JWV Statement On Columbia University and Safety of Jewish Students on Campus

The Jewish War Veterans of the USA denounces the antisemitic protests on the campus of Columbia University in the strongest way. “Protests are unlawful when they threaten the lives of others. We demand the University leadership shut down the encampment, discipline harassers, protect the safety of not only Jewish students but all students. Columbia University is obligated to restore the campus to a safe environment for all students and faculty,” said JWV National Commander Colonel Barry Lischinsky (Retired).

“JWV has always stood up to hatred, bigotry, and antisemitism wherever and whenever it occurs as in the past, we will not remain silent now or in the future. University leadership must be accountable to provide a safe and secure environment for their Jewish students. We call on leadership to put an end to the rising tensions on campus and restore civility.”

JWV remains gravely concerned that similar protests have begun at multiple universities across the country. Commander Lischinsky continued, “While JWV recognizes the First Amendment provides for freedom of speech, hatred and violence are never justified. Once the speech targets those of a specific ancestry and incites violence, the University has a responsibility to prevent and eliminate that behavior from the campus community.”

###

About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans (JWV) of the USA is the premier voice for Jewish uniformed service members and veterans in the United States. The JWV affirms that Jewish men and women serve honorably and heroically in the military forces of the United States of America during peacetime and war. The JWV defends the rights and benefits of all service members and veterans, combats antisemitism, and supports the State of Israel.

/by

JWV Partners with the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism

The Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) is reaffirming its commitment in joining the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS) as an official partner of #StandUpToJewishHate. This national campaign encourages all Americans to combat antisemitism by using the #🟦 as a symbol of unifying support to combat antisemitism. Jews make up only 2.4% of the American population[1], yet are the victims of 55% of religious-based hate crimes[2]. This alarming statistic is the cornerstone of this new campaign created by Robert K. Kraft and his family. JWV joins the Foundation and numerous other partnered organizations including the Anti-Defamation League, Hillel International, Urban League, The Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs, National Governors Association, and the League of Women Voters to stand up to Jewish hate.

Through the #StandUpToJewishHate campaign, the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism established 🟦, the Blue Square emoji, as a simple, but powerful symbol of solidarity and support for the Jewish community. The 🟦 is shared across the country on TV screens, billboards, and social media feeds. The initial roll-out included popular NBC shows such as The Voice, The Kelly Clarkson Show , and TODAY with an introduction to the 🟦 and a discussion on antisemitism.

“The #StandUpToJewishHate campaign is designed to raise awareness for the fight against antisemitism, specifically among non-Jewish audiences and to help all Americans understand that there is a role for each of us to play in combating a problem that is unfortunately all too prevalent in communities across the country today,” said Robert K. Kraft, Founder of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism. “We must stand up and take action against the rise of all hate and I hope everyone will post and share the Blue Square to show their support in this fight.”

Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans of the USA is the premier voice for Jewish uniformed service members and veterans in the United States. The JWV affirms that Jewish men and women have served and continue to serve honorably and heroically in the military forces of the United States of America during peacetime and war. The JWV defends the rights and benefits of all service members, veterans, and their families. We combat against antisemitism and continue to support the State of Israel.

JWV National Commander, Colonel Barry Lischinsky (Retired) stated “As the only Jewish Veterans Service Organization, JWV opposes all forms of hatred, discrimination and bigotry but is especially outspoken on antisemitism. Our mission of combating antisemitism becomes even more important and must remain at the forefront of our actions.”

“As instances of antisemitism continue to rise across the country, JWV asks all Americans to be vigilant, learn, and help educate our fellow citizens about antisemitism. JWV is doing its part by coalition building with organizations like Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (#🟦) and others across the Nation. We are partnering with StandWithUs to address antisemitism at colleges and universities.”

JWV stands ready to be a resource for individuals and organizations in helping to educate Americans. We believe that education is the key to reducing antisemitic actions and incidents in America and around the world.

