June Brunch Features New Officers in Maryland

Post Commander Sheldon Goldberg Installs New Officers

By Fred Shapiro, Post 567 Commander

WASHINGTON – Located in Leisure World of Maryland, the Charles Krieger Jewish War Veterans Post 567 held its end of the season brunch June 10th featuring the election of new officers for the coming year 2018-2019. The Post is the only veterans organization located in a senior community of 8500 residents and is in the process of rebuilding its membership and activities in the community.

Membership in the Post is not restrictive to residents of Leisure World, but to veterans living in the proximity including Silver Spring, Aspen Hill and Olney. With the aging of our World War 2 and Korean veterans, the broader area is intended to bring more members into one of the two JWV posts in the Montgomery County of Maryland.

With the election of the new officers, the Post is looking to expand not only its activities for the veterans living in Leisure World and its vicinity but to\ add a Women’s Auxiliary to its membership. Recognizing the predominance of women in Leisure World who served in the military or were married to veterans, the addition will enable those interested to help plan for the future of the Post.

Post 567 conducts Memorial Day ceremony at Leisure World in Silver Spring, MD.

The installation was performed by Commander Sheldon Goldberg. He has also been an advisor to the incoming officers.

The officers elected are:

Commander                                       Frederick M  Shapiro

Sr. Vice Commander                         Jerome Cohen

Jr. Vice Commander                          Robert Kessler

Judge Advocate                                 Ray Kurlander

Quartermaster                                   Edwin Cohen

Adjutant                                             Jerome Cohen

Chaplain                                             Philip Wendkos

Past Commander                               Milton Loube

Women’s Representative                  Evelyn Sturza

Officer of the Day                              Robert Stromberg

Following in the path of the leadership provided in past years by Herb Alpert, Marvin Franklin and Milton Loube, the new officers are reaching out to the community in many ways. In addition to its monthly brunches, the Post will be hosting programs of interest to both the Jewish residents and to all the veterans living in Leisure World. Working in partnership with other Leisure World organizations, the Post will take a leadership role in helping to organize such things as the Memorial Day program, Veterans Day luncheon and a census of the veterans living in the community, as well as programs updating all veterans on legislation and VA reorganizations that will affect them.

Volume 72. Number 3. Fall 2018

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Eagle Scout Awarded By JWV in Florida

Scott Wilson awarding Eagle Scout Benjamin Chafetz a certificate of achievement and letter of congratulations on behalf of JWV.

By Scott Wilson, Post 639

JACKSONVILLE, Fl. – On Sunday July 15th, I was given the great honor and pleasure to present Eagle Scout Benjamin Chafetz a certificate of achievement and letter of congratulations on behalf of the National Commander Paul D. Warner PhD., and a Plaque and a gift card on behalf of the Department of Florida Commander Alan Paley. The Eagle Scout is the highest level in Scouting; the Jewish War Veterans of the USA has a great yet under used program to support scouting.  Every Post should have an active scouting program, this includes our virtual Posts.

The Eagle Court of Honor was held in the chapel at the Jacksonville Jewish Center, Jacksonville Florida.  This is also the home of the once thriving and slowly reorganizing Lt. Meyer Leibovitz Post #199 Jewish War Veterans of the USA.  Each portion of the ceremony was symbolic of Benjamin’s journey through scouting and the principles of the Eagle Scout.  After the ceremony Benjamin’s family hosted a meal in the social hall.

Scott Wilson

While being introduced to Benjamin in a group of people I was surprised that a young man that had just turned 16 was the person standing to my right in the group who had a beard that was fuller than my own.  Not many that have known me over the years believe that many can grow a better beard, but I even say his beard is better.  Benjamin is well spoken and an over achiever in all aspects of his life to include excelling in not 1 but 2 forms of the martial arts.

Having grown up in a scouting family myself and not progressing to Eagle Scout, I perused Jewish Youth Groups in its place.   I see the structure and discipline that these young scouts have that would make wonderful members of our military in the future if that is their choice, then later become members of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA.  Promoting scouting is the first step in recruiting future members, when we start with structure and team building in our Jewish youth with mentoring from our members / Post(s) we impress on young minds and hopefully have family members eligible to become members.  Some of these who become members surprisingly may never have known that the Jewish War Veterans of the USA was there to fill their needs in a Veterans Organization.

Volume 72. Number 3. Fall 2018

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Don’t Wait!

Three Generations of Folands cleaning Jewish Veteran graves during Memorial Day.

By Mark Weiss, Post 474

DETROIT – JWV Michigan is proud to say that we have a great Honor Guard.   Our members are out in our community serving those that gave so much to us when called upon.  We have a great relationship with our local military cemetery, Great Lakes National Cemetery, and our Commander, Art Fishman, is always willing to give them a call when needed.

