JWV Stands in Full Support of Israel’s Operation Rising Lion

June 13, 2025

Washington, D.C. — The Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV) today announced full support for Operation Rising Lion, launched by the Israel Defense Forces in direct response to Iran’s growing nuclear threat and ongoing acts of aggression against the State of Israel.

The JWV, our country’s longest-serving active veterans’ organization, comprises men and women who have served our nation in times of threats to our national security. In a statement, National Commander Gary Ginsburg said, “As veterans, we are sensitive to the need for our allies to take action when their national security and very existence is at stake, such as the case now with Israel. American servicemembers have witnessed firsthand the threat that the Iranian regime and its proxies pose to both the United States and its allies.”

Since the horrific attacks of October 7, 2023, Israel has been engaged in a seven-front war waged by Iran and its terror proxies—Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and others. On June 12, 2025, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) censured Iran for systematic deception regarding its nuclear program, validating long-standing international concerns about Iran’s dangerous ambitions. The censure was the first in the twenty years of the IAEA’s monitoring of Iran’s nuclear program

In response, the IDF took defensive, targeted action to neutralize Iran’s capability to threaten the lives of millions of Israelis and destabilize the region.

“The Iranian regime has openly called for the destruction of Israel while funding terrorism and suppressing its own people. Its pursuit of nuclear weapons represents not only an existential threat to Israel but a direct challenge to global security. Israel’s actions under Operation Rising Lion are necessary, proportionate, and justified” Ginsburg said.

JWV urges the U.S. government to be steadfast and:

  • Reaffirm the unbreakable U.S.-Israel alliance;
  • Publicly support Israel’s right to defend itself;
  • Condemn Iran’s violations of nuclear protocols and international law; and
  • Increase diplomatic, economic, and strategic pressure on Iran and its terror network.

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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.

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Happy 250th Birthday to the U.S. Army

Did you know the U.S. Army is older than the country it serves and protects?

The Jewish War Veterans of the USA is proud to celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Events and ceremonies will be held across the United States, including a festival and military parade in Washington, D.C. As the nation’s oldest military branch, the Army is one year older than the United States, which will celebrate the same milestone on July 4, 2026.

Here are some facts you may not know about the Army before its 250th birthday:

  • The Army was established during the American Revolution on June 14, 1775.

  • The seven Army values are loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.

  • The oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army is the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment – better known as “The Old Guard” – which has served since 1784.

  • Since 1948, soldiers from the Old Guard have stood watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery 24 hours a day. The soldiers who volunteer to become tomb guards undergo intensive training, and each element of the routine has meaning.

JWV encourages all its members and supporters to pause, reflect, and thank our Army veterans for their service, courage, and sacrifice on Saturday, June 14, 2025—happy 250th Birthday!

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JWV Marks the 81st Anniversary of D-Day, June 6, 1944

National Commander Gary Ginsburg stated, “Today marks 81 years since the D-Day landings in Normandy, France, and the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe. “Operation Overlord, as D-Day was known, faced many challenges: treacherous geography, disrupted communications, last-minute changes to battle plans, and poor weather conditions. Yet the Allied forces persevered, and veterans who would become JWV members executed an invasion by air, land, and sea. It became known as the largest amphibious invasion in history.

D-Day remains a turning point in WWII. JWV honors the memory of the lost lives, recognizes the sacrifices of the participants, and underscores that military service provides Americans with freedoms that endure generations.

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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.

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Statement by JWV National Commander Gary Ginsburg on the Antisemitic Attack in Boulder, Colorado

“The Jewish War Veterans of the USA expresses outrage at the senseless terrorist attack on Sunday in Boulder, Colorado,” said JWV National Commander Gary Ginsburg. “A peaceful gathering to support bringing the 58 hostages home from Gaza was shattered on Sunday with the terrorist attack on 12 victims, including one elderly Holocaust survivor.”  JWV commends Boulder and Federal law enforcement authorities for their swift action in apprehending the suspect and fully prosecuting him under the law.”

The attack in Boulder follows closely on the slaying of two Israeli embassy employees outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, earlier in May. Ginsburg reiterated, “Terrorist attacks on Jews in America and around the world will not be tolerated.  JWV will continue to be outspoken against antisemitism and for Israel to defend itself and its citizens.

To all those injured and traumatized by these attacks in Boulder, JWV sends you strength, solidarity, and heartfelt prayers for a full and speedy recovery.  JWV will always stand in Solidarity and Unity with Israel. JWV also pledges resilience and calls on all in the Jewish community to stand against the rise in antisemitism in the United States and across the world.

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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.

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Statement by JWV National Commander Gary Ginsburg on the Shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum in D.C.

“The Jewish War Veterans of the USA expresses outrage at the senseless killing outside the Capital Jewish Museum of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky,” said JWV National Commander Gary Ginsburg. “We are heartbroken by the tragic event and condemn this horrific terror attack. We extend our condolences to the families of Yaron, Sarah, and our colleagues at the Embassy. Two young lives were cut tragically short in a brutal attack. JWV will always stand in Solidarity and Unity with Israel.“

JWV also pledges resilience and calls on all in the Jewish community to honor Yaron and Sarah’s service and commitment in the aftermath of this tragedy. May their memories be a blessing to all.