JWV encourages our members and our allied partners to #StandUpToJewishHate in a number of ways:

  1. Post and share 🟦 – an emoji already available on most smartphones – as a hashtag across social media alongside a message of support for the Jewish community and commitment to stand up to Jewish hate.
  2. Activate your network by making them aware of the #StandUpToJewishHate campaign and how they can use 🟦 as a powerful symbol of solidarity with the Jewish community.
  3. Tell your story to followers on social media, describing an instance where you’ve either encountered antisemitism and how it affected you or witnessed someone standing up against hatred towards Jews.
  4. Visit www.StandUpToJewishHate.org and subscribe to the Foundation’s ”From the Command Center” e-newsletter to keep up to date on how antisemitism is spreading online, learn ways to identify and report it, and find helpful tools and resources around antisemitism.
  5. Follow the #StandUpToJewishHate campaign at @StandUpToJewishHate on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to keep up to date with 🟦 and learn more about antisemitism.
  6. Report antisemitism immediately when you see it, and if it is an emergency, dial 911. You can learn more about how best to report antisemitism by visiting www.StandUpToJewishHate.org.

[1] “Jewish Americans in 2020,” Pew Research Center, May 21, 2021, https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2021/05/11/the-size-of-the-u-s-jewish-population/

[2] FBI data released in October 2023, covering crimes reported in 2022, shows that about 55% of all religion-based hate crimes were driven by anti-Jewish bias.

###

About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans (JWV) of the USA is the premier voice for Jewish uniformed service members and veterans in the United States. The JWV affirms that Jewish men and women serve honorably and heroically in the military forces of the United States of America during peacetime and war. The JWV defends the rights and benefits of all service members and veterans, combats antisemitism, and supports the State of Israel.

/by

JWV Statement on Attack by Iran on Israel

On Saturday, April 13, 2024, Iran launched hundreds of deadly drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles in an attack on Israel. Iran’s proxies, Hezbollah, the Houthis, Hamas, joined in the attack. Missiles were launched toward Israel from multiple geographic locations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.

Thankfully, Israel, and its allied partners in the US, UK, Jordan, and France, defended against this unprecedented, direct attack. Ninety-nine (99) percent of all the drones and missiles were intercepted, with the only reported hit causing minor damage to an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) base.

“JWV condemns the actions of Iran and their proxies in the strongest possible way and stands in solidarity with Israel and the allied partners to defend it borders and its citizens,” said JWV National Commander Colonel Barry Lischinsky, (Retired). “JWV deeply appreciates the efforts of the IDF, its allies, and all that stand against the evil of Iran’s actions in seeking to destroy the nation state of Israel.”

 Am Yisrael Chai

###

About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans (JWV) of the USA is the premier voice for Jewish uniformed service members and veterans in the United States. The JWV affirms that Jewish men and women serve honorably and heroically in the military forces of the United States of America during peacetime and war. The JWV defends the rights and benefits of all service members and veterans, combats antisemitism, and supports the State of Israel.

/by

JWV Signs 4+1 Commitment to Hire Military Spouses

On April 2, 2024, the Jewish War Veterans of the USA signed the 4+1 Commitment — a program developed by Blue Star Families, Hiring Our Heroes, and Department of Defense’s Military Spouse Employment Partnership to hire and support military spouses. This program is a voluntary commitment by employers to adopt policies that expand employment and career opportunities for military spouses.

“JWV is committed to supporting veterans and service members, and believes that obligation extends to their families, including caregivers and survivors. In the past four months, two military spouses have joined the JWV team,” said JWV National Commander COL Barry Lischinsky (Retired). “JWV has benefited from their knowledge of the military and veteran communities in carrying out our mission. Both hires underscore our commitment to the 4+1 pledge and in supporting our service members and their spouses.”

###

About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans (JWV) of the USA is the premier voice for Jewish uniformed service members and veterans in the United States. The JWV affirms that Jewish men and women serve honorably and heroically in the military forces of the United States of America during peacetime and war. The JWV defends the rights and benefits of all service members and veterans, combats antisemitism, and supports the State of Israel.

