Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 The Jewish Veteran A Jewish Voice for Veterans and a Veteran’s Voice for

Support Confessions of a Veteran Klansman: How the U.S. Army Deborah Sampson Act Radicalized a Soldier Page 4 By Harrison Heller sionally include racial Hate groups have always existed, but slurs in their conver- Ensuring Our Future in the current environment they have sations. When he was Page 6 emerged from the shadows. Some new seven-years-old, his actors have jumped from the digital cousin started dating From Our Archives world to the physical world to start col- a black man. His par- Page 8 laborating with older hate groups. ents told him not to According to a MilitaryTimes poll speak with his cousin. Book Review in October 2017, one in four troops wit- “Interracial relation- nessed examples of white nationalism From Disarmament ships should not exist among their fellow troops. The poll to Rearmament: because mixed kids also found that 42 percent of non-white The Reversal of have no place in this active duty troops reported personally U.S. Policy toward world because they do experiencing white nationalism within not know where they Sgt. Buckley on duty in Afghanistan at Camp Harriman / West 1946–1955 Forward Operating Base Orgun-E Page 16 the military. belong,” Buckley said In September, Parents for Peace, they told him. Leonard Wood, Missouri, Buckley felt a group that fights all forms of ex- At school Buckley had few friends the military used sophisticated meth- Correction: In the tremism, organized a discussion and said his peers often bullied him, ods in order to dehumanize other peo- previous issue of in Washington, D.C. The audience leaving him feeling broken and alone. ple. He said commanding officers fre- The Jewish Veteran, heard from three panelists, including When he told his parents about his best quently used ethnic slurs to describe we mistakenly Christopher Buckley, an Afghanistan friend at the time who was of Lebanese the people he would be fighting against identified a veteran who joined the Ku Klux Klan. descent they said, “That is the problem in Arab countries. He considered it photograph of Buckley had a seemingly nor- with this country.” similar to using racial slurs during oth- Sandra Cantor on mal upbringing with his family in After September 11, 2001, mili- er U.S. conflicts when describing the the front page as Cleveland, Ohio, but can now see the tary recruiters went to Buckley’s high Germans, Japanese, and Vietnamese. Linda Singer. first sign of where his hatred originat- school and he decided to enlist in order At the rifle range, paper targets that We regret our error. ed. His parents were never racist in to get revenge for those attacks. started out as silhouettes of a person public, but at home they would occa- During basic training at Fort Continued on page 11 No Longer Missing in America By Larry Jasper mony on September 26 brought 12 a flag detail, and an honor guard rep- Thanks to the Missing in America veterans and five spouses of veterans resenting all U.S. military branches. program, a special internment cere- to their final resting place at Sarasota I was honored to carry the cre- National Cemetery mains of Pfc. Charles William in Florida. The re- Livingston, a World War II veteran mains of these in- who passed away in 2011 at the age of dividuals were un- 85. claimed for as long Other members and patrons who as 14 years before represented the JWV Department of Now is the time this ceremony. Florida at the event included Georgi to register for More than 400 Jasper, Boris Stern, and Dr. Bill Luria. Capitol Hill Action people attended the The Missing in America program ceremony, which was founded in 2006 to locate, iden- Days and NEC included a motor- tify, and inter the unclaimed remains Page 3 cade of veterans of veterans through joint efforts be- Urns lined up for the ceremony and final tribute. and county police, Continued on page 6

CONTENTS D’vrei HaShomrim...... 2 JWV in the Community...... 12 Message From the National Ladies Auxiliary.....18 Commander...... 3 Museum News...... 20 On The Hill...... 4 Taps...... 22 Membership Corner...... 6 D'vrei HaShomrim THE JEWISH The Bad Rap on Chanukah VETERAN By Mark L. Winer, JWV National Chaplain The Jewish Veteran is the Official Publication of the Chanukah gets a bad rap. Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America In the Jewish tradition, Chanukah is regard- National Commander Harvey Weiner ed as a minor holiday. Indeed, for hundreds of National Editor years, observant Jews were forbidden from cele- Managing Editor Cara Rinkoff brating Chanukah. Those who commemorated the Graphics/Production Editor Christy Turner ’ victory would receive no part of the EDITORIAL OFFICE “World to Come,” according to the , the 1811 R Street, NW • Washington, D.C. 20009 foundational compilation of the . Telephone (202) 265-6280 x413 Fax (202) 234-5662 Only when the focus of Chanukah shifted to E-mail [email protected] the miraculous oil lasting eight days, was the fes- Web Site www.jwv.org tival grudgingly admitted into Jewish observance. The Jewish Veteran is published 4 times a year: The story of the one day supply of oil which burned Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall, by the for eight days appears a few hundred years after the Jewish War Veterans Mishnah in the . of the United States of America Some modern Jews dislike Chanukah because 1811 R Street, NW which one or more members have served in our na- Washington, DC 20009 many Jewish parents in contemporary America set tion’s armed forces. Periodical postage paid at Washington, DC, and at up Chanukah as a Jewish counterpart to Christmas. Chanukah is the festival which most poignant- additional mailing offices. No matter how wonderful Chanukah is, it cannot ly speaks to modern Jews. Like the Maccabees, Postmaster: Send form 3579 to Jewish War Veterans, possibly hold a candle to what Christmas means to we modern Jews stand up for our beliefs. We fight 1811 R Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009. Christians. With the exception of Easter, Christmas anti-Semitism wherever and whenever it rears its Subscription price in the United States is $5.00 per year, is the most important holy day in the Christian year. included in membership. Nonmember subscriptions: ugly head. We stand up for Jewish rights here in $10.00. Single copies: $2.50. Even eight days of presents and the most beautiful America and in . American Jews spearhead- Photos and articles submitted to The Jewish Veteran Chanukah Menorah cannot compete with what the ed protests which culminated in the liberation of shall be used at the discretion of the organization. The Christmas tree, the creche, and the nativity mean Russian and Ethiopian Jews. Our people recov- opinions expressed in signed articles and letters in this to Christians. ered from the worst genocide ever perpetrated magazine are not necessarily those of JWV. Chanukah may not be so important in the against any people. We both re-established the Advertising information and rates available from the Editorial Office. JWV assumes no responsibility for Jewish tradition, nor does it really work as the State of Israel after 2,000 years of exile and built products and services advertised in this publication. Jewish version of Christmas, but Chanukah is a American Jewish life to a level of strength and © 2019 by the Jewish War Veterans of the USA. meaningful festival for modern Jews who delight depth of observance and study without parallel in NPA#112285 • ISSN 047-2019. in being loyal Jews and at the same time rejoice . Reproduction without permission is prohibited. in being loyal patriots in their native and adopted Like the Maccabees of the Chanukah story lands. From my perspective, Chanukah is a partic- we balance a healthy traditionalism and a sensi- ularly important holiday, for American, Israeli, and ble enjoyment of modernity. Proud, strong, and Display your JWV modern Jews everywhere in the world. It is espe- free, we rejoice as heirs to the noble legacy of the Membership Proudly! cially powerful in its message to Jewish families in Maccabees. The JWV supply store isn't just for pins and poppies! You can also purchase Can you help identify this Jewish soldier? JWV branded badges, caps and jackets! Gabriel Salinger from the South American country in Pilsen until the 16th Armored Division liberated of Chile is trying to identify the soldier in these pho- the town on May 6, 1945. The unidentified soldier Shirts, caps, tographs. Salinger’s grandfather, Heinz Salinger, is was a member of the 16th Armored Division and and jackets! on the right hand side of the middle photograph. gave Salinger his shoulder patch. The photo show- The other young man is Felix Kahn. They were ing just the soldier was taken in front of the Great stepbrothers who escaped from a train transporting in Pilsen on June 16. Both of the young them between concentration camps. A bombed out men were Jewish, and they assumed the soldier section of railroad tracks forced their train to stop, was also Jewish because of his prayer shawl. allowing them to escape. The men made their way If you can help identify him, please contact to Pilsen in the Czech Republic by walking at night The Jewish Veteran by mail or email. and hiding during the day. They hid in a basement Post Banners Pins! and Flags! Visit the online store at the JWV website or contact Pat Ennis at 703-753-3733 or by email: [email protected]

For JWV caps, call Keystone Uniform Cap Corporation Phone: 215-821-3434 • Fax: 215-821-3438 www.keystoneuniformcap.com/Jewish-War-Veteran -Caps.html

2 The Jewish Veteran Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 www.jwv.org MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDER National Commander Harvey Weiner

Article II of the JWV Constitution states: the transfer of military funds, some of which was and I visited a “This Organization is civilian and shall not be earmarked for daycare and schools for soldiers and Mar yland VA used for the promotion of political candidates, their families, to build a border wall. Also, National medical center politics or issues and interests not au- issued a press release opposing the attacks on Lt. and met a JWV thorized by the National Organization, and the Col. Alexander Vindman, a Jewish immigrant member resident use of its name, uniform, insignia and titles of from Ukraine. who was pres- rank, past or present, directly or indirectly, for National would have taken these positions ent at Hitler’s any such purposes, is expressly forbidden.” whether or not the source of the issues was a Eagle’s Nest at Democrat, Republican, or any candidate or office Berchtesgaden This prohibition seems relatively straightforward holder regardless of political party. It is the issue when it was captured and replaced the Nazi flag in many ways. No Post, Department, Council, or that National takes a position on, not the individual with an American one. We also visited the Maryland the National Organization can promote or endorse or party involved. JWV has a national voice that American Jewish Veterans’ War Memorial, which a candidate for political office, nor can its meetings continues to be heard. JWV members initiated and built. be used by a candidate for a political speech, which Your National Commander has been on the The two of us also visited the Department of can be viewed as an implied promotion, in the ab- road and in the air in the past three months with ten Minnesota, toured the state veterans’ department sence of a contemporaneous statement that they in-state events and nine out-of-state events. I was offices, and presented plaques to two firemen in- were not endorsing or promoting the individual. interviewed as part of the Veterans History Project volved in the Duluth synagogue fire. One rescued No JWV member, while acting as a JWV mem- of the Library of Congress. I visited the Boston eight and the other was severely injured in ber, such as by wearing a JWV cap, can promote Stand Down with the Massachusetts Secretary of the fire. The fire chief accepted the plaque for the a political candidate or engage in partisan politics. Veterans Affairs, the promotion ceremony of the injured fireman. Sir Barry and I were knighted by Of course, JWV members can promote or endorse Massachusetts National Guard Judge Advocate, the King and Queen of the Winter Carnival. anyone they want and engage in partisan politics the installation of officers at Peabody Post 220, and I traveled to D.C. for Mack’s Marines’ luncheon as long as it is clear they are acting in their per- the honoring of two Veterans Legal Services ad- at the Marine Barracks to celebrate the Marine’s sonal capacity and not in their capacity as JWV vocates by the Murray Inn of Court. I taught a vet- birthday and the Nats’ World Series win. A new members. In fact, it is the obligation of an informed erans mediation course to soldiers and those who JWV member was recruited there. American citizen to be engaged in politics. deal with them. I delivered a speech about JWV to I went to Maryland again for Post 360’s for- National has legally and properly advocated for the Active Veterans and Military Veterans Section mal Dining Out. Post 360 is a new post and is com- certain issues and interests in order to fulfill the of the Boston Bar Association. I supervised our prised of Orthodox Jews. mandate in its charter and in the preamble of its third annual “Wills for Veterans” day and I helped I went to D.C. to participate in the VA Veterans Constitution: “to combat the powers of bigotry and serve Thanksgiving dinner (with JWVA President Day Breakfast and to watch the laying of the wreath darkness wherever originating and whatever their Sandra Cantor) at the Chelsea Soldiers Home. and to listen to speeches at Arlington National target” and “to preserve the spirit of comradeship I attended the Rosh Hashanah Reception of the Cemetery. For the third year in a row, the President by mutual helpfulness to comrades….” It does so Israeli Ambassador at the embassy in Washington did not attend and for the second year in a row the by lobbying individual legislators on Capitol Hill, D.C., where I met two Jewish veterans who are breakfast was not held in the White House. Instead, supporting or opposing legislation, cooperating members of the U.S. Congress. My Chief of Staff I attended the national reception of the Catholic with other veterans’ groups, passing resolutions at Barry Lischinsky and I visited the Department War Veterans. annual convention, litigation, and taking positions of Connecticut. We also went to Rhode Island to My wife and I went to London to attend the fes- in press releases. see a Veterans Home spearheaded by local JWV tivities of our British counterparts, AJEX. There is This has happened twice in the three months I members. a separate article about that trip in this issue of The have been National Commander. I also became the first National Commander in Jewish Veteran. National issued a press release condemning 23 years to visit the Department of Maryland. Barry                Capitol Hill Action Days & National Executive Committee Meeting February 12 - 15, 2020

Capitol Hill Action Days - February 12 + 13 National Executive Committee Meeting - February 14  NMAJMH Board of Directors Meeting - February 15 Crystal City Marriott at Reagan National Airport 1999 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA 22202 Make your reservations online at: https://tinyurl.com/JWVNEC2020 Or call 703-413-5500 and tell them you are with the Jewish War Veterans $162/night  Book by Tuesday, January 14, 2020 to reserve your space!

