Boris Khalif

Boris Khalif moved to the United States from Ukraine at the age of 10, loved computers and devoured everything he could find about them. When he got his first computer in high school, he took it apart and then put it back together. At first it did not work, so he kept fiddling until it did. Friends and relatives brought their computer problems to him and he fixed them. Mr. Khalif, 30, who lived in Brooklyn, was working as a computer consultant at Marsh & McLennan in 1 World Trade Center on Sept. 11.

Although his son, Steven, was still only 2, Mr. Khalif had already begun to buy him children's games for the computer. But Steven was fascinated watching Mr. Khalif play his own computer games. "War games, fighting, monsters, our son liked to watch them all," said Mr. Khalif's wife, Ella. "That's how I fed my son. He was too busy watching what my husband was doing to feed himself."

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Although I have never met him, we are doing tributes to 9/11 victims in my 11th grade US history class and Boris' name caught my eye. I would like for the family to know that he is still thought about and his memory has not been forgotten.
Murphy Wilson, Colleague
Sep 12 2024 2:12PM
We still miss you and think of you often.
Gaby, Family
Sep 11 2021 11:24PM
I feel I was a friend also. I knew Boris from Reuters and he gave me the name Destroy. Always a great, kind guy. You will never be forgotten Boris.
Denise Stroy, Colleague
Sep 11 2020 1:46PM
Dear Mrs. Khalif and Family, I knew Boris from the credit union in Rye. I just wanted you to know I have thought of him and you every year for 15 years. He was a computer wiz and a wonderful person. Forever in my prayers. Gina.
Gina Walseman, Colleague
Sep 11 2016 5:45PM
Not a day goes by , when i do do not think about you. You are always and for ever in my heart. Our son is already 17 years old, he is so much reminds me of you.. the same smile...she same walk... the same kindness in his eyes. You would be very proud of the person he grew up to be. Every September is the hardest time for our family, as i am sure it is the same for all the families who lost someone they loved on that day. We miss you very much.
Ella Khalif, Family
Aug 27 2016 9:11PM
My 11 year old daughter put a memorial flag out on the front lawn of her school today (Randall Middle School in Lithia, Florida) and it was in memory of you, with your name on it. She has to write a short essay about you today for her 6th grade history homework. Even though we don't know you personally, you and your family are in our thoughts and our prayers, and will never be forgotten! Love, Peace & Hope ~ Teresa and Sydney Starling.
Teresa Starling, Friend
Sep 12 2014 1:22AM
In September of 2001, I was working at Marsh in Chicago office. I didn’t know any of the victims personally, but I was deeply sadened by what has happened to them. It took me almost two months to be able to express my feelings in a poem that I dedicated to all the victims of 9/11. I want my poem to also become a special memorial for Boris. May you always be alive in the hearts of your family and friends! God bless your spirit! Barefoot Dream /Dedicated to all the victims of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001/ Bare-footing through the broken glass, through concrete ash and bloody mess, through melted steel, through roasting fire, I'm waking up with one desire. I wish someone could turn back time and to protect New York's skyline, to change the fate of tallest twins and save the lives... My night begins with silent prayer in my mind to keep the horror from mankind, to soothe the pain and stop those dreams, sleepwalking through the chilling screams. Still, every time I close my eyes, I see the smoking hole in skies... My mourning heart is hurt so deep - I dare not to fall asleep. Marina Dudanova November 2, 2001.
Marina Dudanova, Colleague
Sep 11 2007 3:59PM
We still remember you. /KC
kenneth collazos, Friend
Sep 11 2006 2:38PM
You always in our hearts Dear Boy. Thanks for Steven - this angel who let us feel better and always remind you. We always love you Mama Papa
Elizabeth Khalif, Family
Dec 13 2004 11:51AM
We met Boris Through his wife Ella. In our hearts he will always remain as a person with a big, warm heart. He would go an extra step to care for his family. He will always be missed..
Vadim & Tatyana Shneydman, Friend
Sep 11 2004 12:17PM
A wonderful guy! May GOD watch over his family and keep them safe especially little Steven.
Anthony DiBenedetto, Colleague
Aug 27 2002 1:20PM
I will always remember Boris' tireless devotion to the employees he served, the office network he helped us rebuild, and his endless efforts to further his own education in computers, networks and software. I will miss my friend and former colleague but will never forget his cheerful disposition, nor the example he set for all of us with regards to following our dreams.
Steve Bennett, Colleague
Aug 26 2002 3:27PM
Boris was a colleague and a friend from Reuters. He sat on the same floor as I and I remember Boris alway's smiling and always willing to help me with my computer. He always made fun of me for destroying some application on my PC and I will never ever forget him and his smile.
Denise Stroy, Friend
Aug 26 2002 10:03AM
Boris worked wiht with at Reuters 1700 Bway. He was a very smart and funny guy. I liked him alot. He study any chance he could. To keep him self up to date with latest technologies. I will remember Boris.
Kenneth Collazos, Friend
Aug 25 2002 4:21PM