When JWV Michigan’s Honor Guard was asked to accompany an American hero and our friend to his final resting place after Memorial Day, we automatically agreed without a second thought.  Our members have sacrificed a lot, and somebody has to show up to do something like this for them.  It is one of the greatest mitzvahs you can do in the Torah.

JWV Michigan Color Guard.

However, he did not make it easy on us or his family to honor him.  The family could not find his DD-214, and eventhough the family insisted that he was a veteran, the Great Lakes National Cemetery insisted on having the DD-214 before going ahead with the burial.  In addition, the Post Office would not issue his flag without the DD-214 as well.  His family scrambled to find his paperwork, but could not find it within the 2 days of his passing.

JWV MI’s Honor Guard had to improvise, and with a little help of the funeral director at Great Lakes, we were able to hold a Memorial Service for him, and when the family found the paperwork (which they eventually did), he would be buried with full military honors.  At the Memorial Service, we said a prayer, had the presentation of the colors, a three-volley gun salute and the playing of TAPS.  The funeral director even gave the family one of his flags.

I highly recommend that you save your family and friends this heartache by being prepared for your funeral.  Make sure that you give a copy of your DD-214 to your family, your lawyer and your funeral director.  If you are the child of a veteran, make sure you get a copy of your parent’s DD-214 and file it away.  Do not put your family in this position!  It is heartbreaking.  Funeral directors and Honor Guards can only do so much.  Please, be prepared.

Volume 72. Number 3. Fall 2018

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Army Reserve Ambassador Receives Public Service Award

Myron Berman Being Pinned By General Kok

By Richard Castelveter, U.S. Army Reserve Ambassador Coordinator

BURLINGTON COUNTY, Nj. – U.S. Army Reserve Ambassador Myron J. Berman, Post 706, received the Public Service Commendation Medal from Maj. Gen. Troy D. Kok, commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve’s 99th Readiness Division, during a ceremony Aug. 3 on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.

The Public Service Commendation Medal is the fourth highest public service decoration the United States Department of the Army can bestow upon a civilian, ranking directly below the Meritorious Public Service Medal.

The Army Reserve Ambassador Program was established in 1998 to promote awareness of the Army Reserve, its goals and objectives, and to serve as a vital bridge in our states/communities to further educate and garner support for the Army Reserve.   Ambassadors are a powerful means of message delivery to the American people.

The function of the ambassador is similar to that of civilian aides to the Secretary of the Army, and carries a protocol status equivalent of a major general that is a key means by which ambassadors are able to effectively execute their responsibilities.   Ambassadors are Special Government Employees who represent the Chief of the Army Reserve without salary, wages or related benefits.

General Kok and Myron Berman

Ambassadors provide community outreach assistance to Army Reserve members/families, other military personnel/families as needed, and provide feedback on plans, programs and needs to the commander of the Army Reserve, the Readiness Division commander and to local Army Reserve commanders.

Additionally, ambassadors build relationships and strive to improve the understanding and knowledge of the Army Reserve within the business and social sectors of communities across America.   They help to educate the public, community leaders, and congressional staff offices about the capabilities and values of the Army Reserve and the Soldiers who live and work in their communities.   They establish open lines of communication with the local communities; and they work to support recruiting efforts by assisting community and business leaders in recognizing that the Army Reserve strengthens the Soldiers, the community, and the nation.

While not all ambassadors have military experience, many are retired officers or senior non-commissioned officers who wish to remain engaged in military affairs.   Each state and territory has at least one Army Reserve ambassador.

Volume 72. Number 3. Fall 2018

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Our Service Never Ends

Color Guard at Maj. Gideon Lichtman’s Internment

Rabbi Aaron A. Rozovsky, Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life

JACKSON, Mo. – When we serve as Soldiers, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, Airmen, and Sailors, we sacrifice a great deal.  We are away from our homes, communities, friends, and loved ones for extended periods of time.  We are in a calling that inherently places our lives on the line which is why some of us have to go to places like Arlington National Cemetery to visit our friends, and some of the things that we experience stay with us long after we take off our uniforms.  No one can blame a veteran for wanting to be left alone after having given so much.