www.jwv.org Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 The Jewish Veteran 3 ON THE HILL VA Staffing Shortages A major challenge for both the House and Senate incentives from professional opportunities to fi- opportunities Committees on Veterans Affairs is the reported nancial reimbursement. for telemedicine 49,000 employee vacancies in the Department JWV and The Military Coalition strongly providers. of Veterans Affairs. Staffing shortages in the support recent recommendations made by the VA The VA at- 386,000-employee agency cause many of the Inspector General (IG) during a House Veterans tracts many em- problems with veterans’ health care. The vast ma- Affairs Committee hearing on September 18, 2019 ployees, including jority of these vacancies are in the Veterans Health on how barriers to hiring at the VA affect patient a high percentage Administration (VHA). Two key causes for this care and access. The IG said, “Additional funda- of veterans who huge number of shortages are low salaries and a mental changes are needed for significant and sus- value the per- lack of qualified applicants. In too many cases, tained improvement, such as accurately tracking sonnel who have COL Herb Rosenbleeth, USA (Ret) VA health care salaries are lower than the pub- VHA’s vacancy numbers; considering the impli- worn the uniform National Executive Director lic sector. VA medical center directors make ap- cations of support staff and other team members of our country. proximately 25 percent of a private hospital chief in staffing models for particular positions; reliable Many highly trained healthcare personnel work executive yet they have a greater scope of and transparent reporting; recruiting and reten- for the federal government when they could be responsibility. tion oversight that includes consideration of both paid more elsewhere because of their devotion The VA is also outmatched when it comes to individual facility and veterans’ needs within a to public service and the sense of purpose their surgeons. Highly specialized surgeons in the pri- community; and strong and consistent leadership agencies provide. Unfortunately only a limited vate sector can earn nearly twice what the VA can to create a stable welcoming environment.” number of people have that attitude, and it’s hard pay. Because the law caps how much federal em- The VA is the second largest federal organi- to keep that attitude when the salary gap contin- ployees can be paid, federal agencies are at a dis- zation in the United States - second only to the ues to increase. advantage when competing for highly qualified Department of Defense (DoD). The Veterans A recent VA Inspector General report found and capable individuals. The VA needs the ability Health Administration is the largest part of the VA. that 39 percent of the 140 VA facilities had severe to offer competitive salaries to recruit and retain VHA turnover rates compare favorably with the shortages in at least 20 occupations. Severe shortag- personnel in occupations that have much higher private health care industry. Each has its share of es in psychiatry were identified in 85 facilities. The rates of pay in the private sector. retirement and job changes among its employees. IG cited shortages of medical officers and nurses Shortages of physicians in rural areas pose a The VA is taking initiatives to attract health throughout the VA system. Human resource man- serious challenge to the nearly three million rural care personnel. Some of these initiatives include agement shortages were found in 72 VA facilities. veterans who rely on the VA for health care. The targeted nationwide recruitment advertising and The VA is developing a comprehensive leg- VA’s Office of Rural Health is highlighting a va- marketing, working with DoD to recruit transi- islative proposal to help attract the personnel and riety of programs designed to recruit and retain tioning service members, exhibits at key health skills needed to fully serve veterans. JWV will rural clinicians. These programs offer a range of care conferences and job fairs, and expanding support this legislation.

Military Women Should Support Deborah Sampson Act Join the JWV Team! By Sheila Berg listed in the Continental Army as Timothy Thayer We are looking for Women are the fastest growing demographic in in Middleborough, Massachusetts. She was dis- PR/Journalism Interns. the military today. Most jobs are open to military covered and reenlisted again in 1782 as Robert women, but non-acceptance and barriers persist. Shirtliff. She joined the Light Company JWV is seeking a self-motivated individual Women have served as defenders of this country of the 4th Massachusetts Regiment, which was a to be our Public Relations/Journalism since the American Revolutionary War. group of elite troops. They were required to pro- Intern. This is a perfect opportunity Deborah Sampson disguised herself and en- vide rapid flank coverage for advancing troops. She for college students who are studying was wounded after serving 17 months and honor- communications. ably discharged at West Point in 1792. Duties: Duties include monitoring social The Deborah Sampson Act represents her media, assisting with press releases, desire to serve under difficult situations. This act writing articles, and assisting with the provides guidance for the Department of Veterans layout for The Jewish Veteran (JWV’s Affairs to update services for female veterans in- quarterly newspaper). During the cluding the expansion of group counseling for summer, there will also be opportunities veterans and family members, improving quality to assist with preparations for JWV’s child care, increasing the number of days of mater- National Convention. This position nity care VA facilities provide, eliminating barriers requires up to 20 hours a week. of care by increasing the number of gender-specific Qualifications: Undergraduate and providers in VA facilities, and retrofitting VA fa- graduate students, as well as recent cilities to enhance privacy and improve the envi- graduates, are encouraged to apply. ronment where they care for female veterans. The act would also authorize additional grants for orga- Salary: Unpaid. May qualify as course nizations that support low-income female veterans credit depending on institutional and their families, as well as improve the collection requirements. and analysis of data regarding women veterans. As How to Apply: The PR/Journalism the chairwoman of JWV’s Women in the Military Internships are available during Fall, Committee, I support the immediate passage of Spring, and Summer semesters. To this legislation. apply, please send your resume and On November 12, 2019, the Deborah Sampson cover letter to Programs and Public Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by Relations Coordinator Cara Rinkoff at a vote of 399 to 11. [email protected] with the subject line: 1797 engraving of Deborah Sampson “PR/Journalism Internship Application.”

4 The Jewish Veteran Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 www.jwv.org COMMITTEE REPORTS BUDGET COMMITTEE MARKETING COMMITTEE NATIONAL STAMP PROGRAM By Chairman Alan Paley By Chairman Howard Goldstein By Chairman Michael Corbett The Budget Committee received some preliminary Attendees at this year’s National Convention in The National Recreation and Rehabilitative Therapy financial information from National, so we are Richmond discussed the need for more focus on Stamp Program will soon undergo a change in op- about to begin the process of developing the budget how JWV presents itself to both potential mem- eration to offer JWV Departments the opportuni- for the 2021 Fiscal Year. bers and the public at large. An affirmative vote ty to have closer and more personal relationships As soon as Julia in Accounting closes out the from attendees gave birth to a National Marketing with their local VA Hospital. Stamp Program Chair month of November, she will send us the actual year Committee. Howard Goldstein (IL), Rochel Michael Corbett will continue to coordinate the to date (July through November) cash information Hayman (AZ), Steve Krant (TX), Kim Queen National Stamp Program, receive donated stamps, for each line item on the budget. From those num- (WI), and Scott Wilson (FL) attended an initial, prepare boxes of stamps for shipment to JWV bers, we will project what we think will come in for informal meeting during the convention. Since Department Stamp Chairs, and keep track of the the balance of the year (December through June). then, Sheila Berg (PA), Dick Aronson (MA), and stamps and boxes as they flow through his office. Each member of the Budget Committee re- Lou Michaels (MN) have joined the committee. Department stamp chairs will receive the boxes of ceives the information from Julia and submits their Programs and Public Relations Coordinator Cara stamps and deliver them to their local VA hospitals. suggested budget numbers. We use input from each Rinkoff is supporting us at headquarters. This will require volunteers from each department committee member to develop the budget, which The Marketing Committee is working to de- who live near a VA Medical Center where therapy we present at the NEC and museum meetings in fine its mission and scope. Marketing is a broad managers and technicians have agreed to use the February. subject encompassing marketing planning, tar- stamps for recreation and physical therapy. Once the budget is approved, the committee get marketing, market research, and sales and In addition to delivering boxes of stamps turns its attention to the actual numbers for the communications, and therefore the committee to their local VA, Department Stamp Program current year. Since the year concludes in June, needs to organize its scope to make it man- Coordinators should be available to take pictures the committee is furnished with the cash basis ageable. The committee has held a discussion of veterans using the stamps and their beautiful numbers (this is the actual cash received through with Membership Committee Chairman Barry works of art for publication in The Jewish Veteran. June 30 of that year before the auditors make any Lischinsky to make sure the committees com- These coordinators should also evaluate the stamp adjustments). We put together a line by line com- plement each other and not duplicate any efforts. program at their local facility and provide insight parison of the cash basis numbers against the bud- From these initial meetings, we agreed the on possible improvements. geted numbers and present that information at the focus of the committee will be: The National Stamp Program recently incor- National Convention in August. 1) Target marketing: determining various seg- porated Fisher House facilities into its program. It will provide stamp collecting kits for children who GULF WAR COMMITTEE ments of Jewish veterans (for example, people who are nearing retirement from their careers or spend time there. The program is now looking for By Chairwoman Rochel Hayman newly separated from the military), what mes- starter stamp collecting albums to go in a kit that The Gulf War Committee’s (GWC) latest online sages will resonate with these groups, what ben- will also include a pamphlet on stamp collecting, a meeting included updates on our increased so- efits are important to them, and what is the best magnifying glass, stamps, and hinges to attach the cial media presence and goal setting for the next way to reach them. stamps in an album. couple of months. Recently, Gulf War Committee Department Commanders are asked to take the 2) Establish a central repository of all best prac- months between now and NEC in February 2020 members joined the Post 9/11 Committee on tices as it relates to marketing communications a call with Iraq and Afghanistan veteran Sgt. to find volunteers and provide a list of their Stamp materials, fundraising, local community inclu- Coordinators to Mike at [email protected]. Christopher Buckley. An article about Buckley sion events, successful Post/Department meet- written by Harrison Heller is in this issue of The You can have more than one coordinator from each ings, guest speakers, and other activities. We are department. Jewish Veteran. Thanks to the efforts of committee looking at ways to house or at least be knowl- member and National Quartermaster Col. Nelson Please contact Mike Corbett if you have any edgeable about where all materials are current- further questions. Mellitz, we also have at least one new resolution ly housed in order to take the best of the ma- submitted for consideration at the NEC meeting terials and share them among all levels in the VIETNAM VETERANS COMMITTEE this February. We look forward to updating you on organization. By Chairman Bob Jacobs it once the vote is accepted. The GWC would like to reiterate that we heart- 3) Conduct a comprehensive study with current I would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy ily recognize that the knowledge and experience of and past members of JWV to learn more about new year. our members is JWV’s greatest asset. In order to why they joined, why they stay (or why they left), Approximately 40 members attended our actualize that hidden potential, we have initiated and more, in order to develop ways to increase committee meeting at the National Convention in networking and social media opportunities. The and retain membership. We eventually plan to Richmond this summer, including both the outgo- committee has set up an email address, a general expand this study to non-member Jewish veter- ing and incoming National Commanders. We had information page on Facebook, and a private group ans and to potential patrons in order to better un- a great meeting and accomplished a lot. on Facebook exclusively for JWV members. This derstand their interests. Jerry Alperstein and I reviewed progress of new private group is an asset as a recruiting tool for 4) Develop a communications plan to increase a project which involves collecting the stories of all Posts and Departments. Younger members can awareness among non-members about the bene- those who served during the Vietnam Era. Jerry join any brick-and-mortar post while also having fits of joining JWV. told us what it will cost to publish 300 copies of a a place to meet and interact with their peers na- disc with those stories, which we plan to donate to This is a huge undertaking and while it will tionwide. They can watch and respond to the latest the National Museum of American Jewish Military require time, money, and patience, the commit- GWC meetings, give their input, and be a part of History (NMAJMH). Profits from sales of the tee is actively working to move forward. The this special growth within JWV. discs would go to the museum. The committee committee will present its initial findings at the All these new avenues have sprouted, albeit has more than enough funds to cover copyrighting, February NEC meeting and update the mem- slowly. The GWC is requesting your assistance to purchasing, publishing, and packaging the discs. I bership through communications in The Jewish spread awareness and encourage participation. You have had some discussions with the people running Veteran as well as through the Departments and can contact our committee at [email protected], the museum, and we hope to make the presentation Posts. We look forward to working with all com- or find our general Facebook page by searching @ on the night of the museum’s program during the mittees, staff, and the executive board to help JewishGulfWarVets. For the private group, search next National Convention in Jacksonville. I would build a bigger and better Jewish War Veterans Facebook for JWV Gulf War Vet Network and then like to thank everyone who has contributed their organization. request permission to join. Continued on page 8 www.jwv.org Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 The Jewish Veteran 5 MEMBERSHIP CORNER I would like to take this opportunity and say Mazel your post, who is authorized to receive your post’s easier is to create Tov to the newly elected JWV Post Commanders alpha roster, who is designated to receive your re- individual post and JWV Department Commanders. Having fund check, etc. I will guarantee that if you have and department served in both capacities for a number of years, not submitted an updated installation form/warrant emails. These I find both leadership positions challenging and then all the rosters and reports are still going to the email addresses equally rewarding. I am often asked, if given the leadership designated on the previous installation should be shared opportunity, which one would I like to repeat. The form/warrant. with National and answer is a JWV Post Commander. This is where To assist you in your role as incoming com- National leader- it all happens and where you can have the greatest mander, please refer to the following JWV links: ship. Currently, impact in our organization. As an incoming com- JWV Post Installation Form: https://www.jwv. when a prospec- mander you are responsible for our most import- org/wp-content/uploads/Post_installation_form. tive member wish- ant asset, our JWV members. Every JWV mem- pdf es to contact a ber in our organization belongs to a post. Get to post, they have to COL (ret) Barry Lischinsky know your post members. It starts by reviewing A checklist to keep your JWV echelon in good contact National. Membership Chairman your post’s Alpha Roster and trying to identify the standing: https://www.jwv.org/wp-content/up- Since National members on the list. loads/2019/08/Good-Standing-Checklist-08152019. does not share private contact information, this Recently I have received multiple calls from pdf creates an extra step the prospective member must incoming commanders saying they have not re- This is where we need the help of leaders in take in order to join. Yes, they can simply fill out ceived their alpha roster. They end their complaint all echelons, including the Installation Officer who the application online, but wouldn’t it be great for by saying, “The system is broken.” After walking administers the Commander’s Oath, the Department the prospective member to meet us first and join the incoming Commander through the change of Leadership, and the outgoing Post Commander. For the with members by their side? That is much more command process, I ask if they have submitted a most part we have all experienced this situation when welcoming. JWV Post installation form sometimes referred we first took command of our post. We need to I encourage all our posts and departments to as warrant. After a moment of silence, they coach and mentor our incoming commanders and to create a single email that can be shared with generally ask, “What is a JWV Post installation their designated officers. Remember, their leader- National and posted on the JWV website. This form/Warrant?” The JWV National Membership ship is responsible for our most important asset – email account should be checked at least once a Department uses your Installation form/warrant the members. week. If the Commander and Quartermaster can- for all contact needs, including the best contact In closing, one of the easiest things we can do not check it, I encourage them to empower some- person when a Jewish veteran wants to learn about to grow our membership and make communication one else to do so. A Plan for Change to Ensure Our Future No Longer Missing Continued from page 1 By Larry Jasper JWV may want to adopt what another vet- tween private, state, and federal groups. Missing Most people think veteran organizations are plac- erans’ organization has dubbed its 21st Century in America has identified the cremains of approxi- es where members sit around drinking and smok- Committee, to look at future development. mately 4,500 veterans out of the 20,000 cremains ing and talking about their “good old war days.” We need to find out what today’s veteran is found so far. In many cases, the cremains belonged After , veterans’ organizations were interested in, and let them know what JWV can to veterans who were homeless or had no next of made up of former service members on a mission do for them. kin. Their ashes were put in a box and left on a to give back to communities, build partnerships We also need to let them know they will be shelf. with local and state organizations, and develop making a difference by joining JWV. We must The Missing in America Project hopes to iden- programs targeting families. This attitude con- ensure JWV is providing something that satisfies tify every forgotten veteran and ensure they are in- tinued for a while after World War II, but slowly post members across all generations. terred with the honor and dignity they deserve. changed into a place to swap war stories. WWI We also cannot forget the spouses of these veterans are gone, and so are most of the WWII new veterans. When JWV started, all service veterans. Most organizations are now heavily members were men and we set up an auxiliary for populated by aging Korean and Vietnam veter- their spouses. Now, when we ask female veterans ans. to join us, what do we tell their spouses? We need While most organizations still have policies to to provide an avenue for all spouses, or the mar- aid veterans and push for related legislation, at the ried veteran may not join JWV. local level, many have become what I described We have all asked the question, how do we in the first paragraph. This does not appeal to the find current veterans? It is not easy to find a Jewish post 9/11 veteran. It is not the image the next gen- veteran once they have left the service. One ap- eration of vets wants to project. proach is to increase our recruiting efforts with If the Jewish War Veterans and other orga- regards to active duty service members. I have nizations do not change, we will cease to exist. taken on this task, in conjunction with Rabbi Irv We have to adopt measures that appeal to the new Elson, a retired Navy Captain, and the Director breed of veteran. Like the military itself, we must of the Jewish Welfare Board. I am developing a shift and offer more personalized, tailored posi- brochure that will give the active duty member the tions that give prospective members a sense of answer to, “What’s in it for me?” Once approved A final salute to a WWII hero. purpose and belonging. We need to focus more on by JWV, Rabbi Elson can distribute it to every ac- family and community, with events like cookouts, tive duty Jewish Chaplain and Lay Leader, who Interested in writing an article about veterans’ career fairs, and raising money for the homeless. will in turn pass it along to every Jewish service issues? Want to let everyone know what your We need something for everyone, while still con- member they contact. If we can give them a rea- post or department is doing? Send in articles tinuing our tradition of looking out for our fellow son to join us while on active duty, we should be and photographs to Managing Editor Cara veteran. We need to look back to how things were able to keep them when they leave, thus solving Rinkoff at [email protected]. You can find more after WWI as this is what appeals to the average the search problem. information about guidelines for article and post 9/11 vet. How to ensure a future for the JWV? Adopt photo submissions on www.jwv.org. One approach is to create new posts for the the suggestions I outlined above as a start. The deadline for the next issue of The current generation of veterans which can be tai- Jewish Veteran is March 2, 2020. lored to their needs. 6 The Jewish Veteran Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 www.jwv.org 7 Questions with a JWV Member Member: Steve Krant Board occasionally sent in a circuit-riding Rabbi to officiate, once for a 76-year-old local’s Bar ! Post: Dr. Harvey J. Bloom Post 256 (Dallas, Texas) 4. Have you ever experienced anti-Semitism at home or abroad? Military Service: Lt Colonel, USAF Retired Rarely – at least nothing overt, beyond the occa- (January 1967 to April 1994 — roughly sional ignorant comment or question. Early on, a equal parts Active & Reserve) “born again” senior officer felt it his mission to “save” me with verses and twisted facts; the Member Since: 2015 Wing Commander caught him red-handed and halted the crusade. 1. Where and when did you serve in the military? 5. Why did you join JWV? – Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson, AZ. 1967-69 (var- Frankly, JWV wasn’t on my radar until a chance ious admin & public affairs duties) encounter at a Super Bowl watch party. The gentleman seated across from me introduced – Air Force Institute of Technology (at Syracuse himself and asked if I was a veteran. I attended a University) 1969-70 — graduate program, few monthly meetings and nearly walked away (too Mass Communications (TV/Radio/Film) many “grumpy old men” arguing) but was pulled- – Carswell AFB, Ft Worth, TX. 1970-73 (Exec. in by the Post commander to work on some needed Officer, Aerospace Audiovisual Service – now Force News Service, “Individual Mobilization projects. Combat Camera – Detachment creating video Augmentee” to the Commander, AF Broadcast- training materials for Strategic Air Command ing Service (i.e., “shadow commander”) 6. How would you improve a current JWV pro- gram or what type of program do you think JWV – U.S. Southern Command, Albrook AFB, Canal 2. Why did you join the military? needs to add? Zone, 1973-76 (Detachment Commander, AAVS) For one, the dreaded draft. I joined at the height – Start with visibility and credibility: As an organi- – Malmstrom AFB, Great Falls, MT. 1976-79 of the Vietnam build-up in early 1967. But more zation, JWV has become a “best kept secret” (Minuteman Launch Officer) importantly, the opportunity to serve and spread and a Voice of the Jewish Veteran that’s not being my recent college-grad wings somewhere far away heard outside our own echo-chamber. – Kelly AFB, San Antonio, TX. 1980-94 (HQ Air from my New York City comfort zone. – Seek to engage Gulf War and veterans of the 3. How did your Jewish faith impact your time more recent conflicts in ways that resonate with in the service? their generation’s culture and norms. Most are rais- I was fortunate to be “adopted” by a Jewish family ing families and have full-time jobs. Perhaps we at the local Jewish Community Center within can gain mindshare online, then transition into weeks of arriving at my first duty base in Arizona. I physical meetings as they edge toward empty-nest- was absorbed into their extended family gatherings ers and retirement. for High Holidays, boisterous Seders, and assorted simchas. I experienced similar connections at my 7. What’s your favorite Jewish food? other active duty assignments. For example, the Warm corned beef on freshly baked rye bread slath- base Chaplain in Montana provided a portable ark ered with strong deli mustard. That, and a “real” and space for monthly services with the bagel, not the ubiquitous Franken-donut pretenders handful of “townie” families. The Jewish Welfare served nowadays, even in New York. NEW MEMBERS DEPARTMENT AT LARGE DEPARTMENT OF MIDWEST Dorfman, Donald - Post 126 Barron, Rolando R. - Post 100 Seigel, Mark L. - Post 644 Feller, Melvin A. - Post 972 Carter, Teal J. - Post 100 Sokol, Michael S. - Post 605 Katz, Stuart F. - Post 126 Frankenberg, Sydney L. - Post 100 Wajcman, Simon G. - Post 605 Maisus, Samuel - Post 39 Garner, Marti W. - Post 77 Myers, Howard - Post 126 DEPARTMENT OF MARYLAND Price, Don - Post 344 Camp, John E. - Post 692 DEPARTMENT OF NEW YORK Shafer, Bryon - Post 344 Weiner, Lowell B. - Post 567 Atkinson, James W. - Post 336 Winer, Jerrold B. - Post 100 Wise, Arthur - Post 692 Day, Matthew - Post 105 Winer, Mark L. - Post 100 Kartez, Zachary - Post 717 DEPARTMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA Kazdan, Jacob Alan - Post 41 Chanson, Mark J. - Post 32 Sherwin, Gerald A. - Post 750 Neulander, Melvin - Post 76 Dean, Herbert M. - Post 32 Shusterman, Eugene M. - Post 60 Seidel, Michael - Post 36 Silverman, Jeffrey M. - Post 220 DEPARTMENT OF CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF MICHIGAN Hamilton, Katharine - Post 45 Gereboff, Murray - Post 23 Brumbaugh, Aaron C. - Post 510 Lapine, Seth - Post 142 Gereboff, Rosalyn A. - Post 23 Erlich, Jerry L. - Post 510 DEPARTMENT OF DELAWARE Hundiak, David - Post 474 DEPARTMENT OF SOUTHEAST Huffman-Parent, Brad I. - Post 767 Steinberg, Robert A. - Post 135 Glazer, Marc - Post 112 Radinsky, David - Post 121 DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA Weiser, Barrie M. - Post 121 Faine, Robert - Post 243 Elledge, Kim - Post 331 Fisher, Daniel - Post 352 Feinstein, Irwin - Post 331 DEPARTMENT OF SOUTHWEST Goldman, Martin Y. - Post 352 Sonner, Stu - Post 354 Posniack, Gregory J. - Post 619 Guernieri, Constance A. - Post 400 Weiss, John - Post 354 DEPARTMENT OF TALO Parker, David - Post 300 DEPARTMENT OF NEVADA Keiter, Aaron - Post 574 Rubin, Charles - Post 265 Anderson, Deborah S. - Post 65 Gonzales, Felix O. - Post 753 Woolf, Richard A. - Post 352 Stone, Johnathan H. - Post 65 Greenspan, Michael M. - Post 574 DEPARTMENT OF ILLINOIS McManaway, William F. - Post 256 DEPARTMENT OF NEW JERSEY Levin, Matthew - Post 89 Rotenberg, Joshua S. - Post 574 Bergman, David - Post 609

