hotel World Trade Center who died on 9/11.

Malahi started out the day in a good mood, as he was applying for visas to bring his wife and children to the United States. Yet after he got to work, Malahi knew something was very wrong when he heard a series of crashes and ran to get his master key. He sprinted upstairs to warn guests to evacuate the building and while doing so, Malahi saw the second plane hit. Despite the danger to himself, he kept trying to get people out of the building and to safety. After all the guest were evacuated, Malahi tried to get out himself, but couldn’t. The second tower was collapsing onto the hotel roof, destroying everything in its path.

Despite the number of lives he saved that day, Abdu Ali Malahi’s body was never found.

Abdu Malahi, a Muslim from Yemen who grew up in Brooklyn, recounts his heroic efforts to save lives at the Marriott Hotel 3 World Trade Center during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. …In memory of my best friend. Abdu Malahi May 3, 1964 – September 11, 2001 …Story inspired by interviews with actual people saved by Abdu Malahi at the Marriot Hotel on 9/11/2001.

Abdu Ali Malahi

911 Memorial Abdu Ali Malahi

submitted via Laughing Squid Tips

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.