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Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 The Jewish Veteran A Jewish Voice for Veterans and a Veteran’s Voice for

VA Secretary Wilkie Addresses JWV and JWVA Members at NEC 2020

By Cara Rinkoff Wilkie said he thinks The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is stron- electronic health records ger than ever before, and is working hard for all vet- will be online in late erans. This is just one part of the message delivered spring or summer. He by VA Secretary Robert Wilkie when he addressed hopes these records will members of Veterans of the U.S.A. keep track of medical during its National Executive Committee (NEC) history “the minute that meeting on February 14 in Arlington, Virginia. young American walks Wilkie told JWV that ensuring the strength of into the military process- his department is how he can thank veterans for ing station to the minute their service and sacrifice to the country. “We have that American is handed the highest patient satisfaction rates in our history. over to the VA.” 90 percent of our veterans are completly satisfied By the end of March, with the services they get at VA. It is our eternal Wilkie hopes the VA will promise that the promise given to Americans vet- present a report to the erans by Mr. Lincoln be kept. That we shall care country about veteran sui- for those who have borne the battle,” Wilkie added. cide. He said it is time for The Secretary also talked about privatization a national conversation to concerns. He noted that, “only in Washington, begin about this important D.C., would a $240 billion budget be cause for con- topic. “The United States cern about privatization.” This budget is the second Army started taking sta- Veterans’ Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie (Photograph by Lou Michaels). largest of any agency in the federal government, tistics on veteran suicide, second only to the Department of Defense. on Army suicide, during the administration of more federal reports that no one will read. Wilkie said the new Mission Act will allow Harrison in 1892. And yet, we have nev- Wilkie said he also wanted to bring JWV a veterans to receive services from the private sec- er had a national conversation about what it means message from President Donald Trump in regards tor without the need to privatize the VA. He said when warriors come back,” Wilkie noted. He add- to anti-Semitism. Wilkie said Trump is the most another benefit of the new law is that veterans are ed that until there is a national conversation, all in- forceful opponent of anti-Semitism and added, eligible for coverage of their urgent care visits. vestigations of veteran suicide will amount to are Continued on page 9 National Commander Weiner Testifies Before Congress By Cara Rinkoff on February 26. Weiner decided to deviate from doing your and by doing right, regardless of the The Jewish War Veterans National Commander the typical testimony given by our organization’s political consequences, including the possibility, or Harvey Weiner testified before a joint hearing of the commander, and instead submitted our legislative even the probability, that you will lose your job by House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees priorities in a written document. being voted out of office,” Weiner said. For his oral testimo- In his testimony Weiner addressed two main ny before the committees, areas where legislators must show courage. The Weiner decided to discuss first is to make sure military funding is not used to courage. He urged the build a wall along the U.S. with Mexico. The members of the House other is for Congress to “take back the war powers and Senate to show cour- that the framers of the Constitution and your own age by standing up for vet- 1973 War Powers Resolution gave you.” erans and members of the military. “On behalf of all Here is the entirety of Weiner’s oral testimony: veterans, past and present, Chairman Moran and Chairman Takano, and all service personnel, Ranking Members Tester and Roe, I am Harvey past and present, I am ask- Weiner, a Vietnam War combat veteran and the ing each and every one of National Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of you to show courage by Continued on page 3

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 Now Hear This, O VETERAN By Captain Arnold E. Resnicoff, Chaplain Corps, The Jewish Veteran is the Official Publication of the U.S. Navy (Retired) Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America On a Navy ship, before an important announce- ment over the public address system, the boat- National Commander Harvey Weiner swain’s mate sounds the bosun’s call with a pipe/ National Editor Larry Jasper Managing Editor Cara Rinkoff whistle, followed by the words, “Now Hear This.” Graphics/Production Editor Christy Turner This sound to get our attention always remind- EDITORIAL OFFICE ed me of the blast, and the words reminded 1811 R Street, NW • Washington, D.C. 20009 me of the beginning of the Shema: “Hear, O Israel.” Telephone (202) 265-6280 x413 In both these phrases, the word “hear” means Fax (202) 234-5662 much more than the physical act of hearing. The E-mail [email protected] Web Site www.jwv.org word is a command, closer to the old English word hearken. It means listen, understand, and obey. It The Jewish Veteran is published 4 times a year: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall, by the is similar in some ways to another military phrase, Jewish War Veterans “attention to orders.” of the United States of America On the radio the word roger, which stood for 1811 R Street, NW the letter R in an older version of the phonetic al- means that the false gods of ancient times, or the Washington, DC 20009 phabet, indicates message received. However, re- false gods of modern times like money or power, Periodical postage paid at Washington, DC, and at ceived means both heard and understood. Wilco are not our God. But it also means we are not God. additional mailing offices. (from “will comply”) adds the third layer, mean- Truly hearing that one idea should change our lives. Postmaster: Send form 3579 to Jewish War Veterans, 1811 R Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009. ing the message was heard, understood, and will When we hear “God is one,” we should under- Subscription price in the United States is $5.00 per year, be obeyed. Although film actors often say “roger, stand that one God means we live in a world creat- included in membership. Nonmember subscriptions: wilco,” that would be redundant… although not as ed with one plan. Ancient people who believed in $10.00. Single copies: $2.50. bad as the actors who say “over and out,” rather many gods could not learn from history because Photos and articles submitted to The Jewish Veteran than choosing one or the other! they could not be sure the gods they dealt with on shall be used at the discretion of the organization. The opinions expressed in signed articles and letters in this The idea that a military command includes all one day were the same ones as on another. magazine are not necessarily those of JWV. three of these ideas – hear, understand, and obey – In a way, Jews introduced the idea of history Advertising information and rates available from the is longstanding tradition, and the Navy reply, “aye, with the idea of . We believe we can Editorial Office. JWV assumes no responsibility for aye,” specifically affirms all three components: I learn lessons of the past. We hear by searching for products and services advertised in this publication. hear, I understand, and I will obey. In other words, history’s lessons and then making those lessons a © 2020 by the Jewish War Veterans of the USA. I have received the order, understand it, and will part of our lives. NPA#112285 • ISSN 047-2019. carry it out. “God is one” also teaches that God is uniquely Reproduction without permission is prohibited. In the , the at , after whole, unlike human beings who are flawed and receiving God’s commandments through , fragmented. Our nation’s founders dreamed that might, with every fiber of our being, not only will respond “naaseh v’nishmah,” meaning “we will we should pursue “a more perfect union” when it our lives be changed, but so will our world. do and we will hear/understand.” That reply is came to our nation. We must do the same as indi- Resnicoff, a lifetime JWV member, the Biblical equivalent of “aye, aye” or “wilco.” viduals, pursuing integrity, the integration of our began his Naval career as a line and However, commentators note that because the dreams, our words, and our actions, and trying to then served in chaplain assignments including word do precedes the word understand, the theo- do a more perfect job of walking the talk. Command Chaplain, U.S. European Command, logical and philosophical lesson is that we often In 1987, I was honored to give the prayer for the “top chaplain” for military personnel of hear more deeply and understand more fully only the first United States Days of Remembrance of the all services and all faiths in an area that at the after we take action to incorporate the command- Victims of ceremony ever held in the time included 93 nations spanning 13 million ments into our lives. Capitol Rotunda. These ideas drove the words of square miles. Following retirement, he served On a ship, after “now here this,” we pay atten- my prayer: as National Director for the American Jewish tion, preparing ourselves to understand the orders “ …if the time has not yet dawned when we Committee and Special Advisor for Values and that come next, and then take action to follow those can all proclaim our faith in God, then let us say at Vision to the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the orders. In prayer, whether in or not, we least that we admit we are not gods ourselves. If we U.S. Air Force. On October 23, 1983, he was should do the same when we hear the Shema. We cannot yet see the face of God in others, then let us present in Beirut during the Beirut Barracks should struggle to hear the words, to understand see, at least, a face as human as our own.” bombing. His eye-witness report was read by their meaning, and then to obey them through the If we truly hear the words of the Shema, if we President Ronald Reagan as a keynote speech in way we live our lives. hearken to those words, struggling to understand Washington, DC. When we hear “The Lord is our God,” that their meaning with all our heart, our soul, and our Can You Help Identify This American Soldier? Interested in writing an article Jack Porter of Post 211 in Massachusetts is trying to identify a soldier in this photograph. about veterans’ issues? Want to Porter said someone took this photograph of let everyone know what your him and his family at Camp Bindermichel in post or department is doing? Send Linz, Austria in the summer of 1946. The your articles and photographs to American soldier he hopes to identify is in the Managing Editor Cara Rinkoff at back of the photograph, and on his right are [email protected]. You can fnd more Irving and Jack Porter. Porter was about two- information about guidelines for years-old at the time. If you can help identify article and photo submissions on the soldier in this photograph, please send an www.jwv.org. The deadline for the email to The Jewish Veteran at [email protected] next issue of The Jewish Veteran or call 202-265-6280, ext. 413. is June 2, 2020.

2 The Jewish Veteran Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 www.jwv.org MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDER National Commander Harvey Weiner

In my late 40s, I ran a few marathons (two Boston’s visit. Bring your Mickey Mouse ears! (One of the many of which I and one New York). I was not a good runner, but my most memorable movie endings for me was the sing- did not know ex- goal was just to finish each marathon, which I did. ing of the Mickey Mouse Club song by the patrolling isted or still ex- One of my goals when running a marathon was to American soldiers in Stanley Kubrick’s great isted in the year run a negative split, which means that my time on Vietnam War movie, “Full Metal Jacket.” See it!) 2020. There the second half was faster than the first half. This year’s CHAD and NEC in February in- were I never did accomplish this goal, as my legs in- cluded events that were important, educational, and Services in the evitably gave out after 20 miles, and I always strug- interesting. The Department of Florida has spent evening and the gled to finish. But each time I finished. years developing extraordinary relationships with next morning. Now in my old age, my term as JWV National its two senators and 27 representatives. Setting up The fourth day included the National Museum Commander is half over. I hope and expect to per- appointments well in advance with almost all of of American Jewish Board of form better in my last six months of office as sort them, the Department of Florida’s members split Directors meeting. Please become a museum mem- of a JWV NC negative split. The first half has gone up and met with either their legislator or an aide. ber! After all, it is not only your legacy, but the leg- more quickly than I imagined. Your department can do this as well, but it takes a acy of all Jewish soldiers who preceded you and I would like to use this report to convince you to bit of planning. Next year, there will still be a JWV who will follow you. It must remain strong and can come to our annual Capitol Hill Action Day (CHAD) Capitol Hill day and a half in D.C., even though the only do so with your financial support. and National Executive Committee Meeting (NEC). NEC meeting will be in Orlando. The afternoon included time to play with This has taken place in Washington, D.C. in the win- The afternoon of the second day saw the ini- 7--old yellow Labrador Retriever puppies, ter, but next year NEC will be in Orlando, Florida, tial in person meetings of both the new Strategic who will eventually become service dogs for the which is warmer and has a host of theme parks to Planning Committee and the new Marketing Warrior Canine Connection. Service members Committee. Meetings of the Budget Committee, the with PTSD participate in therapy sessions where Committee, the Personnel Committee, they train the dogs for fellow disabled veterans. the Finance Board Committee, and the Policy As important as learning is at the NEC meet- Committee rounded out the second day. The Policy ing, the bonds and connections you make at these Committee meeting included a presentation about meetings with other JWV members from all over Sofer on Site, which is an organization we will work the country are just as invaluable. JWV members with to restore our 300-year-old Moroccan , are dedicated and nice people or they wouldn’t be which will also help with an awareness campaign there. Many have the same Department and Post and fundraising. problems that you have. Some even have solutions The third day included a morning , to these problems that may help you. a Leadership Seminar, the NEC meeting, and Even better than the excellent Winter NEC the meetings of the Membership Committee, meeting is the Annual National Convention in the Gulf War Veterans Committee, the Vietnam August, which takes place in Jacksonville, Florida Veterans Committee, the Women in the Military this year. I will see you there when I complete my Committee, and a discussion by the Gulf War/ JWV National Commander marathon, with what I Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans. The Women in the hope will be a negative split. Military Committee meeting was an eye-opener for me. I learned about some of their unique problems, National Commander Weiner Testifies Before Congress Continued from page 1 to take that risk to do right yourselves, rather than mise of his political career and it did. the U.S.A., America’s oldest active continuous vet- what is politically expedient. Shanda is for We, who died, who were wounded, who sur- erans’ association. We will be celebrating our 125th “shameful.” The risk of losing your job pales in vived, or who risked our lives in the military to do anniversary next year. have fought comparison to the risk we take of losing our lives. the right thing because America asked us to, are in all of America’s wars in a proportion greater than I was reviewing the John F. Kennedy Profiles in asking you to do the right thing, merely at risk of their proportion in the general population. Courage winners of the award that is the nation’s losing your jobs. I want to speak to you this afternoon about preeminent award for elected officials and pub- Do not take funds away from the military, in- courage. Members of the armed services will risk lic servants. For them and for you, it is the Nobel cluding from their daycare and schools, to build a his or her life on the battlefield to serve this great Prize, the Oscar, the Lasker, the Pulitzer. I give you border wall, because it is politically expedient for nation and to do the job assigned. Hundreds of these examples. you to do so. thousands of American soldiers have given their Carl Elliott was a Congressman from Alabama In addition, the Constitution, which you swore lives and millions of American soldiers and their for eight consecutive terms from 1949 to 1965. He under oath to uphold, vests the power to declare families have made other sacrifices in this regard. was a Democrat, but he authored and voted for the war solely in the hands of Congress and not in They had the right stuff and displayed great cour- National Education Defense Act, which he knew the President, who is solely the Commander in age. They took enormous risks because their coun- would lead to his removal as a Congressman in Chief. However, since World War II, Congress, try called and because it was the right thing to do. 1964. He was right, but he did what was right. as a practical matter, has ceded its Constitutional On behalf of all veterans, past and present, and all Charles Weltner, also a Democrat, was a responsibility to the President in the semantic guise service personnel, past and present, I am asking Congressman from Georgia who dropped out of of so-called “emergencies” and “police actions.” each and every one of you to show courage by do- his race for a third term rather than seek reelection War is too important to be in the hands of one ing your job and by doing right, regardless of the and be bound by a party loyalty oath to support the person, and since World War II, the usurping of political consequences, including the possibility, or candidacy of segregationist Lester Maddox. the war power by both Democratic and Republican even the probability, that you will lose your job by Bob Inglis, whom many of you know, is a presidents has led this nation into disaster after being voted out of office. Republican and was a Congressman from South disaster and caused the unnecessary deaths of over When you, who, implicitly or explicitly, sent us Carolina. He reversed himself on the issue of cli- a hundred thousand of my comrades-in-arms, my off to war and asked us to do the right thing at the mate change because he felt it was the right thing brothers and my sisters. An after-the-fact toothless risk of our lives, it is a shanda if you are unwilling to do. He knew that it would probably mean the de- Continued on page 7

www.jwv.org Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 The Jewish Veteran 3 ON THE HILL