www.jwv.org Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 The Jewish Veteran 7 COMMITTEE REPORTS Continued from page 5 From Our Archives... stories. Both of these articles were originally printed in the January 1933 We also discussed the theme of the pro- issue of The Jewish Veteran. posed Vietnam exhibit we hope to establish at the NMAJMH. We cannot add to the current Vietnam Christmas and Chanukah section, which is part of the overall exhibit, but At this time of year, there is generally a great deal of criticism account of the increasing there is a good chance we can use all or part of observance of Christmas by Jews. Among the more liberal-minded, the excuse is given a room that has two exhibits which have been that Christmas has lost a great deal of its religious significance and has become a secular on display for many years. Our exhibit would holiday. But does this hold true of our children? In the public schools, the Christmas spirit focus on the Jewish military experience during is emphasized by Christmas trees, singing of Christmas songs and the staging of Christmas the Vietnam Era. Shortly after the convention, I plays, all of which make a deep impression on the Jewish Child. sent out an e-mail asking for a listing of appro- What is to be done about it? Some states have passed laws, releasing Jewish children priate items for the exhibit. So far, the response from partaking in Christmas exercises and plays. But as is natural, children are not only has been somewhat limited but we have time on curious, but do not like to be singled out and segregated. this. We have also received $2,200 in donations Is it not the real solution in parents teaching their children the origin and significance that are earmarked to help fund the new exhibit. If of Chanukah and in the parents themselves practising [sic] the observance of Chanukah? anyone wishes to help out, contact me at conrail- Chanukah invariably falls about the same time as Christmas and if parents lived as Jews, [email protected] or 732-691-6139. and inspired their children more with the Maccabean spirit, the Christmas legends would Wisconsin Department Commander Kim have less significance. Chanukah is 200 years older than Christmas, and undoubtedly our Queen spoke about the proposed committee Christian neighbors borrowed the idea and manner of celebration from our Chanukah. Of Facebook page. He is working to resolve some is- course, our non-Jewish neighbors should show more tolerance, but as always, it is up to the sues with Facebook. to lead the way. Nelson Mellitz gave an extensive report on the Mission Act, also known as the VA Community Care Program that was implemented last June. He A Fable with a Moral explained the pros and cons of the program but it A good lady once informed her minister that she had circulated some slanderous sto- is too detailed to summarize here. ries about one of her neighbors, which she now discovered were untrue. Regretting sincere- On Wednesday night of the convention, we ly the wrong she had done, she asked her minister to pray for her and to help her recall the had our Vietnam Veterans Committee Nite Out. It harm she had been guilty of doing. The minister took a feather pillow, cut open one end, was at the hotel this year because of lack of appro- shook it to the wind and the thousands of feathers released were carried in every direction priate places (either price or seating space). The by the wind blowing hither and thither. He handed the empty pillow to the lady and said food was great and the camaraderie was better! “Madam, will you please be so good as to gather all those feathers together and return them Thanks again to Jerry Alperstein for a great job to this pillow?” “Oh, doctor, I cannot do that, the wind has scattered them far and wide.” arranging the dinner. “No more can I recall the harm done by your slanderous words” replied the minister. I’ve saved the best for last. Just before Rosh Many Jewish Veterans when approached to join the J.W.V. cannot see the necessity of Hashanah, I received a call from a man who was a our organization. Many of them do not seem to know that prejudice and anti-semitism [sic] Catholic Chaplain in the last days of our involve- are flourishing not only throughout the world, but including our U.S.A. ment in Vietnam (September 1972). Just a few Twenty years ago intelligent Jews in Germany would have scoffed at the possibility of days before the Jewish high holidays that year, he such a thing as “Hitlerism”. received a panicked call from the Jewish Chaplain The trend of the times in all fields is toward “prevention” rather than “cure”. This is in Saigon. All of the torahs, arks, etc. had been true in science, medicine, law, etc. We also aim to prevent what seems to be a growing shipped back to the states and the only remain- trend – injustice to the Jew. And a strong and united J.W.V. Organization is the best possible ing ones in-country were in Long Binh where preventative. the Catholic Chaplain was stationed. He was told The moral is obvious – join the J.W.V. NOW adn [sic] don’t wait until it is too late. there was no truck or helicopter available to get them to Saigon. He and his assistant put the items in a jeep but were told the highway had closed due Wills for Veterans to Vietcong snipers. He convinced the MPs that it By Harvey Weiner, National Commander was a holy mission and they finally let them go. The third annual Massachusetts Wills for They made it to Saigon unharmed and the Jewish Veterans Day took place on November 26. This services were fully equipped! is a joint initiative between JWV’s Department VAVS COMMITTEE of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts chapter By Chairman Ken Ashworth of the Federal Bar Association. Twenty-five sol- diers, veterans, and their spouses had their wills, The Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary healthcare proxies, and durable powers of attor- Service (VAVS) was founded in 1946 to provide ney drafted by seven volunteer estate planning for our nation’s veterans while they are cared attorneys, six of whom were from the law firm of for by VA health care facilities. The Jewish War Day Pitney. There was not an empty slot. Colonel Veterans is one of the founding organizations. James Downey and I organized and supervised JWV volunteers provide assistance by aug- the event. menting staff with end of life care programs, fos- This event publicizes the name of JWV ter care, community-based volunteer programs, throughout the state and is a great service to vet- hospital wards, nursing homes, and veteran out- erans. I even recruited a potential JWV member reach centers. who was grateful we organized the event. Once This past Fiscal Year, JWV members volun- again, I have a template on how to put this pro- teered over 20,000 volunteer hours at more than gram together and would be glad to share it with 51 of the 200 VA facilities. any department. So far, only the Department of National Commander Harvey Weiner and Col. James Minnesota has taken me up on the offer. Downey supervise the third annual Wills for Veterans program at the law firm of Day Pitney.