/by

Second Gentleman Speaks at NEC Meeting

By Bryn Garick, Managing Editor

JWV was honored to host Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff at the annual NEC conference on February 21, 2024. Following a meet and greet with Jewish War Veterans, Jewish War Veterans National Ladies Auxiliary, and National Museum of American Jewish Military History leadership, National Commander Barry Lischinsky and Emhoff had a fireside chat.

Lischinsky began the conversation by thanking Emhoff for his participation at the NEC meeting and for his representation as the first Jewish White House principal.

Emhoff emphasized that it was an honor to participate in this event and that he takes his role in the White House very seriously.

Emhoff stated, “Coming into office a little over three years ago, I wanted to just live the way I had: open, proud, Jewish, and celebrate our faith and our culture.”

He elaborated on some of the events that he’s participated in such as the White House Hanukkah parties, and Seders. Emhoff detailed that he wants to continue to share the joys of being Jewish.
“And as well to fight against hate and antisemitism,” he continued. “In connection with that, one of the things I’m most proud of is the ‘National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.'”

Emhoff noted his work with the administration and with Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt to develop this plan, the first of its kind. He explained that one of the elements of this plan is education.
“A lot of the antisemitism out there is because of a lack of knowledge, a lack of education,” Emhoff said.

He went on to explain that since the terrorist attacks of October 7, his work to combat antisemitism and all forms of hate has increased.

“Since then, I have basically been working nonstop to push back on this crisis of hate, this crisis of antisemitism that has arisen in conjunction with the administration,” Emhoff explained.
He detailed that he’s been working with the administration to make sure that Jews and all people are safe and secure to live their daily lives amidst this growing hate.

Lischinsky emphasized JWV’s members readiness to assist him and the administration in any way that they can.

Lischinsky asked Emhoff about his transition from private citizen to Second Gentleman.

Emhoff explained it as quite a transition and everything changed once his wife, Kamala Harris, became the Vice President. Though he emphasized that he proudly stepped away from his career to support her.

He continued, “It was all hands on deck and I raised my hand. And it was three plus years of representing this country. The way you all [the Jewish War Veterans] have represented your country in your roles, I had and still have that honor of being able to go around the country and go around the world saying ‘I represent the United States of America.’ It’s an honor of a lifetime.”

Lischinsky asked Emhoff about the ‘National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism’ that he had alluded to before. The ‘National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism’ was released in May 2023Emhoff described that the idea was born at the end of 2022 following a rise in antisemitism. He cited Charlottesville and the Tree of Life synagogue murders as examples.

“At the end of 2022, I knew I needed to do more. This was in the era of Kanye West was saying all these horrible things. I was in LA, and there was a billboard that said ‘Kanye was right about the Jews.’ I went back to the office and told my team we have to do something more. That something more lead to a convening of Jewish leaders at the White House, which then led to President Biden creating an interagency group to look at the issue and develop a plan,” Emhoff explained.

He continued that it was really a group effort to look at all forms of hate, but that the first deliverable was the ‘National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.’

Emhoff paraphrased that the plan is based on four pillars: 1) education, 2) safety and security, 3) resources to counter growing online misinformation and 4) hate, and coalition building.
Emhoff further explained that since October 7, the group has done everything they can to uplift the plan including hosting continuous meetings and providing dedicated resources to communities.
Lischinsky noted that JWV was founded on similar principles including education to combat antisemitism, bigotry and hate. He continued on to ask Emhoff what keeps him up at night, which earned a laugh from the audience and Emhoff.

Emhoff replied, “Saving our democracy.”

He continued that it’s protecting the oath that the Vice President, service members, and all other United States representatives take to protect the Constitution and protect the country from enemies both foreign and domestic.

“That oath must be honored, each and every day. And sometimes, I know you all probably shake your heads at some of the things you’re seeing out there right now. Disregard for our rule of law, disregard for our Constitution, disregard for that oath. We all need to fight back and stand up for that, and you know what, sometimes that keeps me up at night,” Emhoff stated.

