By Bryn Garick, Managing Editor

National Commander Barry Lischinsky, National Vice Commander Gary Ginsburg, Past National Commander Nelson Mellitz, Past National Commander David Magidson, and more than 25 members and patrons from twelve JWV departments donned JWV caps and gear before heading to the National Mall to demonstrate their support for Israel. On November 14, 2023 the Jewish Federations of North America (JNF) and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations hosted a rally at the National Mall in Washington, DC.

NC Lischinsky emphasized JWV’s message was clear, “this march was to show support for Israel, stand in solidarity with the hostages and condemn antisemitism.”

JWV staff including National Executive Director Ken Greenberg and Director of Operations Greg Byrne met at JWV National Headquarters before walking with Lischinsky, Ginsburg and Magidson to the National Mall to attend the rally. They met with other JWV members and patrons, some of whom had traveled from as far as upstate New York to attend the rally.

JWV signs attracted individuals to stop and talk with JWV officials, thanking them for their service and inquiring about our organization and its work.

PNC Magidson remarked, “A multitude of groups wanted to have their picture taken with us, B’nai Brithers, Hillelers, etc. Why? We showed the hat. We are Jewish Veterans. Pride all around!”
The formal event started at 1 PM and lasted approximately two hours and a half hours.

Permits obtained prior to the event estimated a crowd of 60,000 people. According to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency these numbers were exceeded, with 290,000 participants in-person. Reports included more than 250,000 tuned in to the livestream.

While the turnout exceeded expectations, a viral incident revealed some people were unable to attend. One incident prevented more than 900 people from the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit from attending the rally. These people were abandoned at the airport after bus drivers refused to transport the protestors. Despite this antisemitic incident, the rally was considered an overwhelming success.

The event featured 30 different speakers, including three different relatives of Israeli hostages that spoke of their missing relatives, urging Hamas to return them home. As they spoke, the large crowd chanted “Bring Them Home.” Other speakers included actress Tovah Feldshuh, Israeli Artist Ishay Ribo, the a capella group The Maccabeats, and more.

The event also included political leaders such as the Co-Chairs of Bipartisan Task Force Combatting Antisemitism: Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Rep. Kathy Manning (D-NC), as well as, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). These political leaders spoke about the United States’ commitment to stand with Israel, as well as showed unwavering support to condemn and defeat Hamas.

JWV NVC Ginsburg remarked, “The March for Israel was a moving, emphatic event with an unmistakable message: America stands with Israel.”

These sentiments were echoed by other JWV leadership.

NED Greenberg stated, “Today’s march was personally touching to me to see so many gather in unity to bring the hostages home. JWV will continue to be a strong voice in support of Israel.”

Volume 77. Number 4. 2023

By Bryn Garick, Managing Editor

JWV Stands with Israel — JWV leads letter signed by 25 different VSOs and MSOs showing support, solidarity, and unity for Israel.

On November 3, 2023, JWV spearheaded a letter sent to Congressional leadership urging Congress to act and show solidarity and unity for Israel. The letter was signed by JWV National Commander Barry Lischinsky National Executive Director Ken Greenberg, and 25 other Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), Military Service Organizations (MSOs), and other veteran-focused groups.

The letter was addressed to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

JWV leads VSO/MSO effort to Congressional Leadership Urging Solidary and Unity for Israel
November 3, 2023

Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Republican Leader McConnell, Speaker Johnson, and Democratic Leader Jeffries:
The undersigned Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) and Military Service Organizations (MSOs) representing more than six million current and former uniformed service members, veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors urge you to stand with Israel and in support of humanitarian and military funding. The Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. (JWV) is leading this effort to demonstrate solidarity and unity from the larger veteran and military community in the United States. Now more than ever, we must stand against terrorism and the atrocities committed by Hamas and with our brothers and sisters in the Israeli Defense Forces.

The October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks by Hamas, an Iranian proxy, were unprovoked and vicious, killing and maiming many Israeli civilian men, women, and children. Reports from the Middle East share barbaric atrocities including innocents being beheaded, whole families randomly being executed, women being raped, and people being kidnapped and held hostage for future trade-offs. Hamas, like ISIS, is a terrorist organization and terrorist activities are never justified. The United States must continue to fight for democracy and stand against terrorism wherever and whenever it occurs.