8 The Jewish Veteran Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 www.jwv.org Jewish War Veterans Scout for Logo By Carolyn Conte, Baltimore Jewish Times after a series of anti-Semitic comments about the “We have three things other vet organizations The Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) Inc. is lack of Jewish service in the Civil War.” Since then, don’t: We are close to Israel, we fight anti-Semi- celebrating its 125th anniversary with a contest. It JWV has fought for Jewish recognition in the vet- tism and we publicize that Jews have fought for this is holding a logo design competition with a reward eran community. nation since the Revolutionary War,” said JWV of $500 and a feature in the next issue of its pub- They have fought for things like the Star of National Commander Harvey Weiner. He wants lication, “Jewish Veteran.” Submissions, welcome David on gravestones, religious protections in the Jews to be proud of the face that they have served from any individual over 18, must be emailed to 1944 GI Bill, the recognition of Jewish veterans, in every war in greater proportion than the general Christy Turner at [email protected] by January. and the establishment of the National Museum of public. JWV is the longest running veteran’s service orga- American Jewish . The winning logo will be used for the JWV nization, according to their website. As Rinkoff explained, the JWV is a military anniversary in 2021. Guests of the 2020 February “We are the only consistently running veteran’s coalition, but is also particularly invested in justice Executive Meeting will vote upon the contest service organization, so it’s a very exciting mile- for the Jewish community as a whole. submissions. stone,” JWV Public Relations Coordinator Cara Just this past month, JWV called on Chancellor This article was originally published in the Rinkoff said. Timothy White of San Francisco State University Baltimore Jewish Times and appears here with The website explains: “JWV was founded in to respond to some online comments made by a permission. 1896 by a group of 63 veterans from the Civil War professor about .

Contest to Design a Commemorative 125th Anniversary Logo! What is the Contest for? Entry submissions must not be larger than 5MB. If yours is the The purpose of the contest is to design a commemorative logo for winning submission, you MUST be able to provide a high-resolution the 125th Anniversary of the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A., Inc. vector file (EPS) of it. Multiple submissions are accepted. Who is sponsoring the Contest? Questions concerning the contest should be addressed to Christy Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A., Inc. Turner at [email protected] or (202) 265-6280. Guidelines Judging and Winner Selection The contest begins on July 1, 2019. Submissions will be accepted All entries will be displayed at the 2020 February National Executive through January 31, 2020. Committee (NEC) meeting and voted on by attendees. • Entries must be the original work of the entrant(s) and must not be Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A., Inc., reserves the right, in its sole derived from any third-party designs, trademarks, or copyrighted discretion, to disqualify entries that do not meet these Terms and images. Conditions. • The logo must be appropriate for a cap pin, printed materials Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A., Inc. reserves the right to not select such as posters, brochures, and for use on social media. a winner if, in its sole discretion, no suitable entries are received. • Logo must look good in color and black and white. Do not use Ownership halftones and gradients unless created inside a vector graphics Contestants assign all ownership rights, including all intellectual program. property rights to the logo, to Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A., Inc. • Logo design can be submitted in the following formats, jpeg, psd Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A., Inc. may alter, modify or revise or PDF, but if you are chosen as a winner, you MUST be able to the logo as it sees necessary to fit the organization’s needs. provide a high resolution vector file (EPS). Prize and Winner Notification Eligibility $500.00 will be awarded to the contest winner. Winning design to be The contest is open to any individual 18 years or older. chosen at the February NEC 2020 in Arlington, Virginia. The winner How to Enter and winning design will be featured in an upcoming issue of The Send your name, address, phone number and your email address Jewish Veteran. along with a jpeg or PDF of your design to Christy Turner at cturner@ jwv.org. Good luck to all entrants! Students, Veterans Celebrate True Meaning of Veterans Day By Larry Katz School and the Jewish War Veterans Department and shared stories about their military experience. Veterans Day events were more than just oppor- of Michigan took place on Sunday, November 18, Several brought photographs and other visual ma- tunities for barbeques and family get-togethers 2019. The goal of the program is to introduce mean- terials to show the students. for Congregation Shaarey Zedek (CSZ) Religious ingful interpersonal experiences into the school’s The second phase of the program consisted of School students. A new program started this year curriculum, allowing students to learn the lessons three breakout sessions. Students were matched to ensure students remember and honor Jewish of history proactively, educating and inspiring stu- with veterans in a more personal setting, enabling veterans. dents about the sacrifices necessary to protect and one-on-one discussions. The veterans tailored each This joint venture between the CSZ Religious preserve the freedoms we enjoy, and building in- session to the ages of the students. tergenerational con- The third and final phase of this program was nections within the a return to the library with the veterans addressing synagogue. any follow-up questions based on what the students Thirty-seven stu- had learned from the veterans and what the veter- dents attended the ans had learned from the students. three sessions at the Future local projects with CSZ and JWV will CSZ Berman Center feature structured dialogue with current and former for Jewish Education. military service members and their families, field In the first ses- trips to military sites, cemeteries, museums, memo- sion, the veterans rials. and other sites dedicated to the victims of war and students gath- and genocide, and other proactive events including ered together in the face-to-face dialogues with people who have devot- library. Veterans in- ed their lives to public service as well as those who troduced themselves benefitted from their sacrifice and courage.

www.jwv.org Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 The Jewish Veteran 9 Post 587’s Honor Flight Trip

By Steve Markman ground crew lined up next to the plane to wave getting off the airplane, we were led toward the A small group from Post 587 in Dayton, Ohio flew American flags as we pulled into the gate. More main lobby of the airport by a group of bagpipers. to Washington D.C. as part of an Honor Flight on than one hundred others greeted us inside the air- In the lobby, there were at least a thousand people September 7, 2019. The five post members joined port with cheers and more waving flags. cheering and waving flags, as well as a band and more than one hundred others on the trip. There We boarded buses and headed to Arlington even an honor guard from Wright-Patterson Air were six World War II veterans, 13 who fought in National Cemetery along with a police escort to see Force Base. Although we know attitudes toward Korea, and the rest served in Vietnam. the Changing of the Guard ceremony. From there, those who served in the military has changed since we drove past the Iwo Jima Memorial, the height of the Vietnam War, this experience was then stopped at the Air Force Memorial still overwhelming. for lunch. After lunch, we headed to the If you’ve ever thought about going on an Honor Lincoln Memorial, and then walked to both Flight trip, I highly recommend it. You’ll have a the Vietnam and Korean War Memorials. I great day and experience appreciation from your lost count of how many times visitors on the fellow citizens for your service. If you live near an National Mall came over to welcome us to Honor Flight hub, you should go to the airport to help D.C. and thank us for our service. Our last welcome veterans home from their trips. We’ve add- stop of the day was the National World War ed that as an activity for our Dayton post members. II Memorial. All of us on the trip served in the At Dayton International Airport (From Left: Steve Markman, days before email and text messages. Ira Segalewitz, Alex Pearl, Jerry Kuhr, Bill Fried). A letter from home handed out during mail call was usually the highlight of Honor Flight is a nationwide program that flies the day. During our flight home that night, veterans to Washington, D.C. to see their memori- Honor Flight called out our names and gave als. The trip is free for the veterans, funded solely us each an envelope stuffed with letters. by private and corporate donations. Our trip was The letters were from kids and adults who sponsored by Frontier Technology, Inc., a defense wanted to express their appreciation for our contractor with offices around the country. military service. Honor Flight even had our We left Dayton International Airport at 6:30 family members write letters to put in those a.m. and landed at Reagan National Airport at 8:00 envelopes. a.m. As we taxied down the runway, fire trucks When we landed in Dayton, Honor Flight At the Air Force Memorial (From Left: Alex Pearl, Ira sprayed a water canon salute over the aircraft. The had one last surprise waiting for us. After Segalewitz, Jerry Kuhr, Bill Fried, Steve Markman). Jewish War Veterans Director Reflects for Veterans Day Jeffrey Blonder discusses the historic dating to 1896. According to Blonder, organization he represents, as well as it’s the oldest veterans organization in the U.S., as well as the oldest congres- serving in Afghanistan for 15 months, sionally chartered veterans organi- and why employers should hire zation, older even than the American veterans. Legion, which turns 100 this year. “It was founded with two princi- By Rich Tenorio for JewishBoston ples in mind,” Blonder said of JWV. Honoring those who have served their coun- “To serve all veterans without regard try in war and in peace, Jewish War Veterans of to race, color, creed or religion, and Massachusetts (JWV) department commander to fight antisemitism.” He said these Jeffrey Blonder was at the State House for the an- guiding principles are “the same today nual Veterans Day ceremonies with Gov. Charlie as in 1896.” Baker and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Francisco At the time of JWV’s founding, Urena. Blonder said, there was an erroneous Jewish War Veterans of Massachusetts department commander Honoring those who have served their coun- belief that Jews did not serve in the Jeffrey Blonder, center, and JWV MA Post 74 (Malden) past try in war and in peace, Jewish War Veterans of military, a misconception that he said department commander and event chair Barry Sobel participate Massachusetts (JWV) department commander probably persists today. But, he said, in the 2019 Greater Boston Stand Down activity at Boston’s Government Center on Sept. 6, 2019 (Courtesy JWV Massachusetts) Jeffrey Blonder was at the State House for the an- whereas Jews represent 2% to 3% of nual Veterans Day ceremonies with Gov. Charlie the U.S. population, Jewish participa- Baker and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Francisco tion in the military has historically been estimated a “unique situation.” “They had no real central Urena. at 4%. government,” he said. “It was tough teaching lead- Blonder, an Afghanistan War veteran, repre- That includes Blonder, who served in the ership … They were still learning to be a nation sented the Massachusetts JWV, an organization Naval Reserve for 28 years, including 15 months in when I was over there.” As he recounted, he met consisting of 13 posts serving 600 Jewish veter- Afghanistan during the War on Terror from 2008 to individuals who had, over a 25-year period, fought ans across the Bay State. “A lot of [members] are 2009 as a combat advisor to the Afghan army. He with and against the Soviets, and with and against still from World War II,” he said, noting that other also served as chief of information technology for the Taliban. “[Afghanistan] had more survivors members served in the Korean and Vietnam wars naval research intelligence in Fort Worth, Texas. than leaders,” he said. and in “modern-era” conflicts. In Afghanistan, Blonder was stationed in Blonder was the only Jew among the 300 to “We have posts in Springfield, Pittsfield, the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif, the nation’s 400 people at Camp Mike Spann, but, he said, “I Worcester and Leominster, but I would think the third-largest city and home to the Blue Mosque. tried to do as much as possible,” such as celebrating majority are within the 495 belt,” Blonder said. His home base was Camp Mike Spann, named Hanukkah. “My wife sent a menorah and dreidels,” Individual posts’ Veterans Day activities included for CIA operative Johnny Micheal Spann, the first he said. And, he added, “a couple of times” he flew the Peabody post, which participated in the City of American killed in action during the U.S. invasion to the air base at Bagram for Shabbat services with Peabody activities and service. of Afghanistan in 2001. 20 fellow Jews, including civilian contractors, as The state JWV is part of a national organization Blonder described his time in Afghanistan as Continued on page 16 10 The Jewish Veteran Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 www.jwv.org Confessions of a Veteran Klansman: How the U.S. Army Radicalized a Soldier Continued from page 1 volved with. His substance abuse had validated his were replaced by images of Muslim men. In close anti-Muslim and racist beliefs, but when sober, he quarters combat training, the actors were in full did not want to be part of the group. Muslim dress. Buckley said this is when his hatred Buckley’s wife Melissa contacted Arno of Muslims started to grow. Michaelis, a former skinhead, to get some help. In Afghanistan, Buckley saw Islam through a Michaelis said that Buckley was in rough shape very controlled and unfavorable lens. On base he when they first met, and it took months before he heard ethnic slurs and disparaging remarks about could get him to leave the KKK in 2016. Buckley is Muslims. At night, some troops burned copies of currently working on a 12 step program that helps the Quran and urinated on them. When he had time those escaping hate groups. to venture out into the community, he felt on edge Many former white supremacists volunteer and acted aggressively toward the local people. He their time to help others leave these types of groups. viewed everyone as a potential threat. The troops However, Michaelis says it’s difficult when these who did not feel anger and resentment towards hate groups target newly discharged veterans. He Muslims would call out their fellow soldiers for this said the groups use the veterans’ military training negative behavior. to encourage them to protect America. The lens through which Buckley viewed During our conversation, Buckley compared Muslims and Islam grew even narrower after the Muslim extremists to those involved with the white death of a colleague, who happened to be a close supremacy movement. “They are small groups of friend. Buckley stopped for a smoke break with a people, very poor, who are overlooked and angry fellow soldier while they were on patrol. Shots were Sgt. Christopher Buckley about their environment and living conditions. fired, and the other soldier died. Buckley blamed searches led Buckley to the Loyal White Knights This kind of correlates to rural America. Look at Islam for his friend’s death and says the little flame of the Ku Klux Klan (LWK). where white supremacy is bred.” He added, “We of hate turned into a raging inferno. “All the nega- The Anti-Defamation League considers LWK are the world’s finest fighting force…but at what tive experiences I had with Islam happened in the one of the largest and most active Klan groups in cost? We are not only dehumanizing our enemy, military,” Buckley said. the United States. The LWK practices traditional but also dehumanizing our soldier.” The military offered Buckley counseling ser- Klan ideology blended with neo-Nazi beliefs. At Parents for Peace operates a confidential ho- vices when he returned to the U.S. in March of 2009. their cross-lighting ceremonies, they also light a tline that assists families and those who have been The services were difficult to access so Buckley swastika. radicalized. If you know anyone who might have did not take advantage of them. Buckley joined the The KKK inducted Buckley in June of 2014, been radicalized, or a family that has been impact- National Guard in Kentucky, but in May of 2009, a and he ultimately reached the rank of Imperial ed, please contact the hotline at 1-844-49-PEACE. training accident led to his honorable discharge. Nighthawk, in which he provided security for the Parents for Peace is also trying to collaborate with When one of his black friends started dat- Grand Wizard of the LWK. veteran service organizations to bring awareness ing his sister-in-law, he began searching online Eventually, Buckley started to realize the to the issue of veteran radicalization and how to for ways to protect the white race. One of those KKK was something he no longer wanted to be in- combat it. Commander Honors Britain’s Jewish Troops By Harvey Weiner, National Commander AJEX stands for the Association of Jewish Each year the JWV National Commander Ex-Servicemen and is a remarkably active or- flies across the pond to participate in a special ganization, considering Great Britain has not Remembrance Day ceremony and parade with our been involved in any major wars since World British counterpart organization, AJEX. The trip War II. More than 1,000 people marched in typically includes a stop in Brussels for a two-day the parade, and an equal number of spectators briefing at SHAPE and NATO, but the organizers lined the parade route. Considering there are canceled that stop this year due to a visit by the only about 260,000 Jews in all of Great Britain U.S. Secretary of State. and 158,000 Jews in London, this attendance I still went to the ceremony in London, along is noteworthy. It appears all sections of the with my wife Linda, Past National Commander Jewish community are supportive of AJEX. David Magidson, and his wife Marilyn Mittentag. The ceremony took place at the Cenotaph The AJEX Annual Remembrance ceremo- near Westminster in the center of London. ny and parade takes place a week after the annual During the ceremony I laid a wreath of pop- Linda Weiner, National Commander Harvey Weiner, Ritual London Armistice Day parade and celebration. Director Mickey Nathanson, his wife, and PNC David pies in honor of the U.S. forces who served Magidson at the Saturday morning services of the West in all theaters of war. There were also repre- London Synagogue for British Jews. sentatives from and Israel. Linda and Marilyn escorted Renee Salt, a Bergen-Belsen and Chaplain Rabbi Mark Winer, two new events Auschwitz survivor and prominent speaker about were added to the London trip. The day before the . parade we attended services at the West London Prior to the parade, we attended a reception Synagogue of British Jews, the largest Reform syn- at the Institution of Civil Engineers headquarters, agogue in Great Britain. Winer served as the rabbi where I spread JWV’s message to everyone at each there for more than a decade before his retirement. of the more than 20 tables. After the parade, the The morning of our visit to the Embassy, new AJEX commander hosted a dinner. we met with the David Sumberg at the Jewish The day after the parade we toured the new Museum of London. David is a Jewish ex-member American Embassy with a three-person brief- of Parliament and shared his knowledge about the ing team. The leader was a Jewish Department of status of Jews in Great Britain. Defense Attaché who served as a Rear Admiral. I This trip is helpful in spreading the messages hope he and another one of the Jewish briefers will of JWV and enhancing relationships with Jewish National Commander Harvey Weiner prepares to lay joi n J W V. veterans from other nations. I hope to complete the wreath at memorial during AJEX parade in London. With the assistance of new JWV National Brussels part of the excursion at a future date.