Lischinsky concluded by asking Emhoff if he had any additional thoughts on how his work combatting antisemitism and all forms of hate has changed following the October 7 attacks.
Emhoff responded, “The only thing I’ll add is the personal toll it has taken. Just like every other Jewish person and a lot of people who saw what happened on October 7. The shock, anger, rage. That coupled with the unfair blaming of Jewish people here in America, and just equating any action by Israel that they may not agree with and taking it out on all Jews.”

He continued, “But we have to keep talking about it, we have to keep reminding people, this happened. My wife, the Vice President, has been great. There are days I don’t want to do this, there’s days I do not want to speak about this. Every time I need to, she pushes me out there and says, you have a responsibility to do this and speak up about not only antisemitism, but about hate of all forms because it’s important.”

Emhoff closed by mentioning his father who served in the National Guard. He stated, “It’s something he was so proud of, and I loved when I was a kid, looking at pictures of him looking impossibly fit and young with his medals. It’s something that I am so proud of as his son to be say that publicly.”

He continued, “I came late to public service, I wish I could’ve done this earlier on, but I’m taking full advantage of this opportunity to do this public service. I love this country, I’m a patriot. So, to be able to serve and express my love for my country as the first Second Gentleman, and the first Jewish person in this role, it’s just an honor.”

Volume 78. Number 1. 2024

/by

VA Deputy Secretary Bradsher Gives Keynote Address at NEC Meeting

By Bryn Garick, Managing Editor

JWV welcomed Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Deputy Secretary Tanya Bradsher to speak at our Policy Committee during our NEC Meeting.

Bradsher began her remarks by thanking JWV, JWVA, and NMAJMH leadership, members and patrons for the invitation to speak, and their “selfless service to the country.”

She then brought up JWV’s work combating antisemitism, bigotry and hate, “Your work and the mission of JWV has never been more important than it is right now. The world was reminded of that fact after the depraved terrorist assault on Israel, which brutally reinforced the stark, sorrowful reality that antisemitism is rising here in our country and abroad.”

She continued, “Secretary McDonough has stated this often, but it bears repeating. So let me be clear. The Department of Veterans Affairs stands with you during this tragic time for the Jewish people in Israel, in the United States, and around the world. Discrimination, prejudice, and hatred in any form have no home at VA and no place in our great nation. At VA, we are committed to advancing an inclusive environment that values and supports the diverse communities we serve. It’s our individual and collective responsibility to do the work that’s necessary to counter antisemitism. Together, we reject those who distort history and peddle racist conspiracy theories. Together, we teach future generations so that they can stand up to injustice and defeat the scourge of antisemitism once, and for all. Together. Because that’s what humanity demands.”

She pivoted to discuss how VA has been delivering on their promise of serving veterans.

“When it comes to the benefits Vets have earned and deserve, we’re processing their claims faster than ever before. Altogether, VA processed nearly 2 million claims in 2023—shattering last year’s record by 16%. We’re also providing more care to Veterans this year. VA delivered more than 116 million health care appointments to Veterans, exceeding last year’s numbers by more than 3 million appointments.”

She explained an expansion in PACT Act benefits, “Starting in March—all toxic-exposed Vets will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care under PACT Act. That means any Vet who served in the Gulf War, in Iraq, Afghanistan or any other combat zone after 9/11 is eligible for VA health care. Millions of additional Veterans will get access to VA health care.”

Bradsher closed her remarks with two personal stories.

“I grew up down the street from Lieutenant General Sidney Weinstein, known today as the ‘Father of Modern Military Intelligence.’ I’ve been thinking a lot about General Weinstein as I prepared for tonight’s remarks. He played a key role in my decision to join the Army. His story of service inspired me in other ways, too. His daughter and my friend, Halee, has written about what it was like for her dad to endure discrimination, bigotry, and violence as a young Jewish man in environments where he often felt like an outsider. I’m sure many of you have felt the same. He made it his mission to create an Army, an America, and a world that were fair and just to all. For me, his example stands as a symbol of humanity at its best one person supporting another, making the future better for the generations that follow,” Bradsher explained.