Toward the end of the book of Deuteronomy, in parashah Ha-azinu (“Listen”), Moses delivers a lengthy sermon, often called “The Song of Moses.”  He details what will happen to the Israelites if and when they sin, and how they will be redeemed.  After this powerful declaration, he tells the people, “Take to heart all the words with that I have warned you this day.  Enjoin them upon your children, that they may observe faithfully all the terms of this Teaching” (Deuteronomy 32:46).  The 16th-century Italian Rabbi Obadiah ben Jacob Sforno elaborates on this verse, writing, “At the end of your lives, when you pass on  an ethical will, enjoin these words upon them”.[i]

Rabbi Aaron Rozovsky

In his famous pamphlet series, The American Crisis (written in support of the patriot cause during the American Revolution), the English philosopher Thomas Paine declares, “These are the times that try men’s souls.  The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot, will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”[ii]  Almost two centuries later, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country”.[iii]

If Moses, Sforno, Paine, and Kennedy were separated by so much time, distance, and circumstance, what could these men and their words possibly have in common?  Perhaps it is this: our service can never end, because the eyes of our descendants are upon us.  As Jews and as American fighting men and women, we are forever obligated to serve.  That is simply who we are at our core.  But we can’t be soldiers all our days, nor were we meant to be.  Taking off our uniforms does not mark the end of our service, nor is it the closing of a book; rather, it is the ending of one chapter in a lifetime of selflessly giving back to our communities and our nation. As members of the armed forces, we demonstrate to future generations why serving in uniform is so vital to embracing and upholding our national character.  Now as veterans, no longer in our dress uniforms or battle fatigues, but sporting our civilian attire, we must find new ways to serve. We must continue to be role models for the impressionable young people in our communities, in whose hands the fate of our nation rests.

About the Author: Rabbi Aaron A. Rozovsky is a 2018 ordainee of the Cincinnati campus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.  He is the Director of Rabbinical Services at the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life in Jackson, Mississippi.  Rabbi Rozovsky is also a Chaplain with the rank of Captain in the Rhode Island Army National Guard.  He has been in the military for over 12 years and has deployed to both Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

[i] Sforno’s commentary on Deuteronomy 32:46 (courtesy Carasik, Michael. The Commentator’s Bible-The Rubin JPS Miqra’ot Gedolot: Deuteronomy. Philadelphia: The Jewish Publication Society. 2015. p.236)

[ii] Paine, Thomas.  “The American Crisis” (Vol 1).  Pennsylvania Journal.  December 23, 1776.  (courtesy ushistory.org)

[iii] Kennedy, John F.  Inaugural Address.  January 20, 1961.  (courtesy ushistory.org)

Volume 72. Number 3. Fall 2018

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National Commander Barry Schneider’s Fall Update

Barry accepting his nomination for National Commander at Convention.

Dear Friends,

First let me say how honored and humble I am to serve as this year’s National Commander.  I will do my best to live up to your expectations.  Please feel free to contact me with any suggestions and/or questions at nationalcmdr@jwv.org.

The High Holy Days are a time for reflection and new beginnings.  As we usher in 5779, I challenge you to reflect on the many good things we at JWV do for our veterans and service members.  This time of year we ask G—d for strength to make ourselves better than we were last year and remove the burden of regret from last year.  My personal wish is for each of you and your families to have a sweet, healthy and successful new year.

The year started off with a bang!  The Tampa convention was one of the best in memory.  The revised format has put new emphasis on workshops which will help us improve efficiency in delivering our various programs.  Should you have suggestions for workshops, best practices sessions or speakers, please contact Anna Selman at National Headquarters or email me at the above address.  Congratulations to our National staff and Convention Committee for all their hard work.

Barry serving the homeless at Post 256’s Annual BBQ for the homeless.

August saw me in New Orleans and Shreveport to say hello and offer assistance to the Posts in both cities.  In early September, I joined Post 256 in Dallas for their annual BBQ luncheon for homeless Veterans.  Over 120 veterans were served a delicious lunch. Later in September, I had the opportunity to visit the Capt. David Greene Post 344 in Denver.  In Boulder, Colorado, I had the opportunity and to meet with the University of Colorado ROTC Cadet Corps and the University Veteran Assistance Officer.  This fall will be equally busy with Veteran’s Day activities in Washington DC as well as Brussels Belgium, SHAPE and NATO Headquarters.  As we remember the end of WWI, let us not forget the heroes of that war.  I encourage each echelon to develop a remembrance in your own community.  We will make a stop in London to visit with the members of the Association of Jewish Ex-Service Men and Women (AJEX).

This year’s Allied Mission trip to Israel has been totally revamped!  Please review the itinerary located elsewhere in the paper.  With the help of David Dinour and Aviatours Tours, a very special trip has been planned.  We believe it will appeal to Military and civilians alike, as well as those Allied Veterans our various Departments will be sending on this exciting trip. As an added bonus, an extension tour to Egypt has been scheduled.  The itinerary is certain to excite the senses and enlighten the mind. Please register now!

I am pleased to announce the renavigations of the Iraq/Afghanistan committee under the able leadership of Rochel Hyman from Arizona.  She is very attuned to the needs of our younger active duty personnel and veterans.  I know she will do much to bring them into the fold.