www.jwv.org Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 The Jewish Veteran 11 JWV IN THE COMMUNITY

JWV Post 41 held a memorial service on November 10 to honor the 45 Jewish veterans who passed away in the past year in the Rochester, New York area. Post commander Post 41 Commander Gary Ginsburg and former Post 41 Commander Gary Ginsburg said, “This is the most important event we do every year – to remember Louis Babin attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new VA our Jewish comrades who have passed away. Following the service, Post 41 hosted a outpatient clinic in Rochester, New York on September 26. The 15- brunch for those who attended. From Left: Mort Stein, Morrey Goldman, PNC Lawrence acre site, which cost more than $50 million has 84,000 square feet Schulman, Louis Babin, Edward Kazdan, Sydney Cohen, Gary Ginsburg, Seymour of usable space. The state of the art facility will support more than Weinstein, and Stuart Blume. 60,000 veterans in the six-county area.

On Tuesday November 12, Department of Wisconsin Commander Kim Queen was asked to speak at a dedication of an Honor Wall at the Laurel Oaks senior living facility in Glendale, Wisconsin. This wall honors the Veterans that currently live at Laurel Oaks. The Department also presented a cased American flag to be displayed on the wall.

PNP Elaine Bernstein and PNC Mike Berman place wreath at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Veterans Day. In September, Revere City Councilor and JWV Post 161 member Ira Novoselsky became a trustee of the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea, Massachusetts. From Left: Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs Francisco Urena, Novoselsky.

New York State Senator John Brooks attends a meeting of Post 652 in Merrick. From Left: Brooks, David Zwerin, Gary Glick, Irving Liebowitz, and David Cepler.

Are you or someone you know both a Holocaust survivor and Korean War Veteran? Did you serve in the Korean War alongside a Holocaust survivor? If so, Rachel Kastner and Katie Morris are interested in speaking with you. These filmmakers are hoping to interview Holocaust survivors who are also Korean Members of Post 256 and its Auxiliary placed flags on the graves of War veterans for a documentary. If you are interested in sharing your story fallen comrades at local cemeteries in Dallas, Texas on November or just want to connect with them to hear more about the film, please send an 3. They started at Shearith Israel Memorial Park with a ceremony email to: [email protected]. that included a reading in front of a memorial to the veterans of World War I. Pictured are Steve and Andrea Solka.

12 The Jewish Veteran Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 www.jwv.org JWV IN THE COMMUNITY

JWV Post 753 member Irwin Barath and JAG Officer Lt. Hendel met with students and teachers at Shmuel Bass Academy of San Antonio on Veterans Day to share their stories about military service.

On October 3, Camden County, New Jersey named JWV National Quartermaster Nelson Mellitz of JWV Post 126 a ‘Hometown Hero’ and presented him with a special proclamation for his service to our country. From Left: Camden County Freeholder Susan Shin-Angulo, Freeholder Melinda Kane, Mrs. Debbie Mellitz, Cherry Hill Mayor Chuck Cahn, Nelson Mellitz, Rep. Donald Norcross, Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt.

JWV Post 126 Administrator Perry Levine delivered remarks at the Camden County, New Jersey Veterans Day Event in his role as the Commander of the county’s Veterans Affairs Committee.

JWV member Sheila Berg met with U.S. Representative Susan Wild during the first Women Veterans Post 652 Commander Gary Glick and Department of Roundtable of the Lehigh Valley. Also attending the New York Commander Jack Holzman were awarded event were representatives of St. Luke’s, other Lehigh Certificates of Appreciation by Edward Freeberg for Valley hospitals, and female veterans. They discussed speaking about veterans benefits and entitlements at military sexual trauma, VA services for women, and Veterans Shabbat at Congregation Shaaray Shalom in prosthetics for female veterans. West Hempstead on November 9. From Left: Gary Glick, Edward Freeberg, Jack Holzman.

JWV Post 126 of Cherry Hill, New Jersey has sent Hanukkah cards to U.S. troops stationed overseas and at bases in the U.S. for the past 19 years. This year Post 126 worked with the Jewish Welfare Board (JWB) to make more than 350 cards which will be included in the care packages to Jewish troops. The cards have messages from South Jersey senior citizens and local Jewish religious school students. This program has sent more than 7,000 cards to troops over the past JWV Post 125 Poppy Drive in Shrewsbury, New Jersey. From Left: Dr. Paul 19 years. Goldfinger, Gerry Levine, Larry Snider, Dr. MJ Celli, and Sid Marshal.

www.jwv.org Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 The Jewish Veteran 13 JWV IN THE COMMUNITY

On September 24, JWV Post 210 Commander Michael Chambers and Adjutant Steven Troy presented Marine Midshipman Nathaniel Zachariah with the Captain Philip Roos Grant for Excellence and the Izzy Lichter Grant for Excellence to Naval Midshipman Jerome Iannone. On October 13, National Commander Harvey Weiner and Chief of Staff Barry Lischinsky visited with members of the Department of Rhode Island.

On October 15, four members of Post 41 in Rochester, New York and the Western District of New York Department visited the Batavia Veterans Administration Medical Center for a bingo program with several patients. From Left: Post 41 Commander Gary Ginsburg, Post 41 VA Liaison Louis Babin, Post 41 Quartermaster Lawrence Shulman, and Post 41 Judge Advocate Seymour Weinstein.

Manhattan-Cooper-Epstein-Greenwald Post 1 of New York City conducted a panel discussion on military and veterans issues during Sutton Place Synagogue’s Mitzvah Day Post 336 Donated $500 to The on November 10. From Left: Post Commander Edward Veterans Place in Yapank, Hochman, Jerry Alperstein, Rabbi Melinda Zalma, Patron New York. From Left: Post 336 Joan Ashner, Rabbi Andrew Scheer, and Charles Simon. Senior Vice Commander Mel Cohen, Director of The Veterans Place Wilkins Young, and Post Commander Norman Weitz.

JVW Post 161 worked with American Legion Post 61 to raise funds for new flagpoles at the Beachmont Veterans Memorial School During a meeting in October, Post 344 in Revere, Massachusetts. The new poles Post 256 was front and center at Dallas’ 5th Annual Kosher BBQ in Denver brought in someone from will hold both an American flag and a POW- Championship event on October 27th. Our Color Guard performed in Freedom Service Dogs to talk about MIA flag. JWV member Ira Novoselsky was the opening ceremony and we answered questions and handed out how they train dogs to help veterans honored for his efforts at a dedication membership applications at our Inform and Recruit table. with PTSD. ceremony in September.

14 The Jewish Veteran Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 www.jwv.org JWV IN THE COMMUNITY

A ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication took place on October 4 for a new housing unit for veterans in Revere, Massachusetts. The building with 30 one-bedroom units is the first housing for veterans built in Revere since the Korean War. JWV Past National Commander and Prince-Strauss/Groman Quartermaster Ira Novoselsky worked on this project from On October 13, National Commander Harvey Weiner and Chief of 2015-2019. A granite stone at the site pays tribute to the members of Post 161. Staff Barry Lischinsky visited the new Rhode Island Soldiers Home and spoke with three JWV members who are residents at the facility. In this picture are Department Commander Ira Fleisher and Past Department Commander Sanford Gorodetsky. National Commander Harvey Weiner presents a challenge coin to Norman Hartstone of Post 211 at the Jamaica Plain VA Hospital in Massachusetts. Hartstone volunteers at that VA hospital three days a week. He is known as the “mayor” of JPVA, and will celebrate his 100th birthday in February.

JWV Post 118 member, retired Col. Dick Littlestone, received an award on October 5 at the dedication ceremony of the expansion of the West LA VA Cemetery. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie honored Littlestone for his 20 years of lobbying on behalf of the cemetery expansion. From Left VA Chaplain Rabbi Barbara Speyer, Littlestone, and Department of California Commander Matthew Millen.

Women Veterans Seminar JWV member Sydney By Nelson Mellitz Cohen of Post 41 led The female veterans of JWV Post 126 in New Jersey co-sponsored the sem- a bingo program with seven residents at inar, Women Veterans are Not Invisible. The JWV Women in the Military the Jewish Home in Committee, Post 126 Auxiliary, and the South Jersey Jewish Community Rochester, New York on Foundation were also co-sponsors of the event which more than 40 female vet- October 31. Members erans attended. of Post 41 volunteer at the Jewish Home every This seminar is just the start of JWV’s female veterans reaching out to month. all women in the military. The veterans who attended served in World War II through the current conflicts. The Department of Veterans Affairs provided speakers and reference materials, but the primary speakers were JWV Women in the Military Committee Chairwoman Sheila Berg, Selina Kanowitz from Post 126, and World War II veteran May Brill. Ten of the female veterans who attended the event chose to become JWV members or patrons after the seminar.

Members of JWV Department of Michigan attended the Friends of the annual dinner on October 29. From Left: Mark Weiss, Saul Arsht, Art Fishman, Don Ritten, Bill Glogower, Ed Adler, Don Schenk, and IDF Major (Dr.) Macan Zer.

www.jwv.org Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 The Jewish Veteran 15 REVIEW From Disarmament to not only military factors but economic and politi- cal ones as well. Another valuable contribution of Rearmament: The Reversal of U.S. Policy Goldberg’s narrative is a depiction of how policy toward West Germany 1946–1955 must account for variables beyond military power, including diplomacy, information, and politics. By Sheldon A. Goldberg, Ph.D. A particular strength of the work is the author’s extensive research. Robust and meticulous notes, Review by William A. Taylor, Ph.D., many of them explanatory and useful for addi- Angelo State University tional context, demonstrate his rigorous analysis. Goldberg weaves together this impressive research European Advisory Commission (EAC), Operation into a colorful tapestry, scrutinizing primary sourc- ECLIPSE Memoranda, Himmerod Conference, es from the National Archives, Harry S. Truman Report, and orders, directives, and laws deal- Presidential Library, Dwight D. Eisenhower ing with the disarmament and demilitarization of Presidential Library, Center for Military History, Germany. Militärgeschichtliches Forschungsamt, and The implications of Goldberg’s story are signif- Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum. Goldberg icant. As the author demonstrates, failure to reach also synthesizes much of the existing literature consensus among U.S. civilian and military lead- into the narrative as useful context, including sec- ers, and between the United States and its European ondary sources in both English and German. The allies ultimately resulted in the long-term commit- scholarship is sound. ment of U.S. troops to Europe. By charting this Sheldon Aaron Goldberg’s “From Disarmament Sheldon Aaron Goldberg’s “From Disarmament turnaround in U.S. policy, the author illustrates the to Rearmament” is a significant contribution to an to Rearmament” considers the transformation of immense difficulties in moving from war to peace, understanding of the complex nuances of the early U.S. policy toward Germany during the early Cold including efforts first to disarm and then to rearm Cold War. Overall, it illuminates the complex re- War. The author convincingly argues that such a a former adversary, the German military. His pre- lationship between military and political factors shift passed the initiative from the United States sentation grapples with a very important question: by demonstrating the shifting terrain of U.S. pol- to France, thereby dooming the European Defense How do you handle former combatants once fight- icy toward Germany during that period. It is also Community (EDC). As Goldberg attests, “In re- ing has ceased? Such questions are important, and a significant contribution to both diplomatic and visiting this rearmament debate, this book exam- the author’s treatment of them is excellent. military history, illustrating the complexities of ines both the military and political dimensions of Goldberg clearly articulates policy differ- grand strategy during the Cold War, as U.S. leaders the German rearmament process.” In pursuing this ences between the Department of State and the sought to balance military, political, and economic thesis, the author explores diplomatic aspects of the Department of Defense regarding German rear- objectives and as former adversaries were becom- story as well as the undergirding strategy. mament. He shows how State Department leaders ing allies and vice versa. The work should prove Goldberg covers a broad scope, assessing the worried about “significant domestic and foreign useful for students, scholars, and general readers impact of the formation of NATO and Operations political repercussions,” while military leaders in interested in the shifting contours of U.S. policy TALISMAN and ECLIPSE, among many other the Pentagon viewed German rearmament as pro- during the early Cold War. topics. His organization, encompassing five main viding critically needed personnel. In doing so, the chapters and an epilogue, is quite good. Goldberg author illuminates the differences between military Printed with permission from Ohio University Press also includes useful appendices detailing the strategy and grand strategy. The latter accounts for