We believe that a strong national defense against terrorism is necessary to protect democracy. As such, the undersigned VSOs and MSOs urge you to stand with Israel and move swiftly to pass proposed emergency aid to Israel.

Thank you for all you do for service members and veterans, as leaders in Congress. We also commend your support for Israel at this critical time.

Sincerely,
COL Barry Lischinsky, USA, Ret., JWV National Commander
Kenneth Greenberg, JWV National Executive Director

List of signing organizations:
American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Memorial Society, American G.I. Forum, American Retirees Association, America’s Warriors Partnership, Association of the United States Navy, Blinded Veterans Association, Blue Star Families, Fleet Reserve Association, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Jewish War Veterans of the USA, Korean War Veterans Association, Marine Corps League, Marine Corps Reserve Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Military Order of the World Wars, Military-Veterans Advocacy, National Defense Committee, Non Commissioned Officers Association, Operation First Response, Sea Service Family, Foundation, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Ukrainian American Veterans, USCG Chief Petty Officers Association, Vets4Vet Leadership, Wounded Paw Project.

Volume 77. Number 4. 2023

JWV National Commander Barry Lischinsky and National Vice Commander Gary Ginsburg spoke with future Jewish military leaders from West Point, NY and the Citadel in Charleston, SC on October 28, 2023.

NC Lischinsky briefed the Jewish cadets present on the history, purpose, and current and future JWV priorities.

NC Lischinsky pointed out, “JWV will continue to support this important program and we will know in a few weeks the location for the spring 2024 Jewish Warrior Weekend event. Lischinsky indicated, “we obtained six more signed JWV membership applications from our West Point cadets and future Army leaders.”

US Army Major General retired Jeff Jacobs (2nd from right in group picture) was also present for this leadership professional development opportunity as chairman of the West Point NY Jewish Chapel Fund. General Jacobs is also a member of the JWV.

JWV also appreciates the support provided by the College of Charleston Hillel office, and the Jewish lay leader from USMA Colonel Ben Wallen.

Volume 77. Number 4. 2023

By PNC Harvey Weiner

The Massachusetts Department of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA once again sponsored its annual Wills for Veterans program a few weeks after Veterans Day. With the joint sponsorship of the Massachusetts Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, this was the fifth such annual event. Nine estate planning attorneys from the Boston office of the law firm of Day Pitney LLP once again donated their services and office space to draft wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, and/or health care proxies for eight veterans and two spouses from seven different Massachusetts cities and towns. Army, Navy, Marine and National Guard veterans were among the eight. One Vietnam veteran brought the yellowed carbon copy of his 1968 will, the original of which apparently still resides somewhere in Fort Meade, Maryland.

The experience was so meaningful to the estate planning attorneys that they offered to have a second Wills for Veterans day around Memorial Day. When performing pro bono legal work, lawyers usually get more out of it than they give.

Once again, those departments interested in a template of how to create and implement such a rewarding program, do not hesitate to contact PNC Harvey Weiner.

Volume 77. Number 4. 2023

Livingston NJ’s 36th annual Veterans Day observance, hosted by Dan Michelson Post 740 at Temple Beth Shalom on November 12, 2023, featured a tribute to two World War 2 veterans – “bookends” with a local connection. Louis Schleifer and Murray Sklar were contemporaries growing up in Newark, but probably never knew each other.

Louis Schleifer (1920-1941)

Schleifer enlisted in the army shortly after his graduation in 1938 from Newark’s South Side High School. Long interested in aviation, he was assigned to an intelligence unit in the Army Air Corps, which in June 1941 would be redesignated as “the Army Air Forces.” By that time, he was serving in the 4th Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group, Hickham Field, at the entrance to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, and he loved his work.

But that peace was suddenly shattered on that infamous Sunday morning in December 1941, in an aerial assault that killed more than 2400 American servicemen, destroyed much of our fleet and our army’s air assets in the Pacific, and drew this country into war.