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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.

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JWV Urges Department of Defense to Restore Holocaust-Related Pages Amid Content Removal Concerns

On March 24, 2025, the Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) National Commander Gary I. Ginsburg wrote a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to express concern about the Department of Defense’s (DoD) recent actions to remove content, including the Holocaust related pages, from its websites (Digital Content Refresh, 26 February 2025). NC Ginsburg also expressed appreciation for the DoD reassessment issued on March 21, 2025, that states the DoD will review removed pages and restore important content that was incorrectly excised.

Over the years, JWV has proudly collaborated with the Department on educational and remembrance efforts that reflect the military’s commitment to historical truth and moral leadership. These include participation in Holocaust Remembrance Day, museum partnerships, and public education campaigns highlighting the U.S. military’s role in liberating Nazi concentration camps. These programs serve to educate service members and the broader public on the enduring lessons of the Holocaust and the dangers of hatred and extremism.

“The removal of these important educational pages is profoundly troubling—not only because it undermines the Department’s commitment to historical truth but because it diminishes the legacy of the United States in defeating Nazi Germany and liberating the concentration camps,” said NC Ginsburg. “Many American soldiers were among the first to witness the atrocities of the Holocaust at places like Buchenwald, Dachau, and Mauthausen. Their eyewitness testimony provided the world with irrefutable evidence of the genocide perpetrated against Jews and other persecuted groups. Their courage and compassion remain a point of pride for all Americans and are an integral part of our military heritage.”

The removal of these pages comes at time of an alarming rise in antisemitism both at home and abroad, an issue that President Trump has vowed to address. NC Ginsburg stated, “Now more than ever, the DoD must maintain its role as an educator and standard-bearer of the values our service members defend—including the fight against hate and historical revisionism. The removal of Holocaust-related content, particularly without public explanation or commitment to restoration, sends the wrong message.”

JWV urges DoD to restore the removed Holocaust related pages to its website. By doing so, DoD would be reaffirming its commitment to preserving the memory and legacy of the Holocaust and continuing to recognize the important role of U.S. troops in ending it as well as safeguarding our future from the dangers or ignorance and denial.

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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.

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JWV National Commander Raises Concerns Over Hiring Freeze and Probationary Terminations

Last week, Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) National Commander Gary Ginsburg testified at a Joint Hearing with the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees (HVAC and SVAC), expressing grave concern over the impact of the federal hiring freeze and probationary terminations on veterans’ services and employment.

“It is imperative that no veterans’ services or benefits are reduced or lost because of these personnel actions,” said JWV National Commander Gary Ginsburg. “Further, veterans, including disabled veterans, comprise more than one-third of the VA and DoD workforce, and these hardworking employees should not be at risk of losing their jobs.”

JWV is calling on veterans and their families to share their experiences. If you or someone you know has been affected by the hiring freeze, termination, or a reduction or delay in receiving benefits or services, please reach out to NED@jwv.org.

JWV will ensure that your concerns are shared directly with members and staff of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees.

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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.

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Statement of JWV National Commander Ginsburg: ‘Profound Sadness on Bibas and Lifshitz Hostage Identification’

“The brutality of Hamas’ terrorist acts continues to be in the headlines of the worse kind,” said Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) National Commander Gary Ginsburg. The horror of the last 500-plus days is again tragically brought central to our hearts and souls.

“The unimaginable loss to the Bibas and Lifshitz families brings renewed anguish and profound sadness to Jews across the world. The smiling faces on October 7, 2023, of nine-month-old Kfir and four-year-old Ariel Bibas, once the beacon of hope for their safe return, shattered the hope for their safe return by their identification. Their loss is compounded by the uncertainty about the fate of their mother, Shiri.” May their memory be a blessing to all.

JWV sends our deepest condolences to both families and to all those who have suffered unimaginable losses. We remain steadfast in our commitment to honor their memories and to bring the remaining hostages home safely.

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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.

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JWV calls out Ye (Kanye West) for Selling Shirts with a Swastika after a Super Bowl Ad

“Antisemitic activities will not be tolerated nor accepted by JWV”

The Jewish War Veterans of the USA condemn the actions of the artist Ye, formally Kanye West, and his use of a Super Bowl ad directing individuals to his website selling shirts with the Nazi swastika. JWV National Commander Gary Ginsburg stated, “Ye’s use of capitalizing on the ad at the Super Bowl to highlight his continued antisemitic actions is an affront and insult to JWV and the larger Jewish Community. Hitler used the swastika to galvanize hate and threaten and instill fear in those targeted by antisemitism, and it is often used by white supremacist groups today. Having the swastika shirt as the only item for sale on the website underscores Ye’s strong antisemitic activities targeting Jewish individuals”

Ginsburg was clear: “JWV condemns hiding the sale of the shirts on the website. JWV will continue to call out individuals like Ye as the number of antisemitic incidents rises and work to hold them accountable. We will also continue to combat antisemitism wherever and whenever it occurs and unify and empower the American veteran and military community by defending our Jewish values.”

Update: JWV understands that Ye’s X account has since been deactivated.

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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.

 

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