Jewish War Veterans Director Reflects for Veterans Day Replacing a Cross on a Float Continued from page 10 town constable. But, he said, “A lot of veterans do By Mark Weiss well as military personnel. have issues, do have problems.” He noted that pri- JWV Michigan participated in Detroit’s annu- “The good thing about celebrating Shabbat in orities for JWV include “better medical and mental al Veterans Day Parade. The parade organizers Afghanistan is that, technically, it’s a dry coun- health care,” as well as “[making] sure the VA is placed us behind a float made by a local Vietnam try that doesn’t believe in alcohol,” Blonder said. adequately funded” and “job opportunities for vet- Veterans group. The float consisted of a flag- “The U.S. has to respect that. They didn’t allow us erans as they come back.” draped coffin surrounded by four orange crosses, to drink alcohol, except Concord grape wine for a JWV members have participated in recent ac- as well as several rifles in the ground with helmets Friday-night toast. It was the only time I drank, on tivities meant to help, including a Sept. 6 distribu- on them. Shabbat.” tion of 1,250 pairs of socks for homeless veterans One of our members said – and I believe he Several years after returning home, Blonder in Boston, and the Oct. 4 dedication of 30 one-bed- was joking – “What, no Star of David?” So I went retired in a ceremony aboard the USS Constitution room housing units for veterans in Revere on the over to the group and offered to fully fund a Star in 2013 with the rank of senior chief petty officer. site of the former Congregation Tifereth Israel, of David to replace one of their four crosses. They “It was very thrilling,” he said of the day, which with memorials transferred from the shul to the agreed! One of our members, who is a skilled included a turnaround cruise on the historic ship. housing honoring congregation members killed woodworker will make the star. It should be ready “It kind of brought the whole thing together. As a in World War II and members who served in the for the Memorial Day parade. little kid, I had gone to the Constitution with my Korean War, and honoring members of Revere’s I believe that this is an opportunity. Other parents. In school, I had raised money to save Prince-Strauss/Groman Post 161. Blonder noted non-Jewish veteran organizations have similar the Constitution.” And, he noted, during World that the housing was aided by Ira Novoselsky, a floats. JWV echelons that participate in parades War II, his mother had worked as a civilian in past national commander of JWV and Revere city should be on the lookout for these floats and offer the Charlestown Navy Yard, home port of Old councilor. to replace one of the crosses with a Star of David. Ironsides. Blonder also encouraged employers to “hire Long after we are too old to walk in parades, Now with JWV, Blonder looks to help fellow veterans.” some veteran organization will be dragging that veterans, including those who have had a harder “There are a lot of skills they bring to the ta- float through a parade and observers will see the time than himself transitioning back to civilian life. ble,” he said. “Leadership, discipline, a sense of Star of David. “I [was] able to reintegrate into society right away,” mission. It’s very important. They know how to get he said. He has been on the Swampscott Planning the job done.” Board for 20 years and involved in Town Meeting Reprinted with permission from Jewish Boston. for over 30 years, and is currently the Swampscott 16 The Jewish Veteran Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 www.jwv.org OPINION This opinion piece does not represent the views of the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. nor the views of The Jewish War Veteran’s Managing Editor. This piece reflects only the opinion of the author.

HEAL THE WOUNDS prejudice. They came from mostly small villages, in their world views and therefore in their politics? By Dr. Robert Pickard, PNC Shtetls, populated only by Jews, isolated for securi- Why do many American Jews agree with the Iran Most of our JWV members recognize me as PNC ty and religious reasons. Each village had a burial Deal while the see that as a threat to 2013-14. I am a practicing ear nose and throat phy- society and various forms of social networks where their existence? Is the answer simply because we sician as well as a retired colonel. I view my life everyone helped their fellow Jews. Socialism car- American Jews don’t live in the Israeli foxholes nor work as a calling, much like a rabbi or priest. My ried over to America where people like Samuel scurry for bomb shelters with missiles incoming job is to heal the wounds. These days I see a fes- Gompers and other Jewish workers began the labor from Hezbollah supplied by Iran? tering gaping wound, a rift between Israeli and movement, bringing a much needed end to sweat THE COMMON BOND American Jews over politics and national interest. shops and child labor. Some Jews came to America This goes to part of the solution. In Wisdom I want to engage you to participate in healing these with Marx-like Communism in their thinking and Each Day by Rabbi Abraham Twerski, M.D. the wounds. experience. We Jews have always been a band of brothers and sisters, either forced by others or 105a is quoted, “There is a folk saying, THE RIGHT VS THE LEFT self-imposed. We are used to circling the wagons to the Mouse and the cat make a feast from the fat There are approximately 6 million Americans who defend ourselves against common enemies. This is of their enemy.” American and Israeli Jews may call themselves Jewish, comprising orthodox, con- where the healing begins, i.e. recognizing our com- at times appear at loggerheads over politics, BDS, servative, reform and non-practicing. Most vocal of monalities and recognizing our common enemies. Anti-Semitism and Anti Zionism, but when they American Jews is the Reform community. I am a realize that their common enemy and the enemy member of a reform synagogue in Coral Gables, JEWISH MIGRATION TO ISRAEL of the USA is Iran under the Ayatollahs, they will Florida. These American Jews are generally what Many Israeli Jews (not all of course) came to Israel hopefully close ranks and unite in a strong bond we call politically liberal or left leaning. They gen- after WWII from DP camps and from the refuse as they should be. We need to respect each other’s erally belong to and vote for Democratic Party can- of European Jewry. These Jews saw and see them- beliefs, we need to tolerate and be considerate of didates. There is said to be about 7 million Jews selves as pioneers and indeed they were and are each other’s opinions and not feud incessantly and in Israel, of a similar mix. Most are what we call Halutzim. Jews who survived the camps and those bitterly. We need to stick together. conservative and right leaning. They vote along who escaped and helped the partisans are not about Herzl understood there is no country that Jews the lines of the party, which is right leaning. to be decimated and “thrown into the sea” by their have sojourned in over the centuries where Jews This amounts to about 13 million total Jews with Arab and Persian neighbors. The Jews in Israel, are accepted as full and total citizens, equal in all double or triple that number of opinions on just whatever their religious callings might be, are liv- respects with others, except for America. He un- about everything, including politics. ing in foxholes. Most men and women have served derstood this from the Dreyfus Affair and realized or are still actively serving in the IDF. No matter that a Jewish Homeland is essential for our ultimate DIVIDED LOYALTY their religious or political views and except for survival. Let us B’nai Yisrael respect one another Many American Jews were ok with the Iran Deal. the ultra-orthodox Israeli Jews, they realize their and stick together; let us walk a mile in each other’s Many American Jews are ok with appeasing and very existence depends upon their defenses. It has moccasins. Even if we American Jews differ with looking the other way at those candidates for been said that there are no atheists is foxholes, even our brothers and sisters in Israel, let us also be more public office in the US who favor BDS (Boycott, though many Israeli Jews are non-practicing Jews. understanding of their immediate life threatening Divestment, Sanctions), espouse Anti-Zionist and issues. Anti-Semitic rhetoric, some even going so far as to JEWISH MIGRATION TO AMERICA Thankfully, we Americans are not on the front buy into the premise that Israel is an apartheid na- Most American Jews are not escapees from torture, lines. Our Israeli brothers and sisters are on that tion. These same American Jews appear to give lip nor have we ever felt the hot breath of our oppres- line, in foxholes and rightfully afraid for their lives, service to their love of the modern State of Israel sors down our necks. We American Jews are argu- although bravely facing the enemy head on. Let’s and love for the welfare of its people. All thinking ably spoiled and naive. Yes, we have our anti-Sem- be strong together. We need each other. Let’s stick American Jews claim sole political allegiance to ites, our BDS and Neo-Nazis. But they are few and together. Let’s not try to interfere with each other’s the USA, believing the canard that Jews who es- far between. Yes, the level of Anti-Semitic acts has politics. We can and should voice our opinions but pouse loyalty to Israel are espousing divided loyal- increased. This also has driven the Florida legisla- let us always be guided by the principles of, “what ty. American Jews may bend over backwards to be ture under prior Governor Scott and now Governor is good for the Jews.” In short, we American Jews liberal in their approach to people whose views are DeSantis to fund millions of dollars for Jewish day are, but for the Grace of Ha Shem, going as the Anti-Zionist and Anti-Semitic. These American school security. This far thinking has helped to Israelis will go. Jews want to give the other guy a break; to see prevent and forestall tragedies here at home. Most all men and women as really good inside despite Reform Jews in America, Jews I am most famil- HEAL THE WOUNDS their outward show of antipathy to Jews in general. iar with, are liberal minded. Instead of thinking TOGETHER, WE CAN HEAL THE WOUNDS. These Jews find themselves at times on the oppo- their Jewishness is based on Hillel’s “do not do to site side of Evangelical Christians who see evil for your neighbor what is hateful to you”, now think what it is: Anti Zionism and Anti-Semitism. It is Tikum Olam, healing the world, as their mantra. not divided loyalty to be loyal to both the USA and This often transmits to the belief that ALL people Israel. are really good inside and that all we need to do JEWISH COMMONALITY to turn our enemies around is to appease and play American Jews, left leaning or right leaning make nice with them. By way of contrast, most of our up only a tiny percentage of the American popu- orthodox and conservative Jews by and large feel lation. Jews are the majority in Israel. The views much more cynically about our enemies and often of Israeli Jews are as diverse as ours, if not more see the world through the eyes of Israeli Jews. They Shopping on Amazon via so. America and Israel are independent nations. know that evil exists in the world and that by being Amazon Smile helps the JWV. They have much common ground and national in- nice and pretending that your mortal enemies don’t Amazon will donate 0.5 % of the price terest and most importantly they share a common wish you dead will not cut it. No, it will kill you. of your eligible Amazon Smile viscous enemy. Jewish commonality is key to my purchase to the JWV Foundation. attempt at healing wounds. THE RIFT Jews came to America from the mid-1850s So where is the rift, the wound we see between our generally to escape Pogroms, discrimination and Israeli and American Jewish brothers and sisters www.jwv.org Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 The Jewish Veteran 17 NATIONAL LADIES AUXILIARY of the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A.

NATIONAL PRESIDENT SANDRA CANTOR Dear Sisters, party and bring Senior Citizens JWVA has afforded me some wonderful heart- gifts to the palace By PDP Barbara Steiner, Chairman warming experiences through the years, including every year. One of participation in various VA programs such as serv- his subjects was a Consumers are receiving alarm- ing veterans dinner, playing bingo, and of course poor Jewish shoe- ing phone calls from an individu- offering the Grant-A-Wish. But the most inspira- maker who spent al who! claims to be from law enforcement or the tional experience happened just last year. most of his money Social Security Administration. The call scares Most VA hospitals sponsor an annual Homeless making a pair of our senior citizens into believing that their Social Stand Down event, which is a gigantic giveaway lavish, beautiful Security number has been connected to running of essential items, including coats, gloves, hats, shoes each year for drugs or money laundering across the border. and blankets. This year our Post and Auxiliary in the king. The night The scam attempts to convince people that Dallas participated and contributed socks. before the party their Social Security number has been suspended Last year my husband and I volunteered to a disheveled drifter appeared at the shoemaker’s because of this suspicious activity or because it is work at the Dallas VA Stand Down. Since we did door and begged for some food and directions to connected to a serious crime. DO NOT BELIEVE THIS not host a table and were the only two representa- a nearby town. The shoemaker complied with the STORY! tives from JWV/JWVA, we were assigned to work little bit of food he had and the directions; however, Social Security will never call with an unknown in the shoe area. I sat on the floor while the veterans as he glanced down at the man’s feet, he realized problem. They will only call about a problem after sat on chairs trying on shoes. While I never thought the drifter’s shoes were tattered and falling apart. first informing an individual by mail. Anyone who Feeling sorry for the poor man, he gave him the receives one of these calls or feels threatened can shoes he had made for the king. call the Social Security Administration’s Customer The next day when the shoemaker arrived at Fraud line at 1-800-772-1213 or the Inspector the party the king asked him, “Where is my gift?” General’s Office at 1-800-269-0271. The shoemaker explained what had happened, told the king of the poverty within the kingdom, and NEC what a burden it was to require people to bring him By PNP Petra C. Kaatz an annual gift. The king commanded his servants Are you dreading the cold, dreariness of winter? to lift him up so he could see over the palace wall, Don’t fret! National JWVA has a mid-winter pro- where he saw for himself the poverty of his sub- gram to warm you up, no matter what the outside jects. As he rose higher toward the heavens, he ob- temperature may be. Our NEC! served more poverty throughout his land and his We all enjoy seeing each other and exchanging heart sank for his people. ideas to help make JWVA bigger and better. We When he came down to earth he spoke to the don’t have to wait until the National Convention Jewish shoemaker, thanking him for his wise coun- to do this. The NEC (February 12 to 16, 2020) National President Sandra Cantor and National cil, and decreed that in the future, he would give gifts is the perfect opportunity to meet old friends or Commander Harvey Weiner commemorate Veterans to his people and not accept gifts for himself. After make new ones while exchanging ideas and learn- Day at a reception following a ceremony at Arlington the Rabbi told this story, he ended saying “when you ing about new things happening within our orga- Cemetery. elevate others, you elevate yourself as well.” nization and of course, our National Museum of of myself as a shoe salesman, that’s what I was that As the Rabbi’s story concluded I felt a wave American Jewish Military History. day! It was very humbling, and I felt proud to be a of emotion building in me, realizing that is exact- The NEC is the place to get answers to ques- participant. ly what I had experienced that day! Thank you tions you may have regarding your Auxiliary, On that same Friday night our synagogue host- JWVA. I will continue to be proud of what we do Department, or National issues that may have ed a guest speaker, a Scholar in Residence Rabbi, for others and in turn, am grateful for what we do come up since the last annual Convention. If you who specialized in storytelling. He proceeded to for ourselves. have such a question, please let us know so it can be tell the following story. There once was a king Loyally yours, placed on the Advisory Board agenda. who required his subjects to attend his birthday Sandra We look forward to seeing you in February.