Most of the airplanes at Hickham Field that day had been clustered in the open, near the runway, because it was felt that the most serious threat to those assets was sabotage, not foreign invasion. Grabbing a helmet and his .45 caliber sidearm, Lou raced outside to help move the planes into their hangars. As he did so, Japanese Zeroes strafed the field. Standing his ground, he fired his handgun at a low-flying plane coming straight at him, and was mortally wounded.

Schleifer became the first son of Newark – and possibly the first New Jerseyan – to die in World War II. For his gallantry, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, our nation’s fourth highest military decoration.

Murray Sklar (1924-2016)

At the other end of that “bookshelf” stands Murray Sklar. Murray joined the Marine Corps after graduating from Weequahic High School in 1943, and was deployed to the Pacific in time for the Battle of Saipan. Soon after, he participated in the final – and perhaps bloodiest – battle of the entire war – Okinawa, in which more than 12,000 American servicemen died and three times as many were wounded. Murray was then tasked for the planned invasion of the Japanese home islands, which – it was estimated – would extend the war well into 1946, at a cost of a half million more American casualties and many millions of Japanese lives. But President Truman’s decision to use atomic weapons brought the war to a sudden and decisive end in August 1945, and Murray returned home the following year.

At about that time, the Jewish War Veterans commissioned a monument to the memory of Lou Schleifer, to stand in a memorial park named for him in Newark. On a stone base, with his ode engraved, would stand a sculpture of Pegasus.

In succeeding years, as the neighborhood changed and the meaning of the memorial park faded, Lou’s family looked for an appropriate new home for the monument. Temple Beth Shalom in Livingston raised its hand, and the monument was moved to its courtyard, probably around the late 1970s. The president of Temple Beth Shalom at about that time was Murray Sklar.
Murray was a leader in the local Jewish community, and active in veterans organizations as a member of the JWV and the Marine Corps League. He initiated Livingston’s Veterans Day ceremony in 1988, and personally conducted it until his passing nearly 30 years later.

These two “bookends” to World War II were born in Newark about four years apart in the early 1920s. Lou died young, just four days after his 21st birthday, on December 7, 1941. Murray passed away 75 years later, almost to the day, on December 12, 2016. Each, in his time, was laid to rest, with full military honors, at the same Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, in Iselin, NJ. Two brave Jewish sons of Newark, now reunited for eternity.

Volume 77. Number 4. 2023

On October 22, 2023, Jewish War Veterans USA Post 1 Life Patron Mitchell Mernick and his wife Helena Ross announced the marriage of their eldest son Ben Mernick to Dvorah Hofnung.
This wedding was hosted at an IDF Armor Battalion Command Base.

Ben grew up in New York City, but moved to Israel later in his life. He is an IDF reservist who was reactivated following the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7.

The couple had announced their engagement on October 7.

The wedding was planned with 20 hours’ notice. It was attended by Ben’s entire platoon, friends, and some family from Israel.

As Ben and Dvorah stated in their emailed wedding invitation in Hebrew: “It is with an excited and thrilled heart that we have decided to announce in a loud voice that ‘The Nation of Israel lives’ and the mitzvah of the hour is to build a new home in Israel.

Volume 77. Number 4. 2023

NC Barry Lischinsky attended a White House breakfast hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. NC Barry Lischinsky and NVC Gary Ginsburg, along with NED Ken Greenberg and wife Janet, Jodi Harman, and Bryn Garick attended the Official National Veterans Day event on November 11. NC Barry Lischinsky, NVC Gary Ginsburg and Jodi Harman attended the reception hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Museum President Elaine Bernstein (PNP JWVA,) and PNC Michael Berman laid a wreath at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

 

By Robert Max

On Wednesday, December 6, Robert Max was honored as one of the nominees for the Cobb Collaborative Jack Vaughn Jr. Human Services Award. The Georgia Cobb Collaborative engages and empowers local organizations to improve outcomes for families in Cobb County. Robert was nominated by Helen Scherrer-Diamond for his tireless work with the Jewish War Veterans. Robert has been the Commander of the Department of the Southeast of the JWV for over eight years and served concurrently for several years as Commander of Atlanta’s Post 112.