The United States Space Force developing military space professionals, acquir- Space Council, ing military space systems, maturing the military the Department doctrine for space power, and organizing the space of Defense was force to present to the Combat Commands. directed to es- For now, the 16,000 active duty airmen and tablish the U.S. civilians who work at Air Force Space Command Space Force as will be assigned to the Space Force. Eventually, a branch of the members of the Army and Navy will also be de- Armed Forces. tailed to the Space Force. The Space Force will On February establish independent procedures for manning 19, 2019, Space equipment, training personnel, and creating a Policy Directive-4 new uniform, logo, patch, and official song. The was signed. COL Herb Rosenbleeth, USA (Ret) National Executive Director Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) has been Legislative provi- assigned to control operations and the Space and sions for the Space Missile Systems Center, which is responsible for Force were included in the 2020 National Defense research and acquisitions. Authorization Act, which was signed into law The idea of an independent service for U.S. on December 20, 2019. Air Force General John The U.S. military now has another branch. The military space operations has been under consid- “Jay” Raymond became the first Chief of Space United States Space Force (USSF) is now the eration since 2001. Secretary of Defense Donald Operations. Although it took three years to get the sixth branch of the U.S. military. It is the newest Rumsfeld chaired the 2001 Space Commission, Air Force formed after its establishment in 1947, armed service since the establishment of the U.S. which was created to examine the national security the U.S. Space Force intends to be off and running Air Force in 1947. I had a cousin who served in the space organization of the United States. in 18 months or less. Army Air Corp in World War II and remember him The commission concluded that the military Secretary of Defense Mark Esper believes the becoming a member of the U.S. Air Force when it needed to develop a space specific doctrine, in- first shots in the next war will be fired from space. At was created. cluding the development and deployment of space- the Reagan Forum on December 7, Air Force Chief Like the U.S. Marine Corps falls under the based weapons. The Space Commission concluded of Staff General Goldfein said that China’s Secretary of the Navy, the U.S. Space Force will that the Air Force treated space operations as a sec- number one threat to the U.S. is space attack. fall under the Secretary of the Air Force, who heads ondary mission to air operations. There are several ways the U.S. can be at- up one of the three military departments within the In 2017, following nearly two decades of inac- tacked. These include bumping a U.S. satellite, Department of Defense. tion, Representatives Mike Rogers and Jim Cooper jamming their links, hitting our satellites with laser The mission of the U.S. Space Force is to “or- put forth a bipartisan proposal to create the U.S. beams, hitting them with high-power microwave ganize, train, and equip space forces in order to Space Corps. The proposal cleared the House, but bursts, and command intrusion. protect U.S. and allied interests in space…” The not the Senate. JWV will be a strong supporter of the U.S. responsibilities of the U.S. Space Force include Then, in a June 2018 meeting of the National Space Force.

Extra Assistance for Female Veterans Responding to the 2020 Census is Critical for the Nation’s Veterans

By Sheila Berg Military veterans are a diverse and thriving group Veterans of the Vietnam War are still the larg- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has in- of people who contribute in many ways to commu- est group of living veterans, at 6.7 million. World creased its access and information for female veter- nities across the United States. They are teachers, War II and Korean War veterans are aging, and ans. Since World War II more than 672,000 women business owners, public servants, volunteers, civic their numbers are declining. But the post-9/11 have fought for this country. The VA is addressing leaders, and they serve in other ways. In the spring, group that fought in the Gulf and Iraq Wars is the this underserved population by providing several veterans can continue to shape the future of their most diverse, highest-educated group, and has the ways to access help and information. The Women communities by being counted in the 2020 Census. highest percentage of service-related , Veteran Call Center (WVCC), created by the VA, A count every decade of people who live in the na- according to 2017 data from the Census Bureau’s is available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to tion is required by the U.S. Constitution. The data American Community Survey (ACS). The ACS 10 p.m. EST, and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. collected by the U.S. Census Bureau will inform is an ongoing survey that goes to about 3 million You can call or text the WVCC at 855-829-6636 or how state, local, and federal lawmakers allocate bil- homes a year and asks a wide variety of questions. log on to www.womenhealthva.gov for other con- lions of dollars in federal funds every year for the It differs from the once-a-decade census that at- tact methods. WVCC representatives can answer next 10 years for critical public services, including tempts to count every person once, only once, and general questions about benefits, eligibility, and veterans’ hospitals and medical programs, schools, in the right place. services specifically for female veterans. All of emergency services, and critical infrastructure. Post-9/11 veterans are more diverse in gender, the representatives are women, and some are also The 2020 Census questionnaire only asks a few race, and ethnic origin than earlier generations, ac- veterans. The call center can also conduct a brief simple questions about who lives in your household cording to the Census Bureau. For instance: needs assessment which will be sent to your home. including age, sex, race, and ethnicity. Individual • About 17% of post-9/11 veterans are women, The assessment provides information on personal- responses are confidential and protected by law. more than five times the percentage of women ized health care services and VA benefits. The mo- For the first time, people will be able to respond to among Vietnam War-era veterans. bile app Caring4Women was also developed by the the census online, by phone, or by mail. • 15.3% are Black, compared to 9.1% of Vietnam VA to increase awareness about different services. Painting a Picture of Our Nation’s Veterans War-era veterans. While the census only occurs once each de- • 12.1% are Hispanic, more than double the 5.2% cade, the Census Bureau plays an ongoing and vi- of Hispanic Vietnam War-era veterans. Shopping on Amazon via tal role in producing statistics so that we have an Census Bureau statistics from the ACS also Amazon Smile helps the JWV. informed understanding of today’s veterans. With show that half of all veterans today are young- Amazon will donate 0.5 % of the price of the information collected through Census Bureau er than 65. That means there are about 9 million your eligible Amazon Smile surveys, we know that the demographic character- preretirement-age veterans studying, working, and purchase to the JWV Foundation. istics of our nation’s veterans have changed dra- helping to shape the future of their communities. matically since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Continued on page 9 4 The Jewish Veteran Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 www.jwv.org COMMITTEE REPORTS

BUDGET COMMITTEE be a recruiting tool for all Posts and Departments. they joined, why they stayed (or why they left), and By Chairman Alan Paley Younger members can join any brick-and-mortar more, in order to develop ways to increase and re- post and also have a place to meet and interact with tain membership. We will eventually expand this During our meeting at NEC, the committee dis- their peers nationwide. They can watch and re- study to non-member Jewish veterans in order to cussed the budget for the fiscal year beginning July spond to the latest Gulf War Committee meetings, understand their interests. 1, 2020 and ending on June 30, 2021. The budget give their input, and be a part of this special growth represents JWV’s short term goals, based on the 4. Develop a communications plan to increase within JWV. revenue received from normal operations. Long awareness among non-members about to the ben- All these new avenues have sprouted, albeit slow- term financial goals are planned and managed by efits of joining JWV and allowing us to truly be- ly. This is where the committee is requesting your the Finance Board. We have projected revenue at come the Jewish voice for veterans. We plan to assistance. We need your help to spread awareness $1,267,500, which is $10,700 more than what we work with staff at National to develop marketing and encourage participation. Since there are some budgeted for the current fiscal year. materials with a similar look and feel. who are not on social media, an email has also As membership continues on a downward trend, we been set up, which will be utilized as a collection During NEC, we were given approval from lead- budgeted based on the actual dues received during point. Anyone can email us, including Posts and ership to start our comprehensive study of current 2019. For certain line items within the fundraising Departments, who have members or names for us and former members. We look forward to the activities area and also for bequests and contribu- to follow up on. Please contact us as at jwvgwc@ whole organization helping us achieve as high a tions, we were very conservative in our estimates. gmail.com or find our regular Facebook page by level of participation as possible. We hope to have On the expense side, we budgeted $1,425,500, searching for @JewishGulfWarVets. For the private preliminary results ready to report at the National which is $12,700 more than what we budgeted group, search and then apply for the JWV Gulf War Convention. for the current fiscal year. Although this number Vet Network. If you have any questions, you can is higher, I want to point out that we have added contact me at [email protected]. two new expense categories for 2021. We added VIETNAM VETERANS COMMITTEE $55,000 for marketing based on our discussions By Chairman Bob Jacobs with Marketing Committee Chairman Howard MARKETING COMMITTEE Approximately 30 people attended the Vietnam Goldstein. We also added estimated expenses By Chairman Howard Goldstein Veterans Committee on Friday afternoon at the of $5,000 for the new position of National Vice Attendees at this year’s National Convention in NEC. Commander. If you remove these two addition- Richmond heard a discussion about how additional Jerry Alperstein updated us on the progress of al items, we have reduced the expense budget by effort is needed to focus how we present ourselves our literary project which involves gathering the $47,300 as compared to the Fiscal 2020 budget. to both potential members as well as the public at stories of Jewish personnel who served during the We have reviewed every revenue and expense line large. An affirmative vote from attendees creat- Vietnam Era. We have gathered 89 stories and will within the budget and in many cases offered sug- ed a National Marketing Committee. An informal be publishing them on disc. The National Museum gestions on how to increase certain revenue line committee met during the convention with the ini- of American (NMAJMH) items or reduce certain expense line items. tial membership comprised of Howard Goldstein, will sell 200 copies at the museum night during Rochel Hayman, Steve Krant, Kim Queen, and the National Convention in Jacksonville, Florida. GULF WAR COMMITTEE REPORT Sheila Berg. Since that time, Lou Michaels and We hope to publish a second edition in the future. All profits from the sale of the discs will go to the By Chairwoman Rochel Hayman Dick Aronson have joined the committee. The Marketing Committee initially worked on NMAJMH. The Gulf War Committee has met twice, once by defining its mission and scope. Marketing is a On Wednesday, August 26, our committee will Zoom conference call and once at the National broad subject encompassing marketing planning, host the Vietnam Veterans Nite Out in Jacksonville. Executive Committee meeting in Washington, target marketing, market research, sales and com- You can find the reservation forms on www.jwv. D.C. We now have a set schedule for online meet- munications, and we needed to organize its scope org. This year’s location has limited seating, so ings which will occur on the first Wednesday eve- to make it manageable. Our committee held dis- only the first 80 people will be able to attend the ning of each month. cussions with Membership Committee Chairman dinner. The Gulf War Committee presented JWV with Barry Lischinsky to define our respective roles so Alperstein and I also updated the commit- a proposal to recognize and support the National we complement each other and avoid duplication tee on our initial efforts to establish a separate Desert Storm War Memorial going up on the of efforts. Vietnam exhibit at the NMAJMH. The proposed National Mall in 2021, and it passed by unanimous exhibit would focus on the Jewish experience in the vote. We thank Gulf War Committee member and We have agreed the committee will focus on four military during the Vietnam Era. Anyone who has National Quartermaster Nelson Mellitz for tak- specific areas. items they think might be useful should contact me ing on this project and bringing it to fruition. The 1. Target marketing, which includes determining at [email protected] or 732-691-6139. committee also had a well-attended meeting Friday various segments of Jewish veterans (for example, Kim Queen updated the group on a proposed afternoon, with close to 20 members. While we people who are nearing retirement from their ca- Facebook page only for committee members. If discussed a couple issue, some need to be more reers or newly separated from the military), what you have attended a committee meeting and giv- fleshed out. One of those ideas included having messages will resonate with these groups, what en us your email address, you will be considered a Gulf War Liaison in every Department. We’re benefits are important to them, and what is the best a committee member. The page should be up and hoping to have Department Commanders on board way to reach the audience. running by the time of National Convention. with assigning an appropriate contact. 2. Establishing a central repository of all best prac- Nelson Mellitz updated us on several legis- In general, there is more interest in the Gulf War tices as it relates to marketing communications lative issues, including the Mission Act, the Committee and we are slowly growing in partici- materials, fundraising, local community inclusion Water Navy Veterans law, and burn pit legislation. pating members. We will continue to reiterate the events, successful Post/Department meetings, National Commander Harvey Weiner thanked fact that we know the knowledge and experience of guest speakers, and other activities. We are looking the committee for all that it has done and will do. our members is our greatest asset. In order to actu- at ways to house or at least be knowledgeable about He said that as a Vietnam combat veteran, the alize that hidden potential, we have initiated net- where all materials are currently housed in various committee holds special meaning for him. Special working and social media opportunities to facilitate Posts, Departments, and other echelons so we can thanks goes out to Al Adler who takes great min- discussion. An email has been established, as well take the best of the materials and share them at all utes and makes it easy for me to remember what we as both a general information Facebook page con- levels of the organization. have accomplished. nected to JWV’s online presence and, even more important, a private Facebook Group exclusively 3. Conduct a comprehensive study of current and for JWV members. This new private group can past members of JWV to learn more about why

www.jwv.org Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 The Jewish Veteran 5 MEMBERSHIP CORNER At the NEC in Washington, D.C., the Membership We continue to lose members as the bulk of Posts. I am often Committee met and discussed what we are doing our organization ages. While we can’t avoid those asked, “What does not only recruit new members, but to retain mem- losses, we should never lose a member for no good JWV National bers. We must remember that retention is a key part reason. It is up to the leadership of each Post to do for me?” I be- of membership. encourage their members to remain active and to lieve the proper We are making inroads with the community keep every member in the fold. question should of active duty military members with assistance Our National Commander spoke to a joint be “What does from the Jewish Welfare Board and The Aleph hearing of the U.S. Senate and House Veterans’ JWV National Institute. Both of these organizations have access Affairs Committees in February. I had the honor of do for our veter- to active duty Chaplains and Lay Leaders. We hope attending this event, which was a proud moment for ans?” We need to spread our message through them and increase JWV and all veterans, past and present. National to remember that the number of active duty service members in our Commander Harvey Weiner spoke mainly about first and foremost, ranks. This is an investment in our future. courage during his five minute presentation. Just we are an orga- COL (ret) Barry Lischinsky It is incumbent upon all of us to be retention as he asked the legislators to have the courage to nization of veterans. Membership Chairman officers. We need to communicate with our current do the right thing for all veterans, we need to have We need to help not members so they realize the value of continued the courage to reach out not only to our existing only the members of JWV, but all veterans. This membership. We need to contact those who have members, but to potential members. is how we get and retain members – by showing let their membership lapse, find out why, and bring His message to Congress is the same message everyone what we do and why it is important to our them back. we should be bringing to our Departments and communities.