NMAJMH By PNP Iris Goldwasser, Chairman Just as the sisters of JWVA have always promoted also need you to help generate membership for us. You can choose the spot for your paver by plac- service to our local communities and the veteran Our museum may not be as big as the Smithsonian, ing a $100 deposit, but please hurry so you won’t community, we have always supported the National but we are important. In numbers there is strength! miss the opportunity to be included. Also, our Museum of American Jewish Military History. Our We know we should and could be bigger and better. Heroes exhibit cost has been reduced to $100 only museum thanks you for your continuing patronage We remind you that membership in JWV/JWVA is until NEC in February. Take advantage now! and dedication and hopes to have your continued not necessary for someone who would like to be- For those of you who are unable to visit the support in the future as yours are the “hands that come a member of our museum. But is incumbent NMAJMH in person and wish to view our updat- care.” Our museum does not exist for you, but be- upon all JWV/JWVA members, Auxiliaries and ed exhibits in your local area, you can! There is cause of you! The sisters are aware of the import- Posts to be members! After all, if we don’t belong, a video available which provides a virtual tour of ant legacy that this museum represents to future how can we expect others to join us? our museum. It can also assist you in promoting generations. To update you on other museum news, I must museum membership. For any questions about the As imperative as it is to contribute your time, inform you that our Remembrance Walk is almost museum, call Museum Coordinator Mike Rugel at voice, and efforts on behalf of the NMAJMH, we complete but there are still a few pavers available. 202-265-6280.

L’DOR V’DOR • HONORING OUR PAST & PROMOTING OUR FUTURE 18 National Ladies Auxiliary of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA • Winter 2019 www.jwva.org Editor’s Corner By PNP Iris Goldwasser Science Advances the World How did the convergence of curiosity, love of math- ect funded by the National Foundation for Infantile she traveled to the International Space Station. She ematics, science, medicine, and thirst for more Paralysis, an organization established by President will perform three space walks during this mission knowledge yesterday lead to developments that Franklin D. Roosevelt, which would support the to install lithium batteries on their station structure. benefit humanity today? Although there are many development of a vaccine. He devoted the next On Oct. 18, 2019 she made history as part of the people with Jewish backgrounds who possess these seven years to this project and in 1955 was finally first all-female spacewalk in history, which she per- impressive traits, I want to introduce you to three ready to initiate a trial program. Until the introduc- formed alongside her colleague Christina Koch. scientists who have contributed to the advancement tion of the Salk vaccine, polio was one of the most What do Albert Einstein, Jonas Salk, and of civilization. frightening public health problems in the world. Jessica Meir have in common? All had inquiring German-born Albert Einstein emigrated to the The success of the vaccine resulted in Salk being minds, a thirst for learning, and a love for research. U.S. in 1933. He is a renowned genius and physi- hailed as a miracle worker. Nations around the In other words, a deep curiosity of the world around cist who developed the theory of relativity, but is world began requesting this immunization for their them. All were encouraged by their parents and perhaps best known for the equation E=MC² which own populations. Salk campaigned for mandatory teachers to continue their education and feed their paved the way for the development of the atom- vaccinations, proclaiming that public health is a minds with information. All have different back- ic bomb. The bomb led to the end of World War moral commitment. Due to his efforts and tenacity, grounds and were part of different generations, but II in the Pacific, saving the lives of many in the polio has been eradicated as a childhood threat. each of them was drawn to investigate and explore American military at that time. He played an in- Jessica Meir, born in Maine to a Swedish moth- the unknown and contribute to civilization. We are strumental role in the scientific foundation for the er and an Iraqi father, was inspired to become an the lucky recipients of their efforts. invention of everyday items like paper towels and astronaut while watching Space Shuttle missions The next generation of children have more to lasers. In fact, some of the mathematics behind on television. She studied medicine, the physiolo- contribute as well and we must encourage them. present-day stock market analysis and solar power gy and behavior of diving penguins in Antarctica, JWVA must continue to contribute time and help- can be traced back to him. geese migration over the Himalayas, and marine ing hands to programs in our local communities, Jonas Salk, born in New York City, was an biology. From 2000-2003 she worked at NASA in especially schools and libraries. Most importantly, American medical researcher and virologist who Houston on physiological studies of astronauts (bone encourage young people to read. Help them unlock discovered and developed one of the first success- loss, muscle atrophy, etc.) to determine if any bodily the door so they can step into the world beyond be- ful polio vaccines. In 1948, Salk undertook a proj- processes were altered in space exploration. In 2019 cause they are the key to the future.

Action & Jewish Affairs not open for regular services, congregants and peo- Student Awards By PAP Stephanie Naftelowitz, Chairman ple from the neighboring Jewish community gather By PNP JoAnn Lifshitz, Chairman to pray in the garden where the eleven victims are At our National Convention in August 2019 we were It is my sad duty to report memorialized. This incident was the deadliest at- proud to announce the following winners of our that anti-Semitism is still tack on a Jewish temple in the U.S. Student Awards. Each and every one of them were alive and well in 2019 all A few weeks ago in Williamsburg, Brooklyn bright with diversified interests and a credit to their over the world, not only some religious Jews were attacked as they sat in the families and schools. in the United States, and park - no doubt they looked and dressed differently. JWVA awarded the Ethyle Bornstein Award is reminiscent of the at- Really? to Allison Cohen who has been accepted to the mosphere in the 1930s Why do people who are different represent a University of Florida where she will be majoring and 1940s in Europe. threat to others? Why do people who are different in Architecture. She ranked in the top five-percent Once again, people who make others feel inadequate? Why does everyone of her class and yet still managed to participate in look different, act differ- have to conform? mentoring younger students. Although busy she ent, or pray different are at risk. Hopefully one day we can all live togeth- also found the time to interact with the homeless by It has been one year since the shooting at the er peacefully, see beyond the veneer, and accept bringing them food. She grew up with JWVA as her Tree of Life synagogue, a conservative congrega- all people as a friend and neighbor. No more grandmother, Iris Kramer, is a member of Aux. 425, tion in Pittsburgh. Although the synagogue itself is anti-Semitism! Dept. of NY, and her mother, Michelle Cohen, is a member of Aux. 256, Dallas. Alex Cortez won our Wegman Award, which By Natalie Blank, Chairman Calling ALL Sisters! Support JWVA! is given to a student who will be majoring in Music JWVA is offering a new shirt for sale. Although these classic white short sleeved shirts with a collar and or Art. Alex traveled to Normandy, France and led our blue emblem can enhance your JWVA uniform, this lovely shirt can be worn casually anywhere. a group of students on part of that tour. He has also The shirts are available in sizes medium to extra-large for $25 and sizes 2XL and 3XL for $28. sailed on tall ships, learning to work and survive Please fill out this form and send with your check payable to: National Ladies Auxiliary JWVA, among the masters of the sea. Cortez will major in 1811 R Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20009-1603. Architectural Design at the Savannah College of Call me at 718-671-4629 with any questions. Arts and Design. His grandmother is Roz Kaplan from Aux. 256, Dallas. Size QTY Cost Total Amount Hannah Damon received the PDC William Singer Memorial Award, a part of the Raoul Wallenberg Awards. She graduated 36th in her class Name: of 483 students and although busy with classes, par- ticipated in Peace March meetings, newspaper club, Address: teen outreach, and the Council Theater. Hannah will City: State: Zip major in Biology at SUNY-Binghamton. Her grand- Phone: mother is Sandra Damon from Aux. 3, Dept. of NY. We congratulate all our winners, their mothers, Email: and grandmothers, and wish them the best of luck Check #: in the future. L’DOR V’DOR • HONORING OUR PAST & PROMOTING OUR FUTURE www.jwva.org Winter 2019 • National Ladies Auxiliary of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA 19 MUSEUM NEWS MUSEUM NEWS By Mike Rugel • Program and Content Coordinator We’ve had two interesting talks in the past few speakers were at times used as translators to facili- months. On October 27, Selma Ruth Wolkow tate Finnish-German communication. The Finnish joined us to discuss her book “Dearest Ruth, How Jewish soldiers were aware of the contradiction that Are You?: Falling in Love Through Letters During fighting for Finland meant supporting the Nazis, WWII.” She shared a love story told through over but they determined it was the only way to defend 100 letters sent home from her future husband Irv Finland. who was serving in Europe. The letters shed light After seven years of historical research, Simon on the life of an 18-year-old Jewish soldier and how decided to write the stories he found as a novel be- World War II impacted virtually every aspect of cause he thought that would allow it to reach more life at home. Wolkow is a wonderful storyteller and readers and have a greater impact. You can watch it was a pleasure to learn about her story. Simon’s talk on our YouTube channel, http://www. youtube.com/c/NmajmhOrg. The book is available in our museum store, at https://nmajmh.org/shop/. In October, the museum also welcomed President Greg Gunderson and Professor Timothy Westcott from Park University’s George S. Robb the stories they discover and publicize their proj- Centre for the Study of the Great War. They are ect. We hope the project results in deserving Jewish working on a project called the “Great War Valor veterans receiving their proper recognition. This Medals Review.” They are reviewing World War project will take years of research and will surely I records to recommend upgrades to the Medal of uncover many interesting stories. Honor. Their review will include over 200 Jewish On Veterans Day, we completed our annual ser- veterans who received a Distinguished Service vice project at the museum. We put together nearly Cross, the French Croix de Guerre with palm, or 200 care packages for patients at the Washington, were recommended for the Medal of Honor but D.C. VA Medical Center. Middle school students didn’t receive it. They’re also reviewing records from the Levine Academy in Dallas and The Field for African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic- School here in D.C. assisted with this project. We Selma Ruth Wolkow reads from one of the letters American, and Native American veterans. They’re had additional volunteers from AmeriCorps and she received. eager to work with the museum and JWV to share many individuals from our community who were eager to find a way to help veterans. Special thanks On November 4, John Simon spoke about his to Sheldon Goldberg for being here all day and to new book “Strangers in a Stranger Land: How Ari Tessler for helping out as well. One Country’s Jews Fought an Unwinnable War Alongside Nazi Troops… and Survived.” Simon shared the surprising history of Jewish soldiers from Finland who fought alongside the Germans during World War II. The Jews of Finland had arrived in the 19th century as child soldiers known as Cantonists, essentially kidnapped from the Pale of Settlement and conscripted into the Russian Army. Jews estab- lished communities in several places in Finland. In World War II, facing an aggressive Soviet Union and cut off from food and other supplies, Finland felt it needed to side with the Germans as co-belligerents. The country’s Jewish soldiers fought side by side with Germans to keep the Soviet Union out of Finland. Several openly Jewish Finns were awarded the Iron Cross by the German Care packages for patients at the Washington, D.C. Wehrmacht but refused to accept it. Native John Simon VA Medical Center.

  Giving Securities Upcoming Donate Appreciated Securities to the Museum and Take a Tax Deduction January 16 • 7:00 pm Support the museum and decrease your tax liability by donating securities. The donor can usu- ally deduct the fair market value of the donation without realizing any capital gain. The National Return to the Museum of American Jewish Military History is a 501(c)(3) organization, eligible to receive Reich author tax-deductible contributions Eric Lichtblau discusses the story Make a charitable distribution from an IRA of Freddy Mayer, Congress has provided that those people who make a “Qualified Charitable Distribution” from a German-born their traditional IRA using their minimum required distribution directly to a 501(c)(3) are Jew who escaped eligible to take the amount donated as a charitable deduction (even if you don’t itemize your Nazi Germany deductions). This is a win-win. You satisfy the requirement to withdraw the minimum required only to return distribution, but the money withdrawn is not taxable if donated directly to a 501(c)(3) charity. as an American Check with your financial advisor to be sure your account meets the requirements. .