Robert has been with the Atlanta JWV Jewish War Veterans Post 112 for over 40 years. He is a proud leader and proud supporter of all military branches and reservists of all faiths. Robert has attended most National JWV organizational events. He is very personable, proud, and professional. Robert has brought in many new members, both Patrons (non-military members) as well as those who served in all military branches and/or in the reserves. Robert represents JWV at many other organizations’ events to honor those who served. Robert still works at Novelis as a Senior IT Manager. He has helped JWV with many presentations, bringing in military presenters and using his skills with social media. He has developed many new programs and initiatives in concert with the Atlanta Post Board. Board Meetings and member meetings are consistent and well attended and professionally handled. Robert is a very well-known, well-respected, generous, and kind Leader.

The Jewish War Veterans Post 112 has volunteered at the Veterans Atlanta Medical Center by hosting pizza parties and games. They have donated holiday gift cards to veterans in need, identified by the Atlanta VAMC Community Outreach Department. They donated a new big screen television to the VA Nursing home in Milledgeville. The JWV Post has raised funds for Veterans Support Organizations including the United Military Care (UMC) and the Veterans Empowerment Organization (VEO). Post members include holocaust survivors, veterans, active-duty servicemen and patrons. They organize placement of U.S. Flags at the Jewish Sections of Georgia Cemeteries and coordinate Poppy “Sales” at several Kroger locations on Veterans and Memorial Day holidays to honor those who have served. The post participates in the Yom HaShoah programs every year, held at Greenwood Cemetery, to honor holocaust victims. This program is sponsored by Eternal Life Hemshech. Robert also attends and staffs a volunteer table at the annual Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival event at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody, representing his organization and donating his time and money. He meets and greets the 4,500 people that attend and who visit the JWV table. The JWV also attends the ‘We Care Veterans” at the Cobb County Civic Center each year and donates time and money. In the last two months, JWV Post 112 has recently raised funds for donations both to Israeli Defense Forces to purchase protective equipment and the VA Medical Center’s Community Outreach Veterans in Need.

The current Post 112 Commander is Henry Levine. He and Robert can be contacted at (jwvpost112@gmail.com) for further opportunities to join the JWV as a member or patron, to participate in the excellent work, and attend presentations offered by the Atlanta Jewish War Veterans.

Volume 77. Number 4. 2023

 

By Ken Greenberg, National Executive Director

JWV is in a unique position to have a special focus on antisemitism. JWV opposes all forms of discrimination and bigotry but is especially outspoken on antisemitism. During 2023, JWV leadership participated in numerous roundtables and called out individuals for hate speech and antisemitism. JWV will continue to be a strong voice to combat antisemitism wherever and whenever it occurs.

As the only Jewish VSO, we’ve previously issued statements condemning antisemitic events and speeches. As instances of antisemitism across the country increase, especially following the terrorist attacks of October 7, JWV has continued to remain dedicated to the cause issuing a statement to Amazon regarding antisemitic product sales. JWV continues to remain active in the fight against antisemitism, monitoring and reporting on instances of antisemitism across the nation. These instances and JWV updates regarding them can be found in the information below. JWV direct action is marked blue and awareness is marked yellow.

JWV asks all Americans to be vigilant, learn, and educate our fellow citizens.

House Congressional Hearing on Campus Antisemitism

On December 5, 2023, the House Committee on Education & the Workforce heard from three university presidents regarding the rise in antisemitism on college campuses. JWV has continued to monitor the widespread instances of antisemitism on college campuses. Details related to actions of University of Pennsylvania, and Harvard are below.

University of Pennsylvania’s President and Chair Resign
In September 2023, JWV wrote to University of Pennsylvania’s President Elizabeth Magill and Chair Scott Bok regarding Palestine Writes Literature Festival. Following the Congressional Hearing, University of Pennsylvania’s President, Elizabeth Magill, and Chair, Scott Bok, submitted their resignation on Saturday, December 9, 2023. Julie Platt, the chair of the Jewish Federations of North America, was named the interim chair of the board of trustees of the University of Pennsylvania.