Bradsher continued, “There was a woman, Rosalie Flasinski, whose parents immigrated from Poland. Rosalie had a daughter in 1950, and another in 1954. Sadly, she passed away shortly after giving birth in 1954. So, her two daughters, Linda and Susan, were both put into a Catholic orphanage in Boston. Linda grew up in Arlington, VA, and met this guy, and they had a kid named Tanya. In 2002, my mother gets a call, and she finds out that she’s the daughter of Rosalie Alice Flasinski. And so, I stand here before you as Deputy Secretary Tanya Bradsher, and her granddaughter.”

She concluded, “That is what I see as the long-standing legacy at JWV. That is what you have been about since the Hebrew Union Veterans Association first waged war on antisemitism defending the rights of all service members and Veterans. That is what we are about at VA, too. This work takes all of us working together. VA can’t—and doesn’t—keep the promise to Vets alone.”

Volume 78. Number 1. 2024

/by

NC Lischinsky Testifies Before Congressional Committees

By Bryn Garick, Managing Editor

On March 13, 2024, National Commander Barry Lischinsky testified to present our legislative priorities to the Joint House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC). Prior to the hearing, JWV submitted a written testimony that can be read here: www.jwv.org/programs/legislative-priorities/

Gathered in the Hearing Room of the Cannon House Office Building, more than 20 JWV leaders, members, patrons, and staff watched as NC Lischinsky delivered his five-minute oral testimony designed to be a summary of the previously submitted document.

Lischinsky opened his remarks detailing his extensive military career spanning more than 34 years and his roles after retirement, including as the superintendent of Chelsea Soldiers Home.

Later, he emphasized the Jewish War Veterans’ commitment to fighting all forms of hatred, discrimination, and bigotry, particularly antisemitism, and their support for Israel.

“JWV condemns the Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel and emphasizes that terrorist actions anywhere are never justified,” said Lischinsky. “JWV stands with Israel, its military, and its citizens and calls on all Americans to join us in condemning the terrorist attack. The remaining hostages must be immediately released and reconstituted with their families.”

Lischinsky highlighted JWV’s spearheaded effort to show unity and solidarity for Israel.

“We secured the signatures of 26 VSOs and MSOs representing millions of current and former uniformed service members, veterans, and their families to stand against terrorism and with our brothers and sisters in the Israeli Defense Forces,” Lischinsky continued.

Lischinsky also discussed other JWV legislative priorities including delivering timely, high-quality benefits and services to all veterans, fixing VA’s electronic health record system, supporting the Major Richard Star Act, and improving veteran suicide prevention/mental health care.

The written testimony also referenced JWV’s priority to remain “committed to addressing the specialized health care needs of our women veterans including increasing cancer screenings, improving mental health care and access, addressing infertility, and reducing intimate partner violence.”

This legislative priority prompted Representative Mike Levin (CA-49) to ask Lischinsky, “Why is it so important that we train providers to provide gender specific care?”

Lischinsky answered, “Women veterans are the fastest growing in VA enrollment with the rate to shortly match those in service, at almost 20%. Our sisters have fought for this country, and it is important to provide the right medical care, that they be recognized and respected for their contributions,” he continued, “We support the VA and their Women Veterans Health Mini-Residency three-day education and training course.”

Chairman Mike Bost (IL-12) also took the opportunity to ask NC Lischinsky a question regarding a VA employee’s antisemitic remarks (See Page 16) and if Lischinsky was happy with the VA’s response and handling of the situation.

Lischinsky responded that on January 29, 2024, he and NED Greenberg met with VA Secretary McDonough to discuss this incident. Secretary McDonough assured them that there were no biases or prejudice in the employee’s work.

Lischinsky continued, “JWV would be glad to work with anyone who wants to deal with antisemitism, bigotry, and hate. When freedom of speech is brought into the workforce and it has a connotation of antisemitism, bigotry and ,hate, and it affects your employees, customers or stakeholders, it’s no longer freedom of speech.”