20 National Museum of American Jewish Military History Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 www.nmajmh.org www.nmajmh.org Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 National Museum of American Jewish Military History MUSEUM NEWS MUSEUM NEWS By Pamela Elbe • Collections, Archives & Exhibitions Coordinator Celebrating the Holidays Under the Gun: Festivities During Wartime Meals with family and friends, gifts, and revel- immigration restrictions. Some 23,000 European ry are what come to mind when we think of the Jews found shelter there. During the war, occupy- holiday season. For those in the military, par- ing Japanese forces relocated the Jewish refugees ticularly during wartime, the holidays are often to a very small area in Shanghai’s Hongkou (also spent away from their families and without the spelled Hongkew) district. The Japanese authori- trappings of the season. The fall and winter holi- ties gradually adopted additional restrictions, but days of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and the ghetto did not have walls and American Jewish New Year’s Eve gave a sense of hope and home to charities, including the Jewish Welfare Board American service members far from home. (JWB), provided basic necessities to the Jews there. The holidays often brought a respite from During Hanukkah in 1945, American service the standard, less than appetizing, daily fare. members celebrated the holiday with the ghetto’s Thanksgiving Day dinner in Vietnam in 1967 start- refugees and handed out gelt provided by the JWB ed off with shrimp cocktail and crackers, featured a to the children. traditional meal of roast turkey and gravy with corn- Menorah with Brian and Ryan - Matthew Gabe (center) Leslie Dresbold was stationed at Lincoln Army bread dressing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, with fellow servicemembers in front of Hanukkah Airfield in Nebraska in December of 1944 and was Menorah, Iraq, 2007. Matthew Gabe Collection. glazed sweet potatoes, other sides and sweets, and fortunate to be close to Lincoln’s small but active of course culminated in pumpkin pie with whipped Care packages from home were greatly appreciat- Jewish community. He attended Hanukkah ser- cream. Gary Levinson wrote, “After nearly a year ed and he wrote to his aunt to thank her for send- vices at the synagogue and wrote to his mother that in Vietnam and eating mostly C-Rations, this ing him cookies and to say that he is celebrating the Hanukkah play was “swell.” It wasn’t all fun was a festive meal and greatly appreciated by all. Hanukkah as best he can. He was fortunate to see and games though, as Dresbold spent part of his Of special interest were the messages by General a holiday USO show featuring Bob Hope that was New Year’s Eve 1944 writing a letter to his mother O’Connor and General Westmoreland [included in “really appreciated.” from the officers’ latrine. He was on duty overnight the printed menu]; many of us felt at this time we Some Jews chose to adopt the Yuletide fes- on New Year’s Eve with the task of keeping the truly were serving a noble cause in Vietnam.” tivities, while others rejected the rituals and sym- fires going in the stoves. bols of Christmas. Still others sought ways to Those overseas also received holiday care pack- meld Christmas and Hanukkah. The museum’s ages from friends and family back home and from collection contains many Christmas cards sent by groups like the Red Cross. Marvin Kastenbaum Jewish servicemen to their families back home. wrote to his sister from Burma about having no While many Jewish service members participat- plans to celebrate the New Year but was happy to ed in Christmas festivities, sometimes the roles say that the Red Cross had distributed Christmas were reversed with Christian chaplains conducting packages. The package contained cigarettes, hard Hanukkah services. candy, postcards, chocolates, and address books. On Christmas Eve 1944, during the Battle of He praised the Red Cross for, “really doing its part the Bulge, Sidney Strausberg and the rest of the in this war.” 872nd Quartermaster Company found themselves in the town of Tongeren, Belgium. They billeted with a widowed farmer and his 10-year-old son. Thanksgiving in Korea, 1953. The men of his unit voted to make a Christmas din- Bernard Rosen Collection. ner for the farmer and his son as a thank you and Arranging a taste of home in a warzone is no because their supplies (including the first meat they small feat. A 1990 Associated Press article detailed had seen in a long while) had arrived earlier in the the U.S. military’s efforts to provide all 230,000 day. The unit had eight Jews including Strausberg. Americans deployed to the Persian Gulf with a fresh During the the other men of the turkey dinner for Thanksgiving. The arrangements company would cover the duties of the Jewish sol- for the November dinner began in mid-August and diers so they could have services, so in turn the ingredients were procured from around the world, Jewish soldiers got together and volunteered to including 60,000 pounds of rolled, boneless tur- cook and serve the Christmas dinner and cover key from the U.S., 2,000 whole turkeys from Saudi all duties that day. They started at dawn, gather- Two Catholic chaplains celebrating Hanukkah at IX Arabia, pies from Germany, grapes from , ing equipment from local cafés, decorating, and of Corps Chapel in Japan. Morry Luxenberg Collection. and vegetables from Lebanon, Turkey, and . course, cooking. When everyone was assembled When deployed or stationed overseas during The military wanted to provide a fresh holiday meal for dinner, they invited the farmer and his son to the holidays, service members do everything they to all the service members, but just in case they join them. Strausberg remembered that the farmer can to bring the festive holiday spirit to their duty weren’t able to get fresh food to a unit (say the unit “was speechless and cried as [they] toasted him.” stations, whether it is a special meal, whatever did not have a kitchen), there were also Thanksgiving They had an emotional dinner and their Christian decorations they could cobble together, or corre- T-rats (TV-dinner style tray rations) available. buddies thanked them for what they had pulled to- sponding with those back home. Creativity and Quick on the heels of Thanksgiving comes gether. After dinner the farmer asked for help get- generosity made wartime holidays meaningful Hanukkah and Christmas. The upheaval of war ting something he had hidden away. He returned and memorable. Being separated from family and made the holidays seem more important to separat- with two cases of good champagne, with which he friends during the holidays made wartime much ed families. Letters home revealed the longing that toasted the soldiers. It is a memory Strausberg re- more difficult for those in the military, and the sep- many felt more acutely during the winter holidays. called fondly every December for years. arations and deprivations made festivities poignant Lawrence Brenner spent the 1965 holiday season Hanukkah sometimes provided service mem- and bittersweet. Most of us will spend the holidays in Vietnam and he corresponded frequently with bers with an opportunity to interact with the local at home surrounded by the ones we love. Many his Aunt Ella Horwitz, keeping her updated on his Jewish community. Shanghai served as an import- service members willingly sacrifice time with their activities. He wrote, “Thanksgiving was quite nice, ant haven for Jewish refugees during the Holocaust families so our country will have the freedom to but being home would have been much better.” because at the time it was an open city with no enjoy these holidays.

National Museum of American Jewish Military History Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 www.nmajmh.org www.nmajmh.org Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 National Museum of American Jewish Military History 21 In Memoriam HONOR THE MEMORY PNC Neil Goldman OF A LOVED ONE Honor the memory of a loved one with our yahrzeit program. You’ll receive an annual reminder notice prior to the anniversary date each year. The yahrzeit entry is visible on the website year round for family and others to view from anywhere in the world. Visit yahrzeitremembrance.org. Yahrzeit will include a biography, photo(s), information about their military service, medals and awards they may have received, and his or her affiliation in JWV or JWVA. Gold- $500 750 word biography and 18 photos Silver- $375 500 word biography and 6 photos Bronze- $250 250 word biography and 1 photo

The JWV community is sad to report that past National Commander Neilson Goldman passed away on November 21 at the age of 95. Goldman served as the National Commander during JWV’s centennial year. After his election in August of 1995 Goldman said, “If we take the opportunity to involve ourselves with the program and projects of the centennial and the centennial membership campaign, we will achieve the growth so vital in membership and self-esteem.” Goldman added, “If we position JWV for strength in the 21st century, these are the things we can do. These are the things we must do. These are the things we will do.” Goldman enlisted in the U.S. Air Corps as an aviation cadet, serv- ing as a celestial navigation trainer operator and instructor before his honorable discharge in 1946. Goldman is survived by his three children, 20 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

TAPS DEPARTMENT AT LARGE Hillman, Leonard - Post 161 Rosenblum, William - Post 717 Arnow, Robert - Post 100 Howard, Bertram E. - Post 735 Silverman, Harold - Post 717 Rotkopf, Maurice - Post 100 Lit, Leonard H. - Post 735 Solomon, Maurice - Post 425 Shower, Ralph - Post 100 Marshall, George J. - Post 211 Stateman, Edward - Post 488 Yonis, John - Post220 Toplitsky, Jerome - Post 425 DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA Vooss, Eugene - Post 425 Fine, Ernest H. - Post 385 DEPARTMENT OF MICHIGAN Warmbrand, Martin - Post 1 Holstein, Lee J. - Post 680 Farber, Leonard R. - Post 135 Zipes, Melvin - Post 625 Wolk, Abe J. - Post 385 Kaye, Sheldon - Post 510 Sklarchyk, Fred - Post 474 DEPARTMENT OF OHIO DEPARTMENT OF CONNECTICUT Wayne, Leonard G. - Post 135 Hattenbach, Ira - Post 122 Rubenstein, Herbert - Post 45 DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Melzer, Leo - Post162 Austein, Elliot - Post 697 MacFadden, Jack - Post 58 Barbash, Jack - Post 98 DEPARTMENT OF NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA Edelman, Aaron - Post 122 Bloom, Larry A. - Post 178 Jaffe, Bernard - Post 440 Hartman, Mort - Post 697 Karlin, Martin - Post 63 Kirschenbaum, Bernard - Post 639 Nagurka, Jack - Post 697 Levitt, Albert - Post 126 Novitsky, Harold - Post 501 Schonberger, William - Post 181 Millstein, Norman - Post 972 Victor, Leonard - Post 321 Tucker, Sherwyn J. - Post 697 Oberson, Arnold - Post 39 DEPARTMENT OF ILLINOIS Rappaport, Lee Michael - Post 126 DEPARTMENT OF SOUTHEAST Becker, Lawrence - Post 800 Simons, Stuart - Post 609 Greenspon, Irving - Post 112 Steinlauf, Marvin I. - Post 89 Sorin, Francis - Post 76 DEPARTMENT OF TALO DEPARTMENT OF MIDWEST DEPARTMENT OF NEW YORK Blumberg, Melvin R. - Post 753 Burstein, Joseph - Post 260 Brynin, Milton - Post 191 Cohen, Jack B. - Post 749 Sherman, Carl K. - Post 644 Cohen, Emanuel - Post 191 Dworkin, Bernie - Post 256 Cohen, Stanley - Post 425 Goldman, PNC Neilson N. - Post 757 DEPARTMENT OF MARYLAND Goldberg, Gerald A. - Post 425 Wald, Sol - Post 256 Bach, Maurice D. - Post 167 Kirschner, Donald - Post 50 Wechsler, Lawrence - Post 256 Greenblatt, Victor - Post 692 Koerner, Ronald J. - Post 191 DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA-NC DEPARTMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS Kornreich, Ivan - Post 625 Merims, Michael H. - Post 765 Cristol, Harold - Post 735 Lemberger, Alan D. - Post 625 Goldberg, Bernard L. - Post 211 Oberman, Nathan - Post 425

22 The Jewish Veteran Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 www.jwv.org www.jwv.org Volume 73 • Number 4 • 2019 The Jewish Veteran 23 Happy New Year 2020!

We Wish All Good Health, PNC Sam Greenberg Harriet & Norman Schnitzer, PDC Strength, and Happy Life! Arthur H. Greenwald • Post 321/69 Irv Schildkraut • JWV Post 440 Greetings from Post 409 National Adjutant • 2016-2019 Proud Vet of USMC, USN, USA Clearwater, Still Going Strong! PA PDC 706 Larry Holman PNC Barry J. Schneider Allan & Sheila Abramson In memory of PNC Ronald Ziegler Best Wishes to all JWV & JWVA members Good Health & Happiness to All Beth Kane Wishes You Good Health PNC Lawrence & Judith Schulman PNC Lou & PDP Gloria Abramson Happy Holiday! Our Very Best Wishes to All Good Health & Happiness to All Saluting the Veterans of Heritage Hills In Memory of Moshe Shaki-Tiberius Chag Sameach Mazel Tov! Lieutenant-Tank Forces IDF Howard M. Barmad • Post 76 NJ Jack Kent (Kantrovitz) Good Health & Best Wishes PDC Ed & PDP Louise Baraw In Memory of wife Marilyn Shapiro Kent to all Veterans and their Families

Eugene Baraw Kalman (Kal) A. Leichtman PPC Post 191 Aaron Silver Howard A. & Dorothy G. Berger A WWII Proud Jewish American In memory of my wife Marilyn-JWVA USF /USASETAF PNP Petra & PDC Jason Kaatz PNP Linda Singer & Stuart Singer PA PDC 697 Stan Bilker Good Health & Happy Holidays! In loving memory of PDC Bill Singer In memory of my wife, PDP Adele In Memory of Morty Kessler CH Murray Stadtmauer • Post 648 PNC Jerry & PNP Joanne Blum Bell-Oak Post 648, Queens-NY In loving memory of Clare Stadtmauer Good Health & Happiness to All Mazel Tov, PNC Barry Schneider! Shalom & Mazel Tov to all Veterans PDC Jack & Ruja Cohen • Post 749 PNC Sheldon Ohren Greta & Jerry Stoliar • Post 346 L’Chaim - To Life PDC Jordan Crosby • Post 440 The Tarnofsky Family In memory of PDP Edith Crosby In Loving Memory of my wife, Virginia In memory of Len Klanit - Post 440 Queens PCC Ron Peters PDC Elliott & PAP Elissa Donn Norma & PNC Paul Warner, Ph.D. Best Wishes & Good Health to All In Memory of My Wife Raya Health & Happiness to All Get Well, George • Dr. Jack Porter Post 211 Greetings • Gerald Elkan NC Harvey & Linda Weiner Greetings from Post 409- Clearwater, FL! Post 712-OH In memory of Michael Rubin Be Well! Co-cmdrs Murray Zolkower / Stan Sarbarsky PNC Ira & Shelley Novoselsky In Memory of Philip & Jolia Weinstein Happy Holidays PA PDC 98 Donald Feldman Major Stuart Adam Wolfer Institute In Memory of my wife, Edith Herb & Francie Rosenbleeth www.msawi.org In Honor of all who have served! Happy Holiday to You and Yours! Jeri Zweiman Good Health & Happiness to All! PNP Freda & PNC Norman Rosenshein In loving memory of PNC Robert Zweiman In Memory of my Father Good Health & Happy Holidays Samuel Goldberg David S. Zwerin, PDC In Memory of Don Rothman PC #44 Post 652 • Merrick, NY PNC Nate & Selma Goldberg By Wife Bernice Rothman PAP #44 Any Jewish WWII person captured, sent PNC Edwin & PNP Iris Goldwasser Stephen & Helen Sax to Auschwitz, etc., and survived Honoring Veterans Live long and prosper Happy New Year to JWV! Alan J. Gould Post 105 In Loving Memory of In Memory of Sam Gould, Post Cmdr. Eleanor (Smith) & PNC Al Schlossberg

Send a greeting or message to family and friends in the next issue of The Jewish Veteran!

Name: Only $30.00 per 1 line, or $50.00 for 2 lines, you can purchase a one year Address: subscription which includes greetings for 4 issues! Names and greetings can be submitted anytime. Please fill out the form and send it along with your Amount of payment: Check Visa MC Amex payment to:

Card #: Exp: Jewish War Veterans 1811 R Street, NW 1st line: Washington, DC-20009 2nd line: (no more than 30 characters per line) 2019-4