Harvard President Retains Support Following the Congressional Hearing
More than 500 Harvard faculty members supported University President Claudine Gay in a letter to the school’s board December 10, following intense blowback from a congressional hearing about the rise in antisemitism on campus, where Gay failed to clearly state whether calls for the genocide of Jews violated the Ivy League school’s rules.

New York Governor Releases Letter Condemning Antisemitism

JWV commends Governor Kathleen Hochul of New York on her strong statement on antisemitism. JWV urges it members to contact their Governors and ask them to make similar statements against antisemitism in their states and educational institutions.

JWV, Auxiliary, and Museum Leaders Call on Amazon to Remove Items Expressing Hatred
November 6th, 2023

Dear Mr. Jassy:
The Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America, (JWV), National Ladies Auxiliary (JWVA) and the National Museum of American Jewish Military History (NMAJMH) write to express concern on the critical issue of terrorism, hatred, bigotry, and antisemitism. Now more than ever, Americans must demonstrate solidarity and unity in standing against all kinds of expression of hatred. Officials from government, corporations, universities, nonprofits, and individual citizens are leading the effort.

We call on Amazon and its leadership to recognize a product that is offensive to many in your customer base and in the world. JWV, JWVA, and NMAJMH urge Amazon to stop selling and distributing offensive merchandise, including apparel, stickers and items on your website and commercial platform. The merchandise contains the phrase “From the River to the Sea Palestine Will be Free” and its meaning calls for the destruction of Israel and annihilation and elimination of the Jewish people. The attached is a sample from your website.

While we recognize the First Amendment provides for freedom of speech, terrorism and hatred are never justified. The slogan appeals to hatred, incites violence and bigotry and is deeply offensive across the global community. This is especially true since the terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7, showing atrocities of innocents being beheaded, whole families randomly being executed, women being raped, and people being kidnapped and held hostage. All entities and individuals have a responsibility to prevent and not facilitate hatred and violence.

JWV, JWVA and NMAJMH have a long and extensive history of combatting antisemitism, hatred, and bigotry, advocating for America’s veterans, service members, their families, caregivers, and survivors since 1896 and supporting Israel. We urge Amazon to join us in combatting hatred and bigotry, advocating for veterans and service members, and supporting Israel, the lone democracy in the region.

Thank you for your attention and consideration. We look forward to working and partnering with you in the future.

Questions should be directed to our National Executive Director, Mr. Ken Greenberg by email at (kgreenberg@jwv.org) or 202 265 6280, extension 406.

Sincerely,

COL Barry Lischinsky, USA, Ret.
JWV National Commander (2023-2024)

Shirley Zak
JWVA National President

Elaine Bernstein
NMAJMH President

Veterans Affairs Lawyer Under Fire for Mocking Israelis
November 2023

JWV was alerted of behavior of a VA employee in the Office of General Counsel that was posted on Instagram and has been circulated in the Jewish press.

Shakeba Morrad, the employee in question, serves as an appellate attorney at Office of General Counsel for U.S. On November 12, 2023, Morrad posted a video on Instagram where she can be seen mocking Israelis pleading for the return of their citizens being held hostage by Hamas. The video was later deleted.

A Veterans Affairs spokesman confirmed to the Free Beacon that the agency is investigating the incident and that it does not tolerate antisemitism.

“We are aware of this incident, are investigating the matter, and will take any appropriate action,” said Terrence Hayes, the department’s press secretary. “There is no place at VA for antisemitism or any expression of bigotry or hatred.”

JWV Suspends Use of X (Formerly Twitter) Following Antisemitic Remarks
November 2023

JWV recently suspended use of the social media platform, X, formerly known as Twitter. This comes after X’s owner, Elon Musk, gained notority for public antisemitic comments.

On November 15, 2023, Musk agreed with a tweet that said, “Jewish communities have been pushing the exact kind of dialectical hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them” stating that the user was telling the “actual truth.” His response to this antisemitic tweet continues his ongoing support for the Great Replacement conspiracy theory, as well as providing implicit support for Nazism.