The Aleph Institute and the JWV Honoring Our By Larry Jasper Jewish-American Fallen Heroes This Memorial Day I have previously written about my collaboration with Rabbi By PNC David Magidson Irv Elson of the Jewish Welfare This Memorial Day week, May 22-25, 2020, Board (JWB) as part of an effort our spotlight should be focused on those to reach out to veterans while Jewish-American service personnel killed they are still on active duty. Elson in Afghanistan and Iraq. One way to honor has access to Jewish chaplains these men and women is at Shabbat services and lay leaders around the world. on Friday night and/or Saturday before the The goal is to use those chaplains National Day of Mourning. Many of us belong and lay leaders to reach active to a Synagogue, and almost all of us, whether a duty service members in order to member or not, attend services at a synagogue enhance their connection to the at least once a year. Jewish community through JWV. In our synagogue each year, we ask the The challenge is to let these ser- for an inclusive Memorial Day service, vice members know what’s in it From left: Jasper, Rabbi Dresin, Rabbi Estrin, and Navy Chaplain and they are quite receptive of the idea. At an Kleinman. for them. I presented a brochure appropriate time, one of the Rabbis asks all of highlighting that focus of my work and presented it Rabbi Sandy Dresin is the Director of Military our veterans to rise; then all immediate family to the National Executive Committee in February. Programs for Aleph and Rabbi Elie Estrin is the members of veterans to rise; then all relatives My work with Elson and the JWB continues. (My Military Personnel Liaison for Aleph. Dresin is of the veterans; and finally all congregants apologies to the Marketing Committee which did a retired Army Chaplain, who happened to serve who have or have had a good friend serve in not exist when this process began) with almost identical dates as I did. We started the the military. Now we have at least two-thirds So what does this have to do with the title of same year and he retired three years prior to me. of the congregation standing. We kvel! this article? We both served in Vietnam at the same time. Estrin Later, at the commencement of , Late last year, Membership Committee is a USAF Reserve Chaplain. the Rabbis read the names of the almost 60 Chairman Barry Lischinsky sent me a copy of a Aleph held an annual symposium for chap- Jewish-Americans who most recently gave their new quarterly magazine published by the Aleph lains and lay leaders in February. They invited lives for our liberty. Simultaneously, there is a Institute in Surfside, Florida. Since I did not know me to attend and deliver a speech to their group. scroll-down on a screen of the pictures of the about Aleph, I started looking into the group. Approximately half of those present were already fallen men and women, white and black, young The Aleph Institute is a organization JWV members. I talked to the others about the ben- and not so young, all Jewish-Americans. Tears with a branch that works with Orthodox service- efits of JWV, asked them to join, and asked them to come to all. What a wonderful ! members as chaplains and lay leaders. (JWB works talk about us with their fellow service members. I Moreover, there is the additional mitzvah with all denominations of ) Aleph estab- left with three completed membership applications. of asking all the veterans who stood to join lished Operation Enduring Traditions to service Estrin and Dresin have agreed to send information the Jewish War Veterans. There is no other the unique needs of Jewish members of the United about JWV to their members around the world. organization which speaks to the meritorious, States Armed Forces stationed worldwide. Aleph’s Aleph has asked me to return to their sympo- and sometimes heroic service of our Jewish- military program is the nation’s largest provider of sium next year, at which time I will be able to make American veterans. What an honor to be a religious and educational materials to Jewish mil- a more in-depth presentation on JWV. I will also member of JWV! So have your membership itary personnel and their families. They provide continue working with Dresin and Estrin on how applications handy and follow-up. prayer books and other religious articles, kosher we can forge a mutually beneficial relationship. Most Rabbis will be happy to amend their food and care packages, provisions and ser- The ultimate goal is to provide a continuing con- service. If there is resistance though, please re- vices, chaplaincy training, and many other services. nection with the Jewish service member both while mind them who we are, what we stand for, how I contacted the Institute and indicated I wanted on active duty and after leaving military service. I well respected we are in the community, and to explore a partnership with Aleph that would en- believe JWV, JWB, and Aleph can work together the sacrifice of our brothers and sisters. able both organizations to better serve active duty to accomplish this. If you need any help, contact Harrison Jewish service members. You never know what you can do until you try. Heller, our Membership Coordinator, at 202-265-6280.

6 The Jewish Veteran Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 www.jwv.org 7 Questions with a JWV Member National Commander Weiner Testifies Continued from page 3 Member: Rabbi Irv Elson Congressional resolution is not enough. Take back the war power that the framers of the Constitution Post: North County Post 385 (California) and your own 1973 War Powers Resolution gave you. Member Since: 2001 When Lincoln was in the Congress, he wrote the following: “The provision of the Constitution giving the 1. Where and when did you serve in the military? war-making power to Congress, was dictated, as I I was commissioned an Ensign in the Naval Reser ve understand it, by the following reasons. Kings had in 1982 and went on active duty in June of 1987. I always been involving and impoverishing their served at bases in Okinawa, Japan, Naval Station people in wars, pretending generally, if not always, Charleston, South Carolina, Gaeta, Italy, the Naval that the good of the people was the object. This our Education and Training Center in Newport, Rhode convention understood to be the most oppressive Island, Scotia, New York, and as Staff Chaplain at of all Kingly oppressions; and they resolved to so the United States Naval Academy. In January of frame the Constitution that no one man should hold 2003, I deployed to Kuwait and eventually Iraq for courage and provided answers for me for some of the power of bringing this oppression upon us.” Operation Iraqi Freedom as Jewish Chaplain for life’s toughest questions. As a cantankerous football coach in my neck the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. As the only of the woods is fond of saying, “Do your job!” Risk Jewish Chaplain serving with Marines in Iraq, and 4. Have you ever experienced anti-Semitism at your jobs to do the right thing! In the long run, it is chaplain for 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, home or abroad? not just your constituents that you must face. You I participated in numerous combat engagements No must face your children, your grandchildren, your throughout the conflict. I returned to Iraq in descendants, and history. Also, you must face your- September of 2004 to serve as the Jewish Chaplain 5. Why did you join JWV? self and your conscience. Become a candidate for for IMEF during the Battle for Fallujah. In June of Col. Max Colon invited me to join his post and I the Profiles in Courage award. 2005, I became the Deputy Command Chaplain at was impressed with their sense of history, patrio- We, the veterans of America, do not just ask the U.S. Naval Academy. In July of 2007 I became tism and service. I wanted to be part of that. you to do the right thing despite the political con- the first Force Chaplain for Commander Naval Air 6. How would you improve a current JWV pro- sequences. We demand it, and we are entitled to do Forces followed by an assignment in August of gram or what type of program do you think JWV so. Thank you. 2010 as Wing Chaplain, III Marine Aircraft Wing. need to add? I returned to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force as The written testimony submitted to the com- Like everyone else at JWB, I ask myself how we the Force Chaplain in November of 2012, making mittee included JWV priorities of opposition to the can attract Jewish veterans from the post-Vietnam multiple deployments to Afghanistan in support of privatization of the Department of Veterans Affairs, generation. The organization needs to evolve by Operation Enduring Freedom. as well as the passage of legislation to reduce the seeking what Gen XYZ Jewish veterans need and number of veteran suicides, assist homeless veter- 2. Why did you join the military? provide that. ans, and expand the current eligibility period for I am the son of a Marine and wanted to serve my 7. What have you done to help improve the Jewish those who wish to become members of JWV. country following in my father’s footsteps. When I experience for those who are serving? You can find a link to the document Weiner sub- decided to become a rabbi, serving as a Navy chap- As Director of the Jewish Welfare Board (JWB), mitted to the committees on our website, www.jwv.org. lain became a natural choice. our mission is to provide a meaningful Jewish life 3. How did your Jewish faith impact your time in for those currently serving. We help recruit chap- Meeting Requirements Waived lains, train them and lay leaders, and provide pro- the service? Due to the current unprecedented situation graming so Jews in uniform and their families can Kind of an unfair question being I’m a rabbi. My created by the Coronavirus, all JWV live a Jewish life while in uniform. Jewish faith informed everything I did in the mili- echelons are hereby excused from holding tary. It informed my choices, gave me strength and any mandatory meetings until further notice. If your post or department would like to hold NEW MEMBERS a meeting, JWV committees often utilize DEPARTMENT AT LARGE DEPARTMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS Esquivel, Pablo E. - Post 112 video conferencing. Please call Harrison Harari, Captain - Post 100 Finkle, Gerald - Post 32 Glazer, Marc J. - Post 112 Heller at 202-265-6280 for more information Levy, Lee K - Post 100 Marks, Josef B - Post 112 on these options. DEPARTMENT OF MICHIGAN Lott, Erik K - Post 100 Mendelsohn, Douglas - Post 112 Packard, Gary - Post 510 Messinger, - Post 100 Nyamesa, Griffins - Post 112 Perezselsky, Daniel J. - Post 100 DEPARTMENT OF MIDWEST Radinsky, David J. - Post 121 Shafer, Byron A - Post 344 Cohen, Matthew - Post 260 Salgado, - Post 112 High Holiday Cards Sheby, Matthew - Post 77 Williams, Jack F - Post 112 JWV is pleased to offer you a variety of our DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA Williams, Nathan B. - Post 100 Vekshtein, Michael - Post 112 Elledge, Kim - Post 331 High Holiday cards from years past. We DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOUTHWEST will have them available at our National DEPARTMENT OF NEVADA Braslawsce, Zeesha H. - Post 118 Black, Barry G. - Post 210 Convention or you can call us to receive Shreiar, Iris G. - Post 064 Lewinson, Hillard W - Post 603 Glassman, Rodney B. - Post 210 an assortment of High Holiday cards at Philbin, Matthew - Post 185 DEPARTMENT OF NEW JERSEY Posniack, Gregory J. - Post 619 a suggested donation of $1.00 per card. Kampf, Joel - Post 740 DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TALO Please contact Cara Rinkoff or Ben Kane at Braverman, Nachum - Post 265 DEPARTMENT OF NEW YORK Chalfin, Steven - Post 753 202-265-6280. Fisher, Daniel - Post 352 Annunziata, Nathaniel F. - Post Cohen, M. - Post 795 Cards by artist Huriash, - Post 606 652 Gaff, Robert G. - Post 753 Copperman, Stuart - Post 631 Birnbaum, Martin J - Post 652 Hobbs, Texas - Post 753 Smadar Livne Blumberg, Isidore - Post 652 Hochman, Yitzchak M. - Post 795 DEPARTMENT OF ILLINOIS Day, Matthew I. - Post 105 Jimenez, Ismael J. - Post 753 Sinai, Noah R. - Post 029 Glatt, Sheldon - Post 717 Khan, Imran - Post 757 DEPARTMENT OF MARYLAND Luster, Juana E. - Post 006 Quillen, Annya C. - Post 753 Getz, Melvin E - Post 167 Rosensweet, Edward - Post 652 Van Damme, Shelly - Post 753 Skurow, Marc D - Post 380 Spinner, Eric L - Post 652 DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN Firnbacher, Frederick S. - Post 567 Weissberg, N - Post 717 Pires, Scott J. - Post 701 Wise, Arthur E - Post 692 DEPARTMENT OF SOUTHEAST Cohen, Michael G. - Post 320

www.jwv.org Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 The Jewish Veteran 7 From Our Archives... Reprinted from The Jewish Veteran April/May/June 1984 • at Sea, 1944 By Lt. Cmdr. Bill Jaffe, USNR (Ret.) • JWV Post 608