Volume 78. Number 1. 2024

/by

JWV Celebrates 128th Anniversary in NYC with Ceremony and Service

By Bryn Garick, Managing Editor

On March 15, 2024, JWV celebrated its 128th anniversary as the longest-serving active Veterans Service Organization. In honor of this anniversary, JWV leadership, members, patrons, and staff celebrated at a ceremony as well as at Central Synagogue’s weekly Shabbat Service.

Post 1 organized their annual JWV Anniversary event at the Found Study, a private college residence hall formerly known as the Lexington Avenue Opera House. The Lexington Avenue Opera House was the site for the first JWV meeting back in 1896. Honored at the ceremony were the seven Jewish Civil War Veterans who organized that first meeting of the Hebrew Union Veterans Association which later became the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America. The seven honored were Jastrow Alexander, Isadore Eckstein, Isadore Isaacs, Jacob Jacobs, Joseph Steiner, Joseph Unger, and Joseph Wolf.

The keynote speaker was NC Lischinsky. Other speakers included NVC Ginsburg, DC Sidney Goldberg (NY), and JWVA President Shirley Zak (NY).

From left: DC Sidney Goldberg, Jerry Alperstein, PNC Alan Paley, Eric Spinner, NC Barry Lischinsky, Gary Glick, Paul Rosenfield, NVC Gary Ginsburg. Seated: SVP Leslie Emack, PNP Petra Kaatz, and NP Shirley Zak.

JWV’s 2023 Education Award recipients Michal Epstein of Texas A&M University and Aliza Ruttenberg of Barnard College also attended and were recognized. The two were classmates at Plano East High School in Texas.

Also among those attending were Assistant Veterans Service Center Manager Eric Hoey, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System Director Timothy Graham and Assistant Director Rosemary Cancel.

NEC Jerry Alperstein (NY) presented NC Lischinsky with a copy of the minutes from that first meeting and with a custom-made kippah by Avi the Kippah Man from Ben Yehuda Street in Jerusalem.

NC Lischinsky spoke about the importance of our national organization, “We are here because people need to know that Jews serve.”

The ceremony concluded with Mourners Kaddish recited by Post 1 member David Goldstein.

Following this event, JWV members were encouraged to attend Shabbat Services held at Central Synagogue. Central Synagogue organized JWV members to have reserved seating for the services. More than 20 Jewish veterans and members of the Ladies Auxiliary were present from New York, Massachusetts, Florida, and New Jersey. JWV members and patrons from around the country also watched these services streamed by the Jewish Broadcasting Service (JBS).

Apart from JWV, the Synagogue was nearly full with approximately 500 people present.

JWV was announced by Senior Rabbi, Angela Buchdahl, in her welcome remarks and people stood and applauded. JWV’s 128th birthday was also mentioned by Rabbi Maurice Salth efore the Shehechayanu and the congregation was receptive.

NED Greenberg, who streamed the event via JBS, stated, “The Shabbat Service was filled with energy and moved along at a fast pace and was uplifting as a virtual participant. I am sure those in-person must have felt the same way.”

Volume 78. Number 1. 2024

/by

Bringing Jewish Culture Expands Our Community

By LT Steven A. Ballaban

Ten months ago, my wife and I were blessed with a grandson who lives only a few miles from us. It has been a joy to experience the wonder of a new child without the exhaustion of being a new parent! His mother and father are loving and nurturing and they are a gift to him, as he is to them. They are particularly careful about feeding him healthy and nutritious food, so when his mother asked if I could bake him sourdough bread I said, “of course.”

I couldn’t find anyone who had a sourdough starter, so I spent three weeks cultivating the wild yeast that is the “secret ingredient” to sourdough. My first few loaves were appreciated, but not Instagram-ready! But finally, after about two months, I could bake loaf after loaf of perfect sourdough. For those of you who haven’t had the experience, it is nearly miraculous. Just a few cups of flour, some water, and a bit of salt. Plus a bit of starter – and 12 hours later you have amazing bread that fills the house with an aroma that makes it feel like home, and a chewy but air-bubble filled loaf that demands to be eaten right away.