Coalition Building

JWV is strengthening our efforts by partnering with organizations like the Jewish National Fund, Anti-Defamation League, Hadassah, Hillel, as well local JCCs and Synagogues by reaching out and expanding our message of combating antisemitism, sharing the legacy of Jews in military service, and telling the stories of 18 Jewish Medal of Honor recipients.

We also partner with VA and DOD officials on Holocaust Remembrance Day and Jewish American Heritage Month programs to educate their employees and constituencies and conduct programs at our Museum highlighting the service of Jewish veterans and service members.

JWV is a resource in helping to educate Americans. Education is the key to reducing antisemitic actions and incidents in America and around the world and in preserving the legacy of Jews in the military.

Volume 77. Number 4. 2023

By Ken Greenberg, National Executive Director

JWV is in a unique position to have a special focus on antisemitism. JWV opposes all forms of discrimination and bigotry but is especially outspoken on antisemitism. During 2023, JWV leadership participated in numerous roundtables and called out individuals for hate speech and antisemitism. JWV will continue to be a strong voice to combat antisemitism wherever and whenever it occurs.

As the only Jewish VSO, we issued statements condemning antisemitic events and speeches at the University of Pennsylvania “Palestine Writes Literature Festival,” the City University of New York law school graduation, the Goyim Defense League hate flyers on Long Island and remarks by a Member of Congress in Chicago. As instances of antisemitism across the country increase, JWV asks all Americans to be vigilant, learn, and educate our fellow citizens. JWV’s full statements are provided in this article.

JWV Calls on University of Pennsylvania Leadership to Prevent Hate Speech on Campus
September 20th, 2023

The Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV) remains deeply concerned that the Palestine Writes Literature Festival will be held on campus September 22-24, 2023. The festival coincides with the Jewish High Holiday of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, and takes place next to the location that Jewish students will be holding high holiday worship services. JWV National Commander retired US Army Colonel Barry Lischinsky stated, “University leadership should be sensitive to the needs of Jewish students and faculty and not provide a venue or platform for hate speech of any kind on campus.” Lischinsky made clear, “The University must be responsive to its students and increase security around Jewish activities and move the festival to a different location, preferably off campus grounds.”

JWV urges alumni and others to write University President M. Elizabeth Magill to disapprove of the “Palestine Writes Literature Festival” and to prevent the University from providing space to those that promote hate speech, bigotry, and antisemitic remarks and events on campus. Lischinsky reiterated that “JWV will continue to stand against hatred, bigotry, and combating antisemitism wherever and whenever it occurs.”

Background
Most “Palestine Writes Literature Festival” speakers have little to do with celebrating Palestinian literature or promoting the culture of Palestinian writers and artists. Guest speakers have published antisemitic statements in the past which conflict with the University of Pennsylvania’s antisemitism policy. Speakers have previously given anti-Jewish speeches which are clearly “hate speech” and are again in violation of the university policy and the U.S. Constitution related to freedom of speech.
Members and patrons of the Jewish War Veterans and others have fought, and many have given the ultimate sacrifice, to preserve the rights covered by the U.S. Constitution. While there is nothing illegal about the University of Pennsylvania event itself, the event speakers’ anti-Jewish hate remarks should not be allowed on campus.

Antisemitism Curricula in California Schools

JWV signs and stands in support of the coalition letter the AMCHA Initiative wrote to the California Legislative Jewish Caucus asking for their help in preventing the implementation of widespread antisemitic curricula in California high schools.

JWV Denounces Antisemitic Remarks by Representative Jayapal
July 17th, 2023

The Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) expressed outrage at the remarks of U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA) given on Saturday in Chicago stating that Israel is a “racist state.”

JWV National Commander Colonel Nelson L. Mellitz, USAF (Retired) denounced the comments of Congresswoman Jayapal (WA) as “insensitive, hurtful, and just wrong.” As antisemitism is on the rise, remarks like hers only fuel the fires of hate and bigotry. “JWV continues to stand in support of Israel as we have since its rebirth as well as vehemently oppose antisemitism, wherever and whenever it occurs, as we have since our founding in 1896,” said Mellitz.