The year is 1944. USS IOWA, our first Capt. John L. McCrae is a burly Irish 45,000 ton battleship is part of Adm. Bull Catholic with white hair, bushy eyebrows, Halsey’s 3rd Fleet. We have successful- ruddy cheeks, and a weather beaten face; ly bombarded Japanese held Truk Island, he looks the part of a sea captain. I am on supported the landings on Guam, Tinian, the edge of my seat. “Jaffe, you know that and Saipan, and are now stalking the ene- the Jewish Passover will be in two ?”. my fleet somewhere in the Philippine Sea, I say, “Yes sir” (I am lying). “I want you 12,000 miles from the states. to muster all the Jewish crew aboard and Time has no meaning in war – you have a seder. I will order the Chaplain lose track of months and days of the week. (a Catholic priest) to help you.” An Irish The almost incessant clanging of the GQ navy captain has reminded his only Jewish (general quarters) alarm marks time, as the officer to observe the Passover – leave un- booming voice of the ’sun-mate over the broken the tradition with his brothers. For intercom calls, “All hands, man your bat- one night, the war is to be forgotten. tlestations on the double.” The kamaka- “What will you need?” he asks. I reply zes make their attacks on the fleet-some 16 inch guns of the USS IOWA firing during battle drill that wine will be required for the rituals, get through to the “flattops” (carriers), but in the Pacific, ca. 1944. and the ship’s cooks will be needed to pre- most of them are given the “deep six” treatment by the AA guns from pare a reasonable facsimile of a seder dinner in the library. The Captain the IOWA and her sister ships. It is “watch on and watch off” – four offers, “The chaplain keeps plenty of wine for Mass and he will give you hours on duty and four hours sleep – and it seems as if this has been what you need. (I though that the use of alcoholic beverages by the crew going on for an eternity. aboard ship and especially in wartime was a court martial offense – but Suddenly, there is a lull in the action. The enemy fleet, badly dam- I got five gallons for the seder). aged, has suddenly escaped and disappeared. IOWA again takes on an I now meet with a committee selected from the nearly 200 of the air of routine and normality. crew that are of the Jewish faith to plan a menu and the services. The A Marine Orderly knocks on the door of my quarters. “Lieutenant latter is no problem as there are plenty of -buchers aboard. I am Jaffe, the Captain wants to see you in his cabin.” “God, what have I reminded that an essential item is missing – . We are half done?” I am one of 250 officers out of a ship’s complement of 2,600 way around the world – too far to run to the corner store. It seems if men. “Could it be bad news from home – or a promotion – or a long you have trust in G-D, He will provide. One of the committee suddenly awaited transfer back to the states?” remembers that there is a cook aboard who had worked at Manischewitz I have been riding these “battlewagons” for almost four years; first, in Brooklyn. on convoy duty on the NEW YORK to Iceland and to Scotland, fol- So at near Latitude 15 degrees North-Longitude 130 degrees , lowed by bombardments on the African west coast at Port Laueutey in search of the Japanese fleet, USS IOWA holds what is probably the and Casablanca. Now I am assigned to IOWA, the ship that would be- first in U.S. naval history. I remind those present of the come famous for taking FDR to his historical meeting with Churchill need to preserve our traditions and that our prayers should be that next and Stalin in Tehran. Still in the future is the scare enroute to Iran when year – not in –but at home with our loved ones. The allotment one of our destroyers inadvertently fires a “live” magnetic torpedo us- of wine is most gone. Again the glasses are filled, and as we stand to- ing IOWA as a simulated target with the President and the entire Joint gether at a Passover to be remembered, we conclude with the one word Chiefs of Staff aboard. that Jews have repeated almost from the beginning of time – a word that Now the Marine Orderly announces my presence to the Captain. tin 1944 the whole world seeks – SHALOM. “Jaffe, come in and have a seat.” I can barely blurt out, “Ay, ay, sir.”

Operation Benjamin: Honoring Fallen Jewish Servicemen With The Right Headstones

By Elizabeth Howe, Connecting Vets took four years for Lamm and his team to navigate More than 405,000 American service members exactly how to have the issue corrected — which were killed during World War II, and not all of it was during the summer of 2018. The nonprofit them were buried under the correct headstones. has been working to do the same for other Jewish Operation Benjamin estimates that hundreds of service members ever since. Jewish service members could have been buried “What can I say. It’s an obsessive labor of under Latin Crosses instead of Jewish Stars of love,” Lamm said of the long process. David, and they’re working to fix that — one ser- vice member at a time. It’s not easy to change headstones thanks to the Operation Benjamin began unintentionally American Battle Monuments Commission’s strict when organization president Shalom Lamm came standards — but the operation is truly thankful for across the issue in 2014 “serendipitously.” those standards. “It was really quite by accident that we came “The American Battle Monuments across it, but we were scratching our heads trying Commission has super-duper high standards in to figure out what happened. What could be done?” order to prove that someone was fully Jewish and Lamm explained. that a mistake was made,” Lamm said. “But as I Now, the operation is named for that first case. say with such earnestness that the standards are gi- Private Benjamin Garadetsky was a Jewish sol- normous — we applaud that because getting to the dier mistakenly buried under a Latin Cross at the truth is very important. So they make it very diffi- Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. It Continued on page 17

8 The Jewish Veteran Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 www.jwv.org NOTES FROM THE EDITOR

Please allow me to introduce myself. I am the were in any way the result of military involvement, igrate our enemy. new Editor of The Jewish Veteran. I am also the rather the individuals bringing these tendencies This is an unfor- Department of Florida Commander, Commander with them into the military. tunate necessity. It of Post 373 in Tampa, and a 30-year veteran of Rep. Anthony Brown of Maryland’s 4th is designed to con- the U.S. Army. I retired in 1997 with the rank of District who serves as the vice chairman of the dition the soldier Command Sergeant Major after spending most of House of Representatives Committee on Armed to be able to pull my career in Special Forces. I am also a 40+ year Services, is pushing to add a question to routine the trigger on the member of the Special Forces Association. I served command climate surveys regarding troops’ expe- enemy. How many in three armed conflicts and feel qualified to com- riences with these behaviors. This would help iden- of you have fired ment on the accuracy of the article that appeared tify white supremacism and racial hatred and allow your weapon at an on the front page of the last issue of "The Jewish for intervention and education at an early stage. enemy? Do you Veteran." In short, the article pointed out that a climate think you could The author wrote the article as a result of an of racism does exist within the military. It is be- have done that if interview with former Sgt. Buckley. The article ing addressed. As to the article in question, several you were not con- points out some facts about issues of racism with- JWV members have expressed outrage with the ditioned to demon- Larry Jasper, National Editor in the military. There is a growing number of ser- title and justly so. I believe the author’s intentions ize the enemy? This does not make you a radical. vice members with links to white supremacist or were good, but missed the mark with the title. Had This does not make you a racist. This makes you neo-Nazi ideology and activity. A recent survey he used just the first five words – “Confessions of a someone who sees the enemy for what they are by the Military Times found that half of minori- Veteran Klansman” – no one would have objected. and gives you the ability to pull the trigger. This is ty troops and more than one-third of active duty Blaming the U.S. Army for radicalizing a soldier something someone who has not been in that posi- troops have personally witnessed examples of was out of line. tion may have a hard time understanding. some sort of racism. When we hear of someone being radicalized I commend Sgt. Buckley for changing his ways This is being investigated by Congress. Such we think of someone moving toward sympathy and leaving his life of hatred and racism. I listened conduct is a disqualifier for entry into the military and support of an organization like ISIS; someone to Sgt. Buckley during a video conference and I and it is also grounds for expulsion. who has been moved to conduct terrorist type acts. firmly believe he did not develop his attitude of There have been a small number of cases recent- What was described in the article was not radical- racism as a result of his military service. His own ly where military members were charged with a va- ization, but racism. In the article we are told how story tells us how this began at home and how he riety of offenses such as sharing Nazi-sympathizing his family instilled his sense of racism starting at brought his attitude to the military. materials, having links to white nationalist organiza- the age of seven. I welcome your comments. tions, and being involved in terror plots. It is true that over the decades the military, par- So far, there is no evidence that these activities ticularly the Army, has used various means to den- Our 125th Anniversary Mitzvah Project Responding to the 2020 Census By Norman Rosenshein communities and bring awareness to the Jewish Continued from page 4 At our recent NEC meeting we invited Sofer War Veterans, while at the same time, raising This younger, more-diverse population has on Site to talk to us about repairing one of our some money for themselves and National. specialized needs, from access to post-military . Rabbi Moshe Druin told us about the The restoration process will start at our job training and education to more female-centric history of the Torah currently in the museum’s 125th convention in Jacksonville, Florida this health care services, as well as parks and schools chapel. He believes a Sofer wrote the Sephardic August. For the next year the Torah, or parts for their young children. Torah in Morocco at least 250 years ago. of it, will across the country, allowing Zoom out and consider the scale of these demo- Eventually, the Torah ended up in a synagogue posts and departments to get involved in the graphic shifts: Census Bureau statistics tell us that in Portugal before its donation to our museum. restoration. At each location there will be there are a total of 1.6 million female veterans, rep- The Torah is currently not kosher, which means multiple education stations, including one resenting nearly 10% of the entire veteran popula- it needs some repair work. with the scribe who will explain the method tion—and their numbers and impacts are growing. The last of the 613 mitzvot in the Torah says of writing in the Torah and allow each family Shape Your Future: How Veterans that each should write a Torah. Since this to participate. Everyone will learn about the Should Participate clearly isn’t a possibility for the vast majority of letter and phrase they are helping to inscribe Responding to surveys and questionnaires from people, Sofer on Site allows people to write a in the Torah. the Census Bureau helps ensure that we continue letter in the Torah. This fulfills that final mitzvah. The dedication of the restored Torah will to have an accurate picture of our communities and We hope this restoration project will take place at our convention in New Orleans, responding to the 2020 Census will be particularly help posts and departments reach out to their Louisiana in 2021. important. In March 2020, households will receive a VA Secretary Wilkie Addresses JWV and JWVA Members at NEC 2020 mailed invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Continued from page 1 Most people will have the option to respond on- “I stand with him in standing up for the rights of for the human rights that we as Americans have to line from any computer device—such as a laptop, those of you in this audience, but more importantly defend every day.” smartphone, or tablet—as well as by phone or by Wilkie concluded his 20 minute speech by tell- mail. If veterans are unclear as to how they should ing JWV, “As long as I am in this office you all count themselves or the people in their home, they have what the British would say, first dibs on me, should visit Who to Count on 2020census.gov. whatever you need.” Generally speaking, veterans need to complete While Wilkie had to leave early to attend a 2020 Census questionnaire unless they live in a meeting at the White House and did not have group housing, a hospital, or another “group quar- time to answer questions from members after his ters” facility. In that instance, a representative of speech, he arrived early in order to greet members the building will fill out the census questionnaire individually and take time to pose for pictures. for everyone who lives in the facility. To learn more about the 2020 Census and how Norman Rosenshein, Secretary Wilkie, Harvey Weiner it will shape the future for veterans, service mem- (Photograph by Lou Michaels). bers, and their families, visit 2020census.gov.

www.jwv.org Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 The Jewish Veteran 9 Welcome to Jacksonville, Florida! Welcome to Jacksonville, Florida! The 125th Jewish War Veterans annual convention will be held in Jacksonville, Florida this year. The largest city by area in the contiguous United States. Jacksonville is an im- portant port city, with a rich, history. Studies of pottery found in the Jacksonville area revealed that people inhabited the area as far back as ap- proximately 2500 B.C., though much of its history before 1562 is unknown. The area switched ownership repeat- edly between the French, Spanish, and British empires before the territory of Florida became part of the United States in 1821. The city is named af- ter President Andrew Jackson. It rose to prominence during the American Civil War when, as an important port for the their disapproval of the oftentimes loud and disrup- and placed an emphasis on combating corruption, Confederacy, it was blockaded and occupied sever- tive nature of filmmaking. facilitating integration, and improving the quali- al times by Union forces. But where one industry fell, another rose to ty of services that benefitted the citizenry. It was The city had largely recovered from the Civil prominence. Its location made Jacksonville a par- through these efforts that Jacksonville recovered War by the late 1800s, when it suffered an outbreak ticularly enticing area for the U.S. Navy. When and became the beautiful city that it is today. It has of yellow fever and a massive fire. The fire gave World War II came around, Jacksonville became continued its tradition of having a storied existence, Jacksonville the chance for a fresh start. The city the home of several new Navy bases. While this having survived several hurricanes and the hosting emerged as the “winter film capital of the world” helped in the short term, the post-war migration of of Super Bowl XXXIX. JWV is looking forward to because of its cheap labor and agreeable climate, residents away from the city and into the suburbs adding to that history by having the 2020 National a title held until 1917. Conservative citizens and caused Jacksonville to experience an economic Convention in Jacksonville. We hope to see you all their newly elected representatives decided to make decline. A 1967 consolidation referendum com- there in August! Jacksonville less appealing for film studios due to bined the city and county governments into one, Things to Do in Jacksonville Museum of Contemporary Art MOCA has designed its exhibits to enhance the un- derstanding and appreciation of modern and con- temporary art with an emphasis on works created between 1960 and the present. There are more than 1,000 pieces in the museum’s permanent collec- tion, which makes it one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art in the Southeast. Museum admission is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for seniors and military members. The museum is open from Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more infor- mation call 904-366-6911 or visit https://mocajack- The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens sonville.unf.edu/. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens features the This museum in the historic Riverside neighbor- only walking in Northeast Florida. There are Head out to the Ballpark hood houses more than 5,000 works of art, includ- more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals, as well as The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are the Double-A ing significant European and American paintings, 1,000 plant varieties on exhibit. The zoo is open affiliate of the Miami Marlins. They have evening as well as a renowned Meissen porcelain collec- daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The general admission home games August 22 through August 27. The tions. Visitors can also tour the formal gardens cost is $24.95 per person. Seniors 65 and older are games on Saturday and Sunday start at 6:35 p.m., which overlook the St. Johns River. The museum $22.95. For more information call 904-757-4463 or the weekday games start at 7:05 p.m. For ticket in- is open on Sunday from Noon to 4 p.m., closed on visit https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/. formation call 904-358-2846 or visit https://www. Monday, open Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and milb.com/jacksonville. Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fort Caroline National Memorial Admission costs $10 for adults and $6 for seniors Located along the St. Johns River in the Arlington and active duty military members. For more infor- neighborhood, Fort Caroline is a memorial to mation call 904-356-6857 or visit www.cummer- the French presence in Jacksonville during the museum.org. 16th century. The location has both a replica fort and museum along with a for the St. Johns River Taxi and Tours Timucuan Preserve. The National Park Service The easiest ways for visitors to get on the water is operates this free site, which also includes numer- via the River Taxi. The taxi has multiple stops along ous historical sites and nature trails. The area is the St. Johns River in the city’s downtown area, and open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more infor- also offers sunset cruises and ecotours. You can mation call 904-641-7155 or visit https://www.nps. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp ride all day for just $10.00. For information call 904- gov/timu/learn/historyculture/foca_visiting.htm. 860-8294 or visit www.jaxrivertaxi.com.

