Nea Fane – Un Biet Român Pripășit în America / A Hapless Romanian Stuck in The US

In early May of 1997, I received my first paycheck in the United States. I was very proud of it. I took my wife with me and we stopped at the first bank on the left, located on the lower concourse of the World Trade Center, to open an account. It was part of our daily route to work, and it was early – around 7 in the morning. As usual, the atmosphere was bustling, filled with energy and anticipation. However, we were treated rudely and denied service. Frustrated, I vowed never to do business with Chase ever again.

Perhaps the employees at the bank across the concourse noticed our experience, or perhaps they were simply moved by compassion, or perhaps they were simply professional. Either way, a small act of kindness emerged—a helping hand extended to a bewildered family of immigrants.

These immigrants, strangers in a new and unfamiliar land, stood at the bank’s entrance, hearts heavy with both hope and apprehension. The language barrier, unfamiliar customs, and the complexities of the financial system all seemed to be working against them. Yet, the employees of this bank, recognizing their vulnerability, approached them with warmth that softened the cold, concrete surroundings.

With patience and understanding, they guided us through the daunting process of opening a bank account. They translated complicated financial terms, explained complex procedures, and answered our questions with clarity, making us feel welcomed and valued. Their kindness shone like a beacon in a city that often felt overwhelming and impersonal.

Deeply touched by their generosity, we left the bank that day with a renewed sense of belonging. What could have been a mundane task—opening a bank account—became a transformative experience. It served as a powerful reminder that, even in the most fast-paced and competitive environments, compassion and empathy can prevail.

Those were the Citibank employees, the World Trade Center branch.

On September 11, 2001, all of them tragically lost their lives.