JWV Calls on New York Law Enforcement to fully Prosecute Individuals Responsible for Goyim Defense League Hate Flyers
June 19th, 2023

“Flyers recently distributed by the Goyim Defense League in Nassau County, New York are extremely antisemitic and filled with hate. They are despicable and threats to any Americans must be dealt with swiftly,’’ said Colonel Nelson L. Mellitz, USAF, retired, National Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV).

The flyer singles out current and former Jewish Members of Congress and contains a weapon in the upper left corner with a Star of David placed on the foreheads of elected officials from several states. Mellitz “implores New York law enforcement officials to fully prosecute the individuals responsible for the flyers.” Law enforcement confirmed the flyer was found at a Jewish house of worship and at several residences in the Plainview, NY area.

JWV Condemns CUNY Law School Speaker’s Comments and Calls on CUNY Leadership to Denounce Antisemitic Remarks
June 4th, 2023

Jewish War Veterans National Commander Colonel Nelson L. Mellitz, USAF, Retired, expressed outrage at the hate filled graduation speech delivered at the City University of New York (CUNY) Law School graduation by Fatima Mohammed.

Jewish men and women have served in the U.S. military in greater numbers than their percentage of the total population, since the founding of our great republic to preserve the right of free speech. The Fatima Mohammed anti-Jewish hateful graduation speech is a direct attack against what we have fought so hard to preserve for almost 250 years. “Her comments are extreme, inflammatory, filled with anger and have no place in any setting in the United States,” said Mellitz.

JWV calls on CUNY and the law school leadership to take immediate action to denounce her antisemitic remarks and assure that students are not provided a forum to promote hatred and antisemitism in the future.

Coalition Building

JWV is strengthening our efforts by partnering with organizations like Combating Antisemitism Movement (CAM), the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS). They are more commonly known as Stand Up to Jewish Hate or #BlueSquare. We have carried our message to Congress and asked Members to join us in combating antisemitism targeted at veterans and military servicemembers. We partnered with CAM and six Jewish Community Organizations for a forum with ten Members of Congress on Capitol Hill. We are working with FCAS to expand outreach to include Jewish Federations and JCCs across the county. We connected with StandWithUs, to take our efforts to combat antisemitism on college campuses. JWV is a resource in helping to educate Americans. Education is the key to reducing antisemitic actions and incidents in America and around the world.

National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism

In a High Holidays call with American Jewish leaders before Rosh Hashanah, President Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to “condemn and combat antisemitism at every turn” and said his administration had “started aggressively implementing” the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism it unveiled in May of this year. VA’s representative is Under Secretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs and he continues to consult with JWV leadership for issues related to the veteran and military community.

At our Convention in Jacksonville, Karen Barall Associate VP of the Jewish Federation of North America briefed JWV on the National Strategy. She highlighted four pillars of the document that focused on:

  • Increase awareness and understanding of antisemitism, including its threat to America, and broaden appreciation of Jewish American heritage.
  • Improve safety and security for Jewish communities.
  • Reverse the normalization of antisemitism and counter antisemitic discrimination.
  • Build cross-community solidarity and collective action to counter hate.

Chet Edwards Speaks Out on Jacksonville Shooting
“JWV is uniquely powerful and an important voice in the fight against antisemitism in our country. Thank you for being that voice. America is a better country today because of your voice and we will be a better country tomorrow. As we are here in Jacksonville, I would be remiss not to say what we all know. What happened here three days ago was an unspeakable, unconscionable, tragic assault, not just on African Americans in Jacksonville. It was an assault upon our country, the very soul of our country, very heart of our country. I think it’s also important for all Americans to understand that that young terrorist, that the killer had etched Nazi swastikas on his A-15. I think that is a message that needs to go out across this country. Let me also add that as a lifelong Methodist and the son-in-law of a Baptist minister, I feel a responsibility to be a partner with you in the fight against bigotry and antisemitism. All Americans of all faiths and backgrounds must join in the fight against antisemitism because antisemitism diminishes our country and what you were willing to give your life for. So, when I leave this convention today, I will double my effort to be a voice with you against antisemitism.” August 29th, 2023

Volume 76. Number 3. 2023