10 The Jewish Veteran Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 www.jwv.org Here’s a quick JWV Annual National Convention JWVA look at some August 23-28, 2020 • Jacksonville, Florida of this year’s th nd • 245 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 Convention 125 Omni Jacksonville 92 • Phone (904) 355-6664 • www.omnihotels.com/hotels/jacksonville meetings and events! Hotel registration Sunday, August 23 JWV Member Name: ______Post #: ______deadline is National Museum of Wed. July 15 JWVA Member Name: ______Aux.#:______American Jewish Military Address: ______Dept.: ______History Event A one night ($159/single or City: ______State: ______Zipcode: ______Monday, August 24 double) deposit Phone: ______Email: ______NEC Meeting is required for all hotel registrations. Convention Opening Room will be shared with: ______Partners Club A 3-night minimum Arriving on: ______/______Departing on: ______/______Total nights: ______JWVA Pound Auction stay is required. Registration for both JWV + JWVA Cost QTY. Amount

Tuesday, August 25 Rooms Check one: King 2 beds $159.00 per night Please note that handicap rooms Breakfast is JWVA National I need a Handicap room. Hotel reservations will be assigned by JWV on an as included! President’s Reception need priority. 3rd Person in a room $79.50 per night and Banquet must be made through JWV. JWV Member Convention Registration Fee $50.00

Wednesday, August 26 Convention Surcharge for those not staying at the Hotel $175.00 per member JWVA Double Chai There is a National Commander’s Banquet • Thurs, Aug. 27 Luncheon $47.50 per person $175 Convention _____ Flat Iron Steak _____Salmon ____Sugar-free Dessert Vietnam Veterans surcharge for Night Out JWV + JWVA National Ladies Auxiliary Registration Fee ($50.00 at Convention) $45.00 per member members $50.00 Partners Club ($50 new members/$25 renewal) • Mon, Aug.24 Thursday, August 27 not staying at $25.00 the hotel. NMAJMH Meeting National President’s Reception and Banquet • Tues, Aug. 25 Elections Local members _____ Fish _____ Sliced Flank Steak $47.50 per person National Commander’s living within _____ Sugar-free Dessert Banquet a 50 mile radius Double Chai Club Luncheon • Wed, Aug 26 $36.00 per person are exempt. Roast Turkey Sandwich You don’t need to belong * Schedule subject to change Veggie Wrap Sugar-Free Dessert to the Ladies Auxiliary to attend our Double Chai JWVA events are This is my first Double Chai Luncheon Luncheon. open to everyone! I already have 15 stones on my pin Everyone is welcome! You will have a Make a Difference! I am happy with the Double Chai Pin I have now great time! Sign and mail this I have on my pin and will need one more (15 stones max) We challenge you to completed form, make a difference Raffle Tickets • $5.00 each or 3 for $10.00 JWV along with your in JWV's future by Raffle Tickets • $5.00 each or 3 for $10.00 JWVA identifying key issues payment to: Total affecting our Gulf War, Jewish War Veterans Amount All events must be pre-paid in full Iraq, Afghanistan, and 1811 R Street, NW paying now: female veterans. Washington, DC I am paying by: Check American Express Visa Mastercard Discover 20009 Writing a resolution is Card No. Exp. / a great way to become Attn: Convention Dept. involved in JWV on a Signature national scale. Voting Eligibility at the Resolutions approved Vietnam Veterans Night Out! at convention become  2020 National Comvention Wednesday, August 26 • 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. part of the National To be in good standing and eligible to vote at the agenda when JWV's National Convention, all Posts must have complied Food • Fun • Friends This dinner is an annual event when we come National Commander with the following items: testifies before together to share good food and great fun Congress every year. • Complete IRS Form 990-N (or 990 or 990 EZ) and with old and new friends. submit a copy to National Headquarters. Everyone is Welcome - But attendance is Need help writing • Submit a completed Installation Form (Warrant) to limited to the first 80 reservations received! a resolution? Go National Headquarters. $45 per person (includes tax and tip) if you check is to: www.jwv.org/ received by August 20. communications/ • Submit a completed Financial Report, which must $55/cash per person if you pay at the hotel. national_resolutions then be approved by the Finance Board Chairman. Contact Jerry Alperstein at 212-477-3131 or 646-825-1694 • Proof of Fidelity Bond and post liability insurance or go to jwv.org for more details.

www.jwv.org Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 The Jewish Veteran 11 JWV IN THE COMMUNITY

The Martin Hochster Jewish War Veteran Post 755 in Fort Worth installed its new officers on Sunday, January 5. From Left: Quartermaster Michael Ross, Officer of the Day Fred Korngut, Staff Judge Advocate Laurin Baum, Commander Members of Post 753 in San Antonio, Texas served cookies, Nana Atkens, Sr. Vice Commander Phil Kabakoff, and Aide de Camp Will Kutler. ice cream, and popsicles to patients and staff at the Audie Murphy VA Medical Center on December 25. From Left: Ken Ashworth, Garland Scott, Jeff Hoffman, Herschel Sheiness, and Norton Schectman.

Members of Post 760 of Anaheim, California made its annual Gifts for a Yank donation to the Tibor Rubin VA Hospital in Long Beach, California in December. From Left: Glenn Karter, Diane Field, Steve Field, Janet Karter, and Army National Guard members.

A Special Birthday Celebration By Barry Lischinsky On Sunday, December 15, members of JWV and the JWVA gathered to celebrate North Shore Post 220 mem- On Sunday, January 26, JWV Post 256 in Dallas, ber Lillian Aronson’s 102nd birthday. At the age of 26, Texas awarded the distinguished medal of merit Aronson volunteered to join the Women’s Army Auxiliary coin to member Max Glauben for his dedication and Corps (WAAC). She became a career soldier, spending commitment to holocaust education and the fight against anti-Semitism. the next 20 years on active duty and achieving the rank of a Sergeant First Class. During the birthday celebration,

JWV National Commander Harvey Weiner presented her with a Centenarian Certificate and a JWV Commander's Coin. JWV MA Department Commander Jeffrey Blonder presented Aronson with a certificate from Massachusetts Senator Edward Markey and JWV MA North Shore Post 220 Commander Alan Lehman presented her with a certifi- cate from Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton. Aronson is still an active member of both the Jewish War Veterans and the Disabled American Veterans. The Department of Wisconsin co-sponsored a Menorah Factory at Home Depot with Chabad Mequon.

12 The Jewish Veteran Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 www.jwv.org JWV IN THE COMMUNITY

New Jersey Commander Jeff Sohn and Sr. Vice Commander Chuck Greenberg attended the annual Hanukkah party hosted by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. More than 40 members of Post 256 and our Ladies Auxiliary, along with ‘home for the holidays’ extended family helped to make our annual Christmas Mitzvah at the Dallas VA Hospital a success on December 25. We distributed 200 gift bags to patients and family members staying at the nearby Fisher House. From Left: Art Kaplan and Barry Gluck.

Commander Gary Ginsburg of Post 41 in Rochester, New York assisted local volunteers who created and distributed 20 lap Sr. Vice Commander Mel Cohen of Post 336 participated in the annual Employee robes to veterans at the Richards House. From Left: Nancy Appreciation Breakfast at the Calverton Long Island National Cemetery on December 12. Van Apeldoorn and Ginsberg.

Members of Ben Katz Post 580 in New Orleans, Louisiana joined the Chabad Center of Metairie to light a menorah at the New Orleans VA Hospital. The event also included latkes for everyone and Hanukkah Commander Jerome Cohen of Post 567 in Maryland songs. From Left: Lt. Col. Carol Berman, Dr. Louis Trachtman, Rabbi Josh Pernick, Post Commander delivered toys to the annual Toys for Kids drive at Children’s Judge Sol Gothard, Joel Picker, CEO and President of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans National Hospital in Washington, D.C. Arnie Fielkow, and Rabbi Mendel Ceitlin.

www.jwv.org Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 The Jewish Veteran 13 JWV IN THE COMMUNITY

On February 5, representatives of Post 735 in Sharon, Massachusetts presented $1,125 to the Brockton Campus of the VA Boston Healthcare System. The post collected these funds during their Veterans Day fundraising. Since 2009, the post has raised and contributed more than $25,000 to this organization. From Left: Richard Albert, Paul Triber, Chief Voluntary Service of the VA Brockton Campus Jason Gray, Post Commander Jeffrey Weitzenkorn, and Paul Maltzman.

15 Members from JWV Post 29 in Highland Park, Illinois participated in firearms training at the Caliber Gun Range in Waukegan. From Left: Sid Stein, Jeff Sacks, and Bruce Rapa.

Post 740 in Livingston, New York attended a ceremony on February 2 to honor the four chaplains killed when a U-Boat sunk the S.S. Dorchester in World War II. From Left: Tom Ciccone, Post Commander Steve Hoffman, Peter Brady, and Charles Quinn.

On Sunday, February 2, the Department of Massachusetts held its 66th Annual Brotherhood Breakfast at Lombardo’s in Randolph. The event honored 54 students from high schools throughout the Commonwealth. This year’s guest speakers included Consul General of Israel to New England Ambassador Ze’ev Boker and Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans Services Francisco Urena. From Left: Jeffrey Blonder, National Commander Harvey Weiner, and Urena.

Krieger-Loube Post 567 in Leisure World, Maryland celebrated Hanukkah with its annual Menorah Lighting ceremony at the local Signal Financial Credit Union on December 23.

20 members of the Department of Michigan spent December 25 at the Battle Creek Hospital. They delivered gifts of food and socks and spent time playing bingo with the patients.

14 The Jewish Veteran Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 www.jwv.org JWV IN THE COMMUNITY

Post 105 in Albany, New York joined the First Reformed Church of Schenectady to honor the 55th recipient of the Four Chaplains’ Brotherhood Award on Sunday, February 23. The Four Chaplains Brotherhood Award furthers the spirit of "unity without uniformity" by en- couraging goodwill and cooperation among all people. The non-denominational award honors people whose On January 12, the Department of Florida held its mid-Winter conference at the Delray Beach deeds symbolize the legacy of the Four Chaplains. Golf Club. Both National Commander Harvey Weiner and National Auxiliary President Sandra Cantor attended the conference. From Left: David Patlak, Larry Jasper, PNC David Magidson, From Left: Post Commander Fred Altman, award recipient Bill PNC Ainslee Ferdie, NC Harvey Weiner, Steven Jockers Jr., Roger Snyder, and Alan Paley. Schaaf, and Capital District Council Commander Rich Goldenberg.

Members of Post 373 presented the colors at the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game on Jewish Appreciation Night in December. From Left: Jack Rudowsky, Larry Jasper, Lou Michaels of Post 354 is the new Commander of Steve Falkowitz, Jim Marenus, and Georgi Jasper. the Department of Minnesota. From Left: Outgoing Commander Peter Nickitas and Michaels.

The Warrior Canine Connection brought a litter of nine, seven-week-old Labrador retriever puppies to spend time with JWV and JWVA members at NEC 2020 in Arlington, Virginia. The puppies will undergo training with veterans who suffer from PTSD and then they will become service dogs for veterans with disabilities.

Sandra Cantor Jeff Sacks Jon Sacks Herb Rosenbleeth

www.jwv.org Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 The Jewish Veteran 15 REVIEW religion, and it is not merely an ethnicity. Judaism itism exploits the moral fear within people. They is a people. More specifically, it is a people with a place sole blame for the continued conflict between language, a culture, a literature, and a particular set and on the . This of ideas, beliefs, texts, and legal practices.” moral fear causes some Jews to downplay their Many Americans put anti-Semitism and rac- sympathies, or entirely abandon their support for ism in the same basket. Is anti-Semitism the same Israel. The Boycott, Divest, and Sanction (BDS) as racism or is it a subset of racism? In American Movement, focuses on getting governments around society, Jews are considered white. However Weiss the world pull their support of Israel. The group does asks, “Were there laws in Maryland saying that not protest Israeli policies, but they wish to isolate Jews couldn’t hold public office? Yes. Was that the and pressure Israel until the Jewish State collapses. same as human beings in the Old Line State being Omar Barghouti, co-founder of BDS said, “We op- bought and sold as property? Absolutely not.” She pose a Jewish state in any part of … [only] continues, “Are Jews barred from country clubs? a sellout Palestinian would accept a Jewish state Yes. But are Jews singled out and discriminated in Palestine.” Some far-left groups also use the ex- against, not least by law enforcement, because of treme end of victimhood to shame Jewish business an immutable physical characteristic? Most defi- owners and academic leaders of their Jewishness nitely not.” According Weiss, if anti-Semitism is a and their support for Israel. subset of racism, it whitewashes the Jewish peo- Those on the far-right use tactics such as fear, ple. The majority of Israel’s Jewish population is neo-fascism, and Nazi ideology to instill fear in By Harrison Heller of Mizrahi decent (Middle Eastern and North the community. George Lincoln Rockwell, a U.S. “How to Fight Anti-Semitism” is a must read. African heritage) and 12-15 percent of America’s Navy veteran who served during World War II Whether you are Jewish or not, this recounting of Jewish population is comprised of people of color. and the Korean War, founded the American Nazi anti-Semitism and how to fight back is essential. She explains the difference between anti-Semitism Party in 1959. Inspired by Black , those In today’s America, where we thought anti-Semi- and anti-Jewish prejudice. One example she gives on the far-right started to merge religion with white tism was an afterthought until Charlottesville and is that of a father who prefers his daugh- supremacy, and thus gave rise to such Christian Pittsburgh, author Bari Weiss gives a chilling and ter not marry a Jew. This is anti-Jewish prejudice. Identity groups as The Order and America’s thought-provoking look at this thought virus. However, this man does not hold the belief that the Promise Ministries. Today, these groups have Before diving in to the book, it’s import- Jews hold a secret control over the government. merged and found a home in what is now called ant to understand the meaning of anti-Semitism. That belief would be anti-Semitic. Weiss closes her “The Alt-Right.” These groups instill fear by pro- According to Merriam-Webster, anti-Semitism is definition of anti-Semitism by stating, “In the eyes moting the conspiracy theory that the Jews control “hostility toward or discrimination against Jews of the racist, the person of color is inferior. In the the government and Hollywood. Far-right white as a religious, ethnic, or racial group.” This is the eyes of the misogynist, the woman is something nationalist groups are starting to find homes on correct definition, but in her book, Weiss describes less than human. In the eyes of the anti-Semite, the college campuses across the country. anti-Semitism as “not even a solid idea or singular Jew is… everything. He is whatever the anti-Sem- On both extreme ends of the political spectrum, theory. It is a shape-shifting worldview that slithers ite needs him to be.” it is the lack of knowledge and compassion that led away just as you think you have it pinned down One area frequently discussed is whether an- people down these various paths. While these sound and, in so doing, stays several steps ahead of any- ti-Semitism is unique to the left or to the right. The like different paths, they are one in the same. one trying to clobber it.” We should also define answer is simple - it has found a home on both ex- As far as how to fight back against anti-Semitism, Judaism. Is Judaism a religion? An ethnicity? A treme ends of the political spectrum. I don’t wish to include any spoilers in this review, way of life? Weiss says, “Judaism is not merely a Weiss notes that on the extreme left, anti-Sem- but simply encourage you to read Weiss’ book.