To the ladies of JWVA, congratulations to President Singer.  I look forward to working together for the mutual benefit of both organizations.  Together, united, we stand stronger and more efficient in carrying out our common mission.

Membership continues to be is a major goal. We need more, new and younger members.  They are out there.  Your job is to find them and let them know, regardless of age, that JWV has meaning and value to them and their families.  At last count there are over 50,000 Jewish veterans waiting to be asked to join JWV.  All they need is to be asked.  Please ASK THEM! Let us not forget about our museum.  The museum is our face in DC.  It tells what we have done and what we do.  Every member of JWV should be a member of the museum.  Post Commanders take hold of the issue and insure new and renewing members are encouraged to join.  Talk to your synagogues, JCC’s Federations and insure they make the museum a priority stop when they take students to Washington.

As a final comment, remember it is now time to renew for 2019. Review your membership roster.  Call, email or write those members in arrears. Your voting strength and NEC delegation is based on paid membership.

As we march into the future, please know that I appreciate the efforts put forward by each of you.

Sincerely,

Volume 72. Number 3. Fall 2018

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L’Shana Tova from President Donald Trump

President Donald Trump on Call, Photo Credit: The Times of Israel

By Sabrina Fine, Communications Intern

Ahead of the Jewish New Year 5779 (2018), Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. participated in a phone call with President Donald Trump.  The President was introduced by his son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner.

“It’s my honor to introduce in a few minutes the President.  As we enter the final days of the month of Elul on the Jewish calendar the Jewish tradition calls for the month leading into Rosh Hashanah to be one of introspection and reflection,” said Kushner.

Kushner also spoke about Trump’s contributions to all American people.  After the brief introduction the 45th President joined the call.

“To many Rabbis, Jewish leaders and friends who are on the line I am delighted to wish you L’Shana Tova, a sweet new year and you will have many others,” said Trump.

Trump expressed his deep gratitude to the Jewish people.  Despite the Jewish people’s history of suffering and persecution, they have continued to thrive and contribute to the world.

Trump also stated his close personal connection to the Jewish people.  His daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared are Jewish and the President is proud and loves his Jewish grandchildren.

During the High Holidays, reflection, atonement and remembrance are important, and the President reflected on some of his achievements for the Jewish people.

White House Symbol, Photo Credit: White House

“As we hear the sound of shofars called this year we have much to celebrate as a nation,” said Trump. “Opportunities for all Americans are soaring, record numbers of Americans are working.”

Another of Trump’s administration’s accomplishments was moving the US embassy to Jerusalem on May 14, 2018 at 4p.m.  The date and time is noteworthy because David Ben-Gurion declared Israel’s independence the same date and time 70 years ago.

David Friedman, the United States Ambassador to Israel, also participated in the call and praised the opening of the Embassy as a significant and joyous moment.

“The embassy in Jerusalem has become a major tourist site in Israel,” said Friedman.  “People just pull-up their cars, they get out, they take pictures.  I have seen some people praying there.  I have actually seen many people crying there.”

Another credit given to the Trump administration was the withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council.  In June, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley announced the decision.  One of the reasons was stated by Haley to be the council having a “chronic bias against Israel”.

During the call, Trump also mentioned a long-overdue success with the deportation of the last known Nazi war criminal from the United States in August.  Ninety-five year old Jakiw Palij was a guard and associated with terrible atrocities during the Holocaust.  Palij’s deportation was ordered in 2004, however for 14 years American officials could not find an accepting country for Palij.

“We renew our pledge to confront anti-Semitism and hatred in all of its forms,” said Trump.

Alan Dershowitz, a participant in the call, thanked the President for doing what others have not been able to do.

Dershowitz asked, “Mr. President, should the Jewish community be optimistic that you can help bring about a peaceful resolution of the conflict that we all pray for all the time?”

Referring to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict the President responded with a strong yes.  Trump stated that while it is a challenge, his administration is working diligently on getting a deal.

Norman Colman, chairman of the Republican Jewish coalition, also participated in the call.

“In the spirit of introspection and reflection that we as Jews are called upon to do this time of year, please allow me to thank you for the courage and wisdom you’ve demonstrated in the promises made and promises kept this year that have really strengthened the U.S. Israel relation,” said Coleman. Coleman then questioned the President.

“Where do we go from here with Iran? What more can we do to neutralize Iran’s ongoing effort to destabilize the gulf region and continually threaten Israel’s existence?”

Trump said we will see what happens down the road and Iran is different now than before he became President.  Trump stated that pulling out of the Iran deal was good for Israel and world peace and has demonstrated he has Israel and the Jewish people’s safety and security in mind.

“May you be inscribed in the book of life,” said Trump. “I send my warmest wishes to the Jewish people in the United States and around the world as we approach the high holidays.”

Volume 72. Number 3. Fall 2018

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