Danny Lewin, a 31-year-old American-Israeli mathematician and co-founder of Akamai Technologies, is widely recognized as the first person killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. According to the 9/11 Commission, Lewin was stabbed during the takeover of American Airlines Flight 11, likely by hijacker Satam al-Suqami, who was seated directly behind him. The event occurred near seat 9B, one row behind hijacking ringleader Mohamed Atta.
Lewin’s background was distinctive among the passengers. Born in Denver and raised in Jerusalem, he served as a captain in Sayeret Matkal, an elite Israeli special forces unit known for its rigorous selection process. After his military service, he studied at the Technion and MIT, where he co-founded Akamai with professor Tom Leighton. The company developed algorithms that significantly improved internet infrastructure by reducing web congestion. On the morning of the attacks, Lewin was traveling from Boston to Los Angeles for business.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative perspectives and military analysts underscore Lewin’s training and instinctive response to the threat. They view his decision to confront the hijackers as a testament to his elite military background in Sayeret Matkal, a unit that includes figures like former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This framing highlights the concept of the citizen-soldier who, despite being in civilian life, retained the discipline to act in the face of danger. The right-leaning narrative often points to his burial in Massachusetts and his inclusion on a 9/11 memorial in Israel made of Ground Zero steel as evidence of his enduring legacy in both American and Israeli national memory.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive commentators and tech industry voices emphasize Lewin’s dual identity as a symbol of international cooperation and intellectual achievement. They highlight his journey from an immigrant background to becoming a dot-com billionaire who contributed to the global digital infrastructure. The narrative focuses on his human side, noting that he was a father of two young sons and was preoccupied with company layoffs due to the dot-com crash the night before the attacks. Todd Dagres, an early Akamai investor, noted that Lewin’s actions reflected his character, stating, “I’m sure at some point it became clear to him what was going on… And I’m sure he acted.”
What the Numbers Show
The 9/11 Commission report provides specific details about the timeline and location of the attack. Lewin was seated in business class, one row behind hijacker Mohamed Atta and Abdulaziz al-Omari. Hijacker Satam al-Suqami was seated in seat 10B, directly behind Lewin. Flight attendant Amy Sweeney reported via air phone that “a man in first class had his throat slashed,” and that the passenger in seat 9B was dead. The hijacking and stabbing occurred approximately 25 minutes before Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Akamai Technologies, co-founded by Lewin, continues to serve a significant portion of internet traffic, maintaining its relevance in the global digital economy decades after his death.
The Bottom Line
The identification of Danny Lewin as the first victim of the 9/11 attacks serves as a focal point for understanding the immediate human cost of the hijacking of Flight 11. His story bridges the gap between the geopolitical tensions of the era and the personal lives of those affected. As the tech industry continues to evolve, Lewin’s contribution to the infrastructure that underpins the modern internet remains a key part of his legacy. Commemorations in both the United States and Israel ensure that his actions and his professional achievements remain part of the public record, offering a specific, individual narrative within the broader historical context of September 11.