Searching for Jewish Heroes Along the Seine

By Sheldon Goldberg, Ph.D. terer. They founded the company to provide Jews their religious and spiritual requirements. A special cruise tour brings together individuals with a first-class travel experience that meets The Wiesenthal Center sponsored the inaugu- from World War II allied nations for a trip on the ral voyage, and I participated due to my position Seine from Paris to Normandy. as Docent and Historian at the National Museum I participated in the inaugural cruise as a lec- of American Jewish Military History. Joining turer in October of 2017. The passengers on this me as a lecturer was David Kraus, the European cruise were from the U.S., Great Britain, Israel, Operations Director for the tour from Prague. and several other countries, but all were Jewish. Kraus is a historian of European Jewish life and a The trip included visits to the American Military researcher at the Jewish Museum of Prague. Cemetery in Coleville-sur-Mar, Normandy, Throughout the cruise, Kraus discussed Omaha Beach, the Somme battlefield, as well Jewish life in Europe during and as Rouen and several other picturesque towns the interwar period. I lectured on the participa- along the Seine. One key focus of the cruise was tion of American Jewish soldiers in both World to counter historical anti-Semitic claims that War I and II. I also spoke about Jewish Medal of Jews do not fight or, if they do, they serve in the Honor recipients and Jewish military service in Quartermaster Army as supply clerks, logisti- the American Civil War. cians, lawyers, and doctors, etc., but not combat The company has invited me to participate in troops. This cruise highlighted the Jews who its next cruise which will take place from October served in the armed forces during World Wars I 22 to October 29. I invite you to join me on this and II, their actions, and their heroism. wonderful trip to explore the beautiful Normandy The tour company, KTreks & Kosher River countryside and learn about Jewish life and the Cruises, is co-owned by American David role American Jews played in two world wars. Lawrence, who also served three years in the If you are interested in being part of this ad- Israeli Defense Forces, and Londoner Malcolm venture, contact me at [email protected]. Green, a long-time executive chef and kosher ca- 16 The Jewish Veteran Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 www.jwv.org Operation Benjamin: Honoring Fallen Jewish Servicemen With The Right Headstones Continued from page 8 orated the changing of five headstones of Jewish Pvt. Arthur Waldman cult and we applaud them for making it as difficult soldiers buried at the Manila American Cemetery Age: 27 as they do.” and Memorial. Two of the service members Place of birth: Detroit, Michigan It all starts with combing through tens of thou- spent more than two years as Prisoners of War in Enlistment: 1940, Michigan sands of names of American war dead who are Japanese camps. Assignment: 200th Coast Artillery Regiment buried overseas and identifying ones that are very “To be able to go and honor them after all this Date of death: January 17, 1944 obviously Jewish names. Then the team has to de- time and make it right, bring their stories to light, Circumstances of death: After enduring the infa- termine whether that individual is buried under a reintroduce them to their own families — I pinch mous Bataan Death March, died of beriberi heart Latin Cross or a Jewish Star. Then they have to de- myself. How lucky can I be to make this happen,” failure (generally associated with starvation) at a termine why using a family history — an enormous Lamm said. Japanese POW camp in Tokyo information-gathering task. The all-volunteer team “Today, we gathered on the sacred grounds of 1Lt. Robert S. Fink visits cemeteries all over the world trying to track Manila American Cemetery to correct the histor- Age: 25 the family history of these soldiers. Are the parents ical narratives of five of our honored dead,” said Place of birth: New York, New York buried in an exclusively Jewish cemetery? What’s William M. Matz, secretary of the American Battle Enlistment: July 22, 1941, Fort Jay (Governor’s written on the gravestones? What was the soldier’s Monuments Commission. “These young men left Island), New York upbringing like? their families, the comfort of their homes and their Assignment: 583rd Signal Air Warning Battalion, “Once we identify a solider, that’s only stage faith communities, to answer their nation’s call. Company “C” one,” Lamm said. “Stage two is we need to contact While we might never know exactly how the errors Date of death: June 1, 1944 a descendant. There’s almost never a direct descen- to their narratives were made – whether it was the Circumstances of death: Succumbed to scrub ty- dant because these were young men who weren’t chaos of conflict, a clerical error or personal omis- phus at the 2nd Station Hospital in Nadzab, Papua married and 99 percent of the time didn’t have kids. sion due to the persecution of the Jewish people by New Guinea on his 25th birthday So this is often a great-niece or great-nephew. In the enemy — today, we erased those errors.” one case we’re dealing with a half-sister.” “Those who fought and died so proudly for Pvt. Allan C. Franken And, at the end of the day, it’s always the fam- America but were Jewish — we believe they should Age: 20 ily member’s prerogative to choose whether or not be remembered by their ancestral faith,” Lamm Place of birth: New York, New York to change the headstone. said. “We do this only in concert with the families. Enlistment: April 14, 1943, Hartford, Connecticut “Contacting the family isn’t always an easy It’s very moving. And one of the beautiful things Assignment: 24th Division, 21st Infantry thing, and the decision is up to them. But most of the about it is we take young guys who were killed 74, Regiment, Company “C” time they didn’t know a of the information about 75, 76 years ago and we’re bringing those stories Date of death: May 24, 1945 their soldier that we bring to them,” Lamm said. back to life both to their families and to the public Circumstances of death: Died from a gunshot Once the team has gathered all the evidence it at large.” wound at the 52nd Field Hospital in Tugbok, can find, it presents the case to the ABMC. So far, Mindanao, Philippines The five service members now buried under cor- they’ve submitted 11 cases — and all 11 have been Award(s): Purple Heart rected headstones were: approved. Sgt. Jack Gilbert “We were moved to see the Star of David over Pvt. Louis Wolf Age: 37 the graves of our uncles,” said Lin Soloman, the rel- Age: 25 Place of birth: Przemyśl, ative of two brothers who were buried under head- Place of birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Drafted: 1942, New York stones corrected by Operation Benjamin. “When Enlistment: March 19, 1941, Philadelphia, Assignment: 161st Signal Photographic Company, we were first given the possibility we knew it was Pennsylvania Unit #7 the right thing to do...The Jewish military fallen, Assignment: 454th Ordnance Company (Aviation), Date of death: February 16, 1944 like our uncles, are particularly poignant because 27th Bombardment Group (Light), V Bomber Circumstances of death: Hit by enemy shell fire on of the terrible slaughter suffered by the Jewish peo- Command the island of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea ple in that period. We are grateful.” Date of Death: March 17, 1945 Award(s): Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster “At the end of the day, our mission is truth. All Circumstances of death: Taken prisoner at This article was reprinted with permission from we’re trying to do is get at the truth,” Lamm said. Corregidor on May 6, 1942, died of malnutrition Connectingvets.com Just last week, Operation Benjamin commem- and dehydration at a Japanese POW camp Personal Financial Security Tips By PNC Carl Singer, Homeland Security A letter in the mail is best to ignore. If it’s from lift the receiver or press the speaker button without Committee Chairman an institution you know, look up their phone num- saying anything. If it’s a robocall, they’ll hang up In a previous issue of The Jewish Veteran, I dis- ber instead of relying on the number provided in the after five seconds. If it’s a real person, they’ll begin cussed building security and safety, including tips letter. If you need to verify it, contact the institu- by saying hello. for local . The Homeland Security tion by phone. Do not rely on caller-ID, the number could be Committee also wants to make sure members focus Never open an email from an address you do manipulated or fake. on their personal financial security. not recognize and never click on any links an un- When it comes to charities, look them up on As you go about your daily life you have lots of known person provides. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ before donating. things on your mind. However, the people who are If you receive a phone call from an unknown As much as you might want to give, resist the per- trying to harm you are only focused on one thing person, tell them you’re busy and ask for their son on the phone who says, “Can I put you down – hurting you. phone number so you can call them back. If they for $18.” Personal financial security is primarily about say it’s an emergency or try to continue the conver- Above all, the most important point to remem- avoiding scams. Scammers are well practiced and sation just hang up. If you want to call back, verify ber is never be pushed into doing something that will pick the time and place for their encounter in the number. You can type the number into a search makes you uncomfortable. order to catch you off guard. engine to see what feedback you get. Also, make So what can you do? sure the area code is in the United States. There Stay in touch with JWV! Never participate in any transaction you did not are many scams that would have you call another Facebook.com/JewishWarVeterans initiate. Also, take your time. Do not put yourself country. If the person calling claims to be from twitter.com/JewishWarVets into a situation where you are pressured into acting your bank, call back using the phone number you before you are ready. have on file, not the number they provide. If someone comes to your door, look before When it comes to robocalls, the do not call reg- opening it. If engaged, simply say, “No, thank you.” istry has not worked. When I get a phone call, I www.jwv.org Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 The Jewish Veteran 17 NATIONAL LADIES AUXILIARY of the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A.

NATIONAL PRESIDENT SANDRA CANTOR Dear Sisters, someone connect- A Dollar’s Worth of History In today’s current environment I must admit I am a ed religiously to By Iris Goldwasser, PNP/Editor bit pessimistic about the future. Between anti-Sem- the patient. I re- Most of us are unaware of how our U.S. currency itism on the rise, virulent political discourse, dis- alized this Priest was developed when the U.S. was in its infancy. respect of our fellow human beings, social media was a real mensch. How was the one dollar bill designed? What do used to bully and lie about facts, etc., I am sad- He was respecting all its symbols mean? Some of our history can be dened by it all! Recently, however, I have had some the Jewish faith, explained by understanding the various parts de- experiences that have allowed me to hope that all is the veteran, and scribed in this issue and more will be explained in not as bad as I fear. his family, and un- the next Veteran. Some years back I began collecting Swarovski derstood the value On the back of the one dollar bill you will see crystal figurines and one of the shops I frequented of the Jewish soul two circles comprising the Great Seal of the U.S. is owned by a Palestinian man. One day he com- needing Jewish The first Continental Congress requested that mented on the Star of David that I always wear, prayers and connection before he entered Olam Ha Benjamin Franklin and a group of leaders come up which started a discussion about Israel. I am an ar- Ba (The world to come). Of course, we complied with a seal, which took four years to accomplish dent Zionist and he felt we stole his land. We had and recited our own prayers for his soul. and two more to get approved. It was Franklin’s be- some obviously heated disagreements and, thank The next day we went to the Chapel of the Four lief that one man couldn’t do this alone, but a group goodness, it never got too ugly. However, I was Chaplains which proved to me we are all more alike of men, with the help of God, could do anything. not going to change my mind nor would he change than we are different. In WWII, soldiers were be- If you look at the left-hand circle you will no- his. As I left his shop, he’d always say, “Goodbye, ing transported to the battlefield on a ship called the tice a Pyramid; the face is lit and the western side cousin.” We both understood that we indeed were Dorchester. On the ship were four clergy: a Rabbi, is dark, indicating that this country was just begin- cousins, his people descended from , mine a Priest, and two Protestant Ministers. The ship ning. We had not begun to explore the West or de- from , and both children of Abraham. As in was torpedoed and sinking fast. Men were scram- cided what we could do for Western Civilization. many families, everyone doesn’t always get along. bling to get life vests and gloves and jumping into Inside the capstone is the all-seeing eye, an an- I continue to go to his shop and each time we greet the life boats. Unfortunately, most of the gloves and cient form of divinity. "In God We Trust" is on the each other with a smile and a, “Hi, cousin”. This vests were below deck and couldn’t be accessed. currency. The Latin above the pyramid, Annuit situation made me look at Muslims with a different The four chaplains handed out all of the supplies Coeptis, means, God has favored our undertak- view than just as people I had always considered they had and then took off their own gloves and life ing. The Latin below the pyramid, Novus Ordo my adversaries. vests and gave them to random soldiers. Realizing Seclorum means a new order has begun. At the Fast forward to the last couple of NEC meet- their end was near, they stood arm in arm with each base of the pyramid is the Roman numeral for 1776 ings in Washington, D.C., where I observed in a other singing and reciting prayers as they bravely (MDCCIXXI). large group of Muslims, shoes off, prostrating went down with the ship together. If you look at the right-hand circle, you will themselves in prayer. In the meeting room next So sisters and comrades, if a Jew and a notice the seal of the President of the U.S. slight- door, our JWV Comrades were wearing Stars of Palestinian can disagree but call each other cousins, ly modified, which is also visible at every National David on their caps. As we all passed each other in if Jews and Muslims can use the same space in Cemetery. The bald eagle was selected as a symbol the hall there were no glares of disgust, no words a hotel and coexist, if a Priest can recognize the of victory because it is strong and smart; it wears under our breath, no outward disdain, and maybe need for religious compassion for another belief no crown because we had just broken away from even a few smiles – it was coexistence to be sure! and if, like the Four Chaplains, in the spirit of England. The shield is unsupported, symbolizing While traveling the country as your National cooperation to save others, knowing it means death that this country can stand on its own. In the ea- President, I had an experience that opened my eyes for themselves, still provide solace and prayers to gle’s beak you can read E Pluribus Unum, meaning and heart affecting my view of Christians as well. all regardless of religious persuasion, then maybe I one from many. In the eagle’s talons are an During my New Jersey visit we went to the Menlo can be more optimistic about our future. As Ellen branch and arrows. The eagle always wants to face Park Soldiers Home. As we were leaving a Priest DeGeneres says at the end of her shows, “Be kind the olive branch, but in time of war, his gaze turns came over and asked if there was a Rabbi in our to one another!” toward the talons. This country wants peace, but group. He explained he’d just given last rites to a Loyally Yours, we will never be afraid to fight to preserve peace. Jewish veteran but felt prayers should come from Sandra Cantor, NP More to come!