As I reflect on the world and our people since October 7, I realize that we are the sourdough starter for every civilization and culture in which we make our homes. And Israel is the bowl in which our culture first began, and is preserved. Our Torah, our unique relation with G-d, our devotion to a fragile and fertile land, our passion for life, justice, and ethics… We bring these everywhere we go and somehow, miraculously, they inspire and infuse those around us to grow into a civilization that is richer, more diverse, and more productive.

The military is no different. When I first joined the Navy almost 39 years ago, I heard – as so many of you may have – “what are you doing? Jews don’t volunteer for the military?” Over the years I have met so many Jews in uniform, proud Jews who have made an outsized contribution to the success of our nation. Like the yeast in the sourdough, they have brought an understanding of the diversity of our country, they have been leaders in their units, some have been Lay leaders who ensure that there is the richness of Jewish life to nurture the hearts and souls of the other Jews around them. I will never forget my first visit to Stein Hall at the US Naval Academy, and seeing the exhibits of all of the Jews who have changed the Navy and made it what it is today. Albert Michaelson, the physicist who made the work of Albert Einstein possible and who was awarded the first Nobel Prize given to a military member in the US. Or Paul Shulman, who established Israel’s Navy after her independence. Or Hyman Rickover who imagined and created our Nuclear Navy program that is the heart of our submarine service and nuclear carriers. That is our past. But our future is in the hands of the two Jewish Midshipmen who were awarded the Rhodes Scholarship during my four years at the Academy. And the hundreds of other dedicated Jews whom I met, who educated their peers on the importance of the ideals of our faith and the need for religious tolerance and diversity for the survival of our nation. I have come to realize that the sense of service, honor, commitment to duty, professionalism, and patriotism that can be seen when military Jews gather is a strong yeast indeed!

At this time, when the future of our nation and the future of Israel are being tested more than at any time in my life, I know that no matter what happens, the Jewish people will continue to inspire many more loaves in the centuries to come. Because of people like those I have met during my service. Because of people like you.

LT Steven A. Ballaban was born in New York. He received his BA in English Literature from Vassar College in 1981. He continued his studies at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio and received his Masters of Hebrew Letters in 1985, and his Rabbinic ordination in June 1986. In 1989, he returned to Cincinnati, and earned a Masters of Philosophy in 1994 and a Doctor of Philosophy in 1995. Following a 20-year career as an educator, he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa) by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. He began his training as a clinical chaplain in 2011 and received Board Certification as a Clinical Chaplain from the Association of Professional Chaplains in 2013, and was the 5th chaplain to earn a Clinical Concentration in PTSD from the National Association of Veterans Affairs Chaplains in 2014. His publications include 14 articles in the Oxford Dictionary of the Jewish Religion and an article on the treatment of trauma in the Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling.

He was commissioned as an Ensign (Chaplain Candidate Program Officer) in 1985 and entered Active Duty service in June 1986 following ordination. He continued his service as a drilling reservist until 1995, earning promotion to LCDR. His commission expired in 2002.

After receiving his credentials as a clinical chaplain at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Portland, OR, he returned to the Navy as a chaplain and was commissioned as a LT in August 2014. Following completion of training at Officer Development School in Newport, RI and Naval Chaplaincy School Basic Course at Fort Jackson in Columbia SC, he reported to Commander Naval Air Facility Atsugi Japan in December 2014. Afterwards, he served at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD from 2017-2022 as Second Battalion Chaplain, as well as the Rabbi at the Academy and also taught Leadership. Following his tour at the Naval Academy, he returned to the Reserve Component where he serves as the Chaplain at COMSUBLANT.
Chaplain Ballaban and his wife, Lynda, have been married for 17 years and together they have 7 children and 3 grandchildren.

Volume 78. Number 1. 2024

/by