Consumer Affairs Armed Forces/USO By Debbie Mellitz, Chairman By Marcia Jacobs, AP/Chairman The United States Organization (USO) was found- on-leave recreation of the men in the armed forces.” Many veterans and their families are not aware ed in 1941 after a request from President Franklin The USO clubs were places to go for danc- of certain benefits that may be available to them. D. Roosevelt to provide morale and recreation es, social events, movies, and for a quiet place for Veterans enrolled in VA health care, their families, services to the U.S. uniformed military person- members of the armed forces to talk or just write a and VA employees have access to ShopVCS.com. nel. The initial USO brought together six separate letter home. The USO brought Hollywood celeb- Creating an account is free. Start saving on thou- civilian support groups: the Army, the rities such as Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe, Debbie sands of products from hundreds of top brands. YMCA and YWCA, National Catholic Community Reynolds, Connie Stevens, Ann-Margaret, and oth- Among the member benefits are savings on shop- Service, National Travelers Aid Association, and er volunteer entertainers to perform for the troops. ping, tires, tickets and travel. the National Jewish Welfare Board. All six were JWVA supports USOs at the National, The motto of VCS is, “Benefits You’ve Earned, consolidated as one organization to support U.S. Department, and Auxiliary levels and we encour- Service You Deserve.” VCS stands for Veterans troops, both domestically and overseas. Roosevelt, age all echelons to assist this organization in sup- Canteen Service. You should go on-line today at elected as the chartered honorary chairman, said he port of our active duty troops and retired veterans ShopVCS.com and start saving. wanted, “these private organizations to handle the whenever and wherever possible.

L’DOR V’DOR • HONORING OUR PAST & PROMOTING OUR FUTURE 18 National Ladies Auxiliary of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA • Spring 2020 www.jwva.org ♥ ♥ ♥ Rita Panitz Memorial Teddy Bear Program ♥ ♥ ♥ Bears here, bears there, big ones, small ones! Bears bring big smiles and happy faces!

Think of all the smiles on the faces of the children as they cuddle one of the bears you have donated. Now is the time to start collecting bears. Every bear can be a friend to a child in need. Let's make it our number one priority to bring happiness to the children who are our future. On Monday, August 24, we have made arrangements to donate the bears to the Sheriff's Department, Children’s Hospital, and the Ronald McDonald House. Think of the thanks we will receive when the residents in the Jacksonville area notice the label attached to each bear that reads, "National Ladies Auxiliary, Jewish War Veterans." "Let's aim high! Bring or mail your bears to convention. We hope that each Auxiliary will send one, that every sister will bring one. Please ask your Posts to help with this wonderful program. If you would like to make a donation to the Bear Program, send your check to: Elaine Bernstein, PNP, 9 Dogwood Court, Sayreville, NJ 08872. ♥ ♥ ♥ Let's make this the BEST Bear Convention ever! ♥ ♥ ♥

JWVA DOUBLE CHAI CLUB National President’s Banquet Join Us For a Luncheon! Rhea Sahl Wednesday, August 26 honoring Memorial Baby Shower The Double Chai Club has a special For Pregnant Military Women Natonal President meaning for all of us. We rededicate our- selves annually to our purpose -- service We’re holding a baby shower for Sandra Cantor to the veteran and his/her family. pregnant military women during our National Convention in Jacksonville, Tuesday, August 25 Join us at an outstanding luncheon! Florida on Monday, August 24. It is one Recepton 6:00 p.m. Become a member of way that we can say “Thank You” to our “Double Chai Circle.” these women for serving our country. Dinner 7:00 p.m. This luncheon is open to everyone. We would like to fill baskets for each Everyone is welcome to join us We look forward to seeing you there! pregnant mom-to-be with items for a delicious meal and needed for a newborn, such as: delightful celebration! $36 per person diapers, bath towels, wash cloths, bibs, onesies, bottles, baby lotion, pacifers, You will have a FESTIVE evening! burp cloths, crib sheets, receiving blankets, night clothes, etc. Each $47.50 per person Let's do it again! basket averages at least $100.00 and Our Pound Auction is always a popular we plan on presenting 12. event at the convention. Everyone has If you would like to purchase these such a great time and so we are going items yourself you may do so.If you Partners Club to do it again. would like to make a donation for the Please join us at the Convention Please bring a pound of anything, and baby shower, send your check to on Monday, August 24 at 5:00 p.m. put it in a brown lunch bag. If you don’t PNP Elaine Bernstein to purchase any for a wine and cheese get-together. have a brown bag, we'll have extras. items for the Rhea Sahl Memorial Baby Shower Program. Make your checks The purpose of this program is to help Start looking now! Examples are candy, payable to: Elaine Bernstein, PNP. our administration function. The funds erasers, popcorn, etc. collected help keep our Washington Use your imagination. As offce operating. Remember, anyone long as it weighs a pound. can be a partner member. If you know You won’t know what you people who would like to support our are bidding on. Follow the cause, please ask them to join. clues of the auctioneer. Please send your items and donations The cost to join is $50.00, and $25.00 See Joanne Blum at the for the Baby Shower and/or the Teddy to renew every year after the frst year. convention or call her Bear Program directly to the hotel, I hope all the members who originally at 860-869-2982, and between August 17 and August 21. joined will renew and continue to help give her your item for the Address packages to: Omni our National Ladies Auxiliary. auction. Jacksonville Hotel, 245 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL, 32202. Attention: Admission is $2 • Snacks will be served Elaine Bernstein, PNP, Convention Chairman JWVA. It will be an evening of fun and laughter!

L’DOR V’DOR • HONORING OUR PAST & PROMOTING OUR FUTURE www.jwva.org Spring 2020 • National Ladies Auxiliary of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA 19 MUSEUM NEWS By Mike Rugel • Program and Content Coordinator

It’s great that our annual Hanukkah event has stories and Chaplain Laurence Bazer shared his topics including the history of military siddurim. become a real tradition. We welcomed large memories of celebrating Hanukkah in Afghanistan. He also served as a Torah reader at the Pentagon crowds for latkes and sufganiyot to celebrate the Of particular importance that night was the chapel. His talks there on Purim and other occa- holiday. It’s important to see the continuing of the opportunity to remember our museum chaplain, sions provided accessible ways to understand tradition of the , with the stories of the Rabbi Michael Bloom, who passed away in how ancient Jewish traditions still matter in more modern Jewish warriors whose history we November. For many years, Bloom was the modern times. He was a great advocate for our tell. We celebrate the holiday with food and song, featured speaker at the Hanukkah event. He was a museum and helped spread the word in seniors’ while we try to ensure that people recog-nize the tremendous asset for our museum for a long time. homes, synagogues, coffee shops, and wherever contributions of Jewish Americans to their country. His had deep knowledge of the religious aspects his brought him. May his memory be a This year we featured World War I Hanukkah of war. He gave insightful talks here on many blessing.

Music and Menorahs are a tradition at our annual Hanukkah party. Chaplain Laurence Bazer

Speaker Program We continue to bring in some excellent speak- ers to the museum. On January 16, we welcomed Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Eric Lichtblau to the museum. Lichtblau’s latest book is “Return to the Reich: A Holocaust 's Secret Mission to Defeat the Nazis.” Freddy Mayer was a German- born Jew who escaped in in 1938. After initially being rejected as an enemy alien when he tried to enlist in the U.S. Army after Pearl Harbor,

As of printing, the museum is closed as a health precaution. But you can always visit the museum from your home with our As a reminder, “Spirit, Courage, and video tour. Conviction: A Tour of the National Museum Introduced by Medal of Honor Recipient of American Jewish Military History,” is Colonel Jack Jacobs, we bring our available to your JWV echelon. museum and exhibits to you.Watch at To receive a DVD copy of this video, contact nmajmh.org or onYouTube at https:// Michael Rugel at 202-265-6280 or mrugel@ youtu.be/9vn7N2YjO4M. nmajmh.org. You can also watch this video You can also keep in touch by visiting our on our YouTube channel, www.youtube. Eric Lichtblau Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/c/NMAJMHorg. Mayer was allowed to join. While training in the com/NMAJMH/ Army, he was recruited to the OSS, the wartime precursor to the CIA. Mayer returned to Europe as Make a donation to the Museum in honor or in memory of someone an OSS spy. Along with his friend Hans Wynberg, A Contribution Has Been Made To The National Museum of American Jewish Military History important to you, and we will send that person (or their loved ones) another Jewish European refugee, he parachut- In Memory of Good Friend ed onto an Austrian glacier to begin his mission. a certificate with a personalized message from you. Whether you Mayer posed as a Nazi officer and a French POW. want to recognize a life, a birthday, an anniversary, or a special accomplishment, we will create a customized certificate for any The intelligence he provided was incredibly valu- May his memory be a blessing occasion. We offer a variety of sizes and presentations, and we able. He was eventually captured by the Gestapo. to those who cherished him and those who he cherished Given by can also send you or your organization blank certificates to fill in Remarkably, this ended with Mayer accepting the and hand out at your own convenience. surrender of his captor. Honoring And Memorializing Jewish Participation in America’s Defense Author-signed copies of the book are available Forms are available at https://nmajmh.org/support-the-museum/ in the museum store. A recording of Eric Lichtblau’s certificates/ or information can be input with a donation at https:// nmajmh.org/support-the-museum/donate/. You can call us to talk is available on our YouTube channel, https:// 1811 R Street, NW | Washington, DC 20009 Under the auspices of the Jewish War Veterans, USA, chartered in 1958 by Congress of the United States request a certificate at 202-265-6280. www.youtube.com/c/NMAJMHorg.

20 National Museum of American Jewish Military History Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 www.nmajmh.org www.nmajmh.org Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 National Museum of American Jewish Military History MUSEUM NEWS By Pam Elbe • Collections, Archives, & Exhibits Coordinator Dr. Clara Raven: A Pioneer and a True Woman of Valor While conducting research on Jewish women in over to become chief medical examiner. Her broth- the U.S. armed forces, I stumbled across the sto- er recounted that she was told, “as a woman, she ry of an amazing woman whose story I just had to was incapable of dealing with the heavy bodies that share. Dr. Clara Raven, who served as an Army she would have to move, something she had been Colonel and a Deputy Chief Medical Examiner of doing for years.” Despite that disappointment, she Wayne County, Michigan, was a true pioneer in the put her all into her more than 20 years of research military, the medical field, and in women’s rights. into the cause of crib death or Sudden Infant Death Born in Russia in 1905, Raven and her family Syndrome (SIDS), something she encountered immigrated to the United States in 1916 and set- both as a military pathologist at Fort Rucker and tled in Youngstown, Ohio. After graduating from Fort Sill and as a civilian pathologist in Detroit. the University of Michigan with Bachelor of Arts In the early 1970s, she testified before a Senate and Master of Science degrees, she became the subcommittee to encourage funding for SIDS re- only female student in her freshman class at Duke search and counseling of the bereaved. She also University Medical School. She transferred as a testified, in 1971, before the Michigan State House sophomore to Northwestern University Medical Committee on Social Services in favor of abortion School under a quota system that allowed only reform. She died in 1994, and her grave is inscribed four female students into the medical school. with the words, “A True Woman of Valor.”Raven’s She graduated from Northwestern in 1936 (some life included many firsts and awards: the first phy- sources say 1938). sicians to be commissioned by the U.S. Army; the In 1938, Raven started studying bacteriology first female doctor to be a full colonel in the Army as a John Garrett International research fellow at Medical Corps; the first female officer to become a the University of Liverpool in England. Her re- member of the Military Order of World Wars and search on how typhoid fever spread through drink- the Association of Military Surgeons; in 1962 she ing water led to new methods of water purification received the Northwestern Alumni Merit Award; in England. Just days after her return to the U.S., LTC Raven in uniform, 1947. Woman's Medical in 1983 she received the Elizabeth Blackwell World War II began in Europe and she volun- College of Pennsylvania Photograph Collection. Award which is awarded to a female physician who teered to serve in the U.S. Army. The Army told has made the most outstanding contributions to the her she would have to serve in the Nurse Corps, The Army Medical Corp involuntarily discharged cause of women in the field of medicine; in 1987 as there were no female doctors allowed in the Raven in 1948. She moved to Dayton, Ohio and she was inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall Army. Instead of joining, she taught pathology at became chief pathologist at the city’s Veterans of Fame; and she also received the Michigan State the University of Illinois and the Women’s Medical Administration Center. Medical Flag Award. College of Pennsylvania and conducted research at The Korean War changed the Army’s attitude At the National Museum of American Jewish the University of Michigan, Detroit Public Health, toward female physicians, and in 1951 Raven re- Military History (NMAJMH) we are working to and the University of Chicago. She also worked as turned to active duty. She started work at the Armed make sure that stories of Raven and other female a pathologist at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, D.C. veterans are told, but to do that we need your help. A newspaper article from the time also mentioned and then went to Japan. She served as director of Nearly all the materials in the museum’s collection that she did translation work in French, German, the laboratory at the U.S. Army hospital in Osaka, were acquired through the generosity of veterans Spanish, and Italian. researching hepatitis and epidemic hemorrhagic and their families, making our collection one that The Sparkman-Johnson Bill, which allowed fever in Korea. After the war in Korea ended, she truly reflects the diverse experiences of Jewish female physicians to join the U.S. Army Medical returned to Washington. Americans in the U.S. armed forces. Approximately Corps became law in 1943. Raven was one of the In 1961, she became the first female physician 85 percent of the materials in our collection per- first six female physicians commissioned, and she to achieve the rank of full colonel in the Army taining to women’s service in the U.S. military are served under the rank of Captain. Medical Corps. In a 1958 newspaper article she the World War II era. Raven deployed to Europe during World War discussed how the 1951 legislation that once again If you are a woman who has served in the U.S. II, where she spent time in Chalons and Paris during allowed female physicians to be commissioned in armed forces in the post-WWII era, the NMAJMH the combat phase of the war. She transferred to the Medical Corps led to a conspiracy by some wants your stories and photos. Whether you served Berlin in the summer of 1945 to serve as chief of army men to get rid of her and others like her: in Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, or laboratory services at the 279th Station Hospital. “Although my manner of performance has during peacetime, we need your help to show that She led a staff of 35 physicians in the research been as good or better than during World War II, Jewish women have served and continue to serve of hepatitis infections in servicemen in Europe. my efficiency reports have been far below the aver- in the American military. You do not need to be a She attended the Nuremburg trials in Germany age for officers of my branch and grade. Regardless member of JWV to be included (though we would and served briefly on the Atomic Bomb Casualty of how well I have done, there has always been a love to have you as a member). Commission in Hiroshima, Japan. By 1946, she ‘but’ with an irrelevant remark based entirely on Items of interest to the museum include pho- had transferred to the 147th (Old Tripler) General personal feelings, easily explained by person- tographs, correspondence, military records, Hospital in Hawaii to direct its lab. al prejudice…. I discussed my predicament with and memoirs, but we may also be interested in When the wartime emergency bill authorizing the… Office of Surgeon General and they finally ephemera, military equipment, and uniforms. If the Army and Navy to commission women phy- admitted that the difficulty was that I was a trail you have material that you are willing to donate sicians in the reserves was automatically repealed blazer and a female and that I had too much rank to the NMAJMH, please contact Pamela Elbe, in 1947, there were only four female doctors in the and that it was not a question of ability or manner Collections, Archives, and Exhibitions Coordinator Army, including Raven. Army Surgeon General of performance at all.” at [email protected]. We also have a veteran Raymond Bliss knew these physicians would Raven became Deputy Chief Medical Examiner questionnaire we can sent you if you do not have be hard to replace and tried to find a loophole in of Wayne County, Michigan, in 1958. One of her materials to donate but would like your story to be military regulations that would allow him to keep biggest disappointments in her 12 years at the med- included in the museum. these physicians, but Congress denied his request. ical examiner’s office was repeatedly being passed

National Museum of American Jewish Military History Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 www.nmajmh.org www.nmajmh.org Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 National Museum of American Jewish Military History 21 Help Find the Families of USS Olympia Crew Members Display your JWV Soldier in 1921. Rabbi Lazaron died in London, Membership Proudly! England on June 5, 1979. The Flagship Olympia Foundation is helping The JWV supply store isn't just for pins to plan commemoration events for 2021. We have and poppies! You can also purchase researched Rabbi Lazaron as part of this effort. JWV branded badges, caps and jackets! However, we want to learn more about the men who brought the World War I Unknown Soldier Shirts, home from Europe. We also want to make sure the baseball caps families of these service members are invited to and jackets! commemoration events. The 1921 USS Olympia crew list is located at the National Archives. We’re comparing the names on this list to information included in the Ancestry.com website. Some of the individuals and By John Brady, Flagship Olympia Foundation their families are easier to find because they have Board of Directors President distinctive names. Others are not because they The year 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the have the same names as several others who served Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The first soldier during World War I. Post Banners Pins! buried in the Tomb served in World War I. The The Flagship Olympia Foundation would ap- and Flags! USS Olympia, a former Navy cruiser, brought the preciate the assistance of JWV members in iden- remains of the World War I Unknown Soldier home tifying the 1921 USS Olympia crew. An electronic Poppies! from Europe. His burial took place at Arlington copy of the list is posted on our website. Are any of National Cemetery on November 11, 1921. Rabbi the men on the list your great-grandfather, grand- Morris Lazaron is one of the four chaplains father, or great-uncle? If so, do you have photos or Visit the online store at the JWV website who participated in the service. diaries about their service aboard the USS Olympia or contact Pat Ennis at 703-753-3733 or by email: [email protected] Two months after the United States entered in 1921 that you would be willing to share with us? World War I in April 1917, Rabbi Lazaron filled out Last year, the granddaughter of one of the a military registration card. The card, which can members of the 1921 crew reached out to us. She be found in the National Archives, notes Lazaron shared her grandfather’s story and we now have it For JWV caps, call Keystone was working as a rabbi in Baltimore, Maryland at on our website. We’d like to do the same with other Uniform Cap Corporation Phone: 215-821-3434 • Fax: 215-821-3438 the time and supporting his wife, baby, and parents. crew members. They brought home a son, grand- www.keystoneuniformcap.com/Jewish-War-Veteran Additional information about Rabbi Lazaron son, nephew, and father. His name is known to no -Caps.html can be found on the American Jewish Archives one, but his sacrifice is known to all. website. Lazaron served as a chaplain in the U.S. Photo: Detroit Publishing Co, P., Hart, E. H., Army Officer’s Reserve Corps from 1917 until photographer. U.S.S. Olympia. , None. [Between 1895 1953. He was one of four military chaplains offi- and 1901] [Photograph] Retrieved from the Library of ciating at the burial of the World War I Unknown Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/2016818457/. TAPS DEPARTMENT AT LARGE Rosenthal, Howard - Post 800 Mattenson, Erwin - Post 126 Tanenbaum, Joseph - Post 415 Berk, Jerome - Post 100 Moses, Harold - Post 178 Weisman, Gilbert - Post 425 DEPARTMENT OF MARYLAND Chernus, Leonard - Post 100 Perlmutter, Michael - Post 178 Wertenteil, Jack - Post 655 Blum, Benjamin - Post 167 Greene, Sheldon H. - Post 100 Recht, Edward A. - Post 126 DEPARTMENT OF OHIO Heyman, Thomas - Post 180 DEPARTMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS Rifkind, Howard - Post 740 Boxerbaum, Bernard - Post 44 Jacobs, Robert R. - Post 100 Bieler, Irving - Post 735 Weil, Jack - Post 609 Edelman, Aaron - Post 122 Kanner, Milton - Post 100 Michelman, Leonard S. - Post 26 Weiniger, Joseph - Post 125 Gill, Sanford - Post 44 Shainis, Murray J. - Post 100 Salzmann, Harold - Post 140 DEPARTMENT OF NEW YORK Loeb, Sheldon - Post 44 Spector, Irving - Post 735 DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA Albert, Dennis L. - Post 250 Shack, Sol - Post 44 Weiss, Marvin L. - Post 140 Buch, Louis N. - Post 138 Alpert, Howard - Post 105 Stan, Edward - Post 122 Feinhandler, Harry - Post 760 DEPARTMENT OF MICHIGAN Bandler, Eugene V. - Post 652 DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA Kantor, Norman - Post 118 Bleifeld, Leon - Post 474 Baron, Gershon M. - Post 25 Levine, Daniel - Post 60 Brody, Robert - Post 474 Birnbaum, Julius - Post 258 Abrams, Stuart L. - Post 212 Daskal, Herbert - Post 697 Spinner, Cornelius N. - Post 603 Ring, Milton - Post 474 Deiber, Jack - Post 106 Harris, Samuel E. - Post 165 Ross, Donald - Post 474 Frankl, Robert - Post 425 DEPARTMENT OF CONNECTICUT Liberman, Sheldon - Post 165 Walkon, Sidney J. - Post 135 Friedman, William - Post 191 Katz, Harold - Post 45 Rosoff, Maurice - Post 706 Zweigel, Warren - Post 510 Gevirtz, Sanford - Post 425 Spiegelman, Irwin - Post 45 Rottman, Howard - Post 212 Grau, Gilbert - Post 425 DEPARTMENT OF MIDWEST DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA Greenfield, Jack J. - Post 717 DEPARTMENT OF RHODE ISLAND Deutch, Louis - Post 644 Baklor, Armand - Post 639 Herman, Herbert W. - Post 425 Weinstein, Lewis E. - Post 406 Blum, Fred M. - Post 819 DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA Isaacson, Norman - Post 425 DEPARTMENT OF SOUTHEAST Chepenik, Stephen - Post 243 Riemerman, William - Post 162 Kantor, Nathan - Post 655 Glassman, Sidney - Post 112 Farb, Myron - Post 300 Ringer, Sherman - Post 162 Kass, Eugene J. - Post 415 Wolff, Irwin - Post 112 Goldberg, Harold L. - Post 246 Kaufman, Paul - Post 1 DEPARTMENT OF NEVADA Kirschner, Seymour - Post 440 Koffer, Morris - Post 488 DEPARTMENT OF SOUTHWEST Tarr, Charles - Post 65 Luber, Howard A. - Post 265 Kornreich, Ivan - Post 625 Adelman, Norman - Post 194 Orlove, William S. - Post 202 DEPARTMENT OF NEW JERSEY Lester, Edwin - Post 625 Lasner, Harvey - Post 194 Pavloff, Murry - Post 321 Bard, Sheldon - Post 126 Levy, Gerald - Post 488 Soblick, Benjamin - Post 375 Rosenberg, Paul M. - Post 321 , Sabetay - Post 47 Mindlin, Irving - Post 41 DEPARTMENT OF TALO Trachtman, Al - Post 300 Fleisher, Martin O. - Post 740 Noskin, Arthur J. - Post 488 Dworkin, Bernie - Post 256 Warshawsky, Rudolph - Post 631 Gartenberg, - Post 740 Reinhertz, Murray - Post 68 Gurievsky, Joseph - Post 580 Winick, Alexander - Post 819 Greene, Murry - Post 740 Ressel, Leonard A. - Post 41 Lewis, Ben T - Post 574 Zimmer, Herbert - Post 400 Kaye, Bert - Post 178 Seidman, Stanley - Post 191 Night, Ralph - Post 574 , Robert S. - Post 126 Sherman, Michael P. - Post 6 DEPARTMENT OF ILLINOIS Rubenstein, Leon - Post 256 Krupnick, Sydney - Post 178 Small, Dr Arthur M. - Post 425 Kraus, Harold H. - Post 153 Schermann, Maurice - Post 256 Lesiger, Lawrence R. - Post 126 Sperber, Arthur - Post 68 22 The Jewish Veteran Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 www.jwv.org www.jwv.org Volume 74 • Number 1 • 2020 The Jewish Veteran 23 Happy Passover! Chag Pesach Sameach!

We Wish All Good Health, PA PDC 706 Larry Holman PNC Lawrence & Judith Schulman Strength, and Happy Life! In memory of PNC Ronald Ziegler Our Very Best Wishes to All

Allan & Sheila Abramson Beth Kane Wishes You Good Health In Memory of Moshe Shaki-Tiberius Good Health & Happiness to All Happy Holiday! Lieutenant-Tank Forces IDF

PNC Lou & PDP Gloria Abramson Saluting the Veterans of Heritage Hills Good Health & Best Wishes Good Health & Happiness to All Mazel Tov! to all Veterans and their Families

Howard M. Barmad • Post 76 NJ Jack Kent (Kantrovitz) PPC Post 191 Aaron Silver Chag Sameach In Memory of wife Marilyn Shapiro Kent In memory of my wife Marilyn-JWVA

PDC Ed & PDP Louise Baraw Jason A & C. Kaatz CH Murray Stadtmauer • Post 648 Howard A. & Dorothy G. Berger Good Health to All! In loving memory of Clare Stadtmauer USF Austria/USASETAF Italy In Memory of Morty Kessler Shalom & Mazel Tov to all Veterans PA PDC 697 Stan Bilker Bell-Oak Post 648, Queens-NY Greta & Jerry Stoliar • Post 346 In memory of my wife, PDP Adele PNC Sheldon Ohren The Tarnofsky Family PNC Jerry & PNP Joanne Blum L’Chaim - To Life In memory of Len Klanit - Post 440 Good Health & Happiness to All In Loving Memory of my wife, Virginia Norma & PNC Paul Warner, Ph.D. PDC Elliott & PAP Elissa Donn Queens PCC Ron Peters Health & Happiness to All Best Wishes & Good Health to All Dr. Jack Porter Thank you for All You Do Greetings • Gerald Elkan In Memory of My Wife to Help Veterans and Soldiers Post 712-OH In memory of Michael Rubin Greetings from Post 409- Clearwater, FL In Memorial to Joan & Louise Weinstein Co-cmdrs Murray Zolkower / Stan Sarbarsky PNC Ira & Shelley Novoselsky Happy Holidays In Memory of Philip & Jolin Weinstein In Memory of Carol C. Frank Major Stuart Adam Wolfer Institute and Fred Heinrich Herb & Francie Rosenbleeth Happy Holiday to You and Yours! www.msawi.org PA PDC 98 Donald Feldman In Memory of my wife, Edith PNP Freda & PNC Norman Rosenshein National Chaplain Shirley Zak In Memory of PDC Jon Zak In Honor of all who have served! Good Health & Happy Holidays Good Health & Happiness to All! In Memory of Don Rothman PC #44 Jeri Zweiman In loving memory of PNC Robert Zweiman Greetings to all of our Friends By Wife Bernice Rothman PAP #44 PNC/PNP Edwin & Iris Goldwasser Stephen & Helen Sax David S. Zwerin, PDC We salute those who serve Live long and prosper Post 652 • Merrick, NY

Alan J. Gould Post 105 Norman Schnitzer, PDC Any Jewish WWII person captured, sent In Memory of Sam Gould, Post Cmdr. In memory of Harriett to Auschwitz, etc., and survived In Honor of WWII, Korea, VVW JWV Vets Herbert L. & Beth Gopman Irv Schildkraut • JWV Post 440 Brookline-Newton MA Post 211 Arthur H. Greenwald • Post 321/69 From Strength to Strength National Adjutant • 2016-2019 PNC Dr. Barry J. Schneider

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