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.

###

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 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.

###

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 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.

###

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’s Statement on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter

The Jewish War Veterans of the USA join the nation in mourning the passing of President Jimmy Carter, who died on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. The 39th President hailed from Georgia and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946. He was elected President in November 1976 and took office in January 1977. JVW National Commander Gary Ginsburg noted, “Carter’s crowning achievement was the peace treaty signed between Israel and Egypt in 1978.” Carter invited Israeli Prime Minister Begin and Egyptian President Sadat to Camp David in Maryland to negotiate a peace agreement. After nearly two weeks of intense negotiations, the three men signed the Camp David Accords, the first peace treaty between the Jewish state and its Arab neighbors.

Carter was the longest-lived president in U.S. history and the first and only centenarian. The Carter Center, founded in 1982, was dedicated to conflict resolution and advancing human rights, public health, and democracy around the world. In honor of his life and legacy, the United States flag should be flown at half-staff. In 2002, President Jimmy Carter earned a Nobel Peace Prize, capping decades of dedication to international humanitarian work and underscoring his reputation as a global statesman. JVW is proud to honor the humanitarian and global accomplishments of President Carter and offer condolences to the Carter family.

###

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 Launches Jewish War Veterans Celiz Antisemitism Taskforce (JCAT) to Combat Rising Antisemitism

National Commander Gary Ginsburg has announced the formation of the Jewish War Veterans Celiz Antisemitism Taskforce (JCAT), named in honor of Christopher Andrew Celiz (January 12, 1986 – July 12, 2018) who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Joe Biden on December 16, 2021, for his actions on July 12, 2018, in Afghanistan.

The JCAT consists of JWV Post-9/11 generation members who recognize that the steady rise in antisemitism, particularly since October 7, presents a clear threat to the American Jewish community. Given its history and unique position in representing Jews who have demonstrated both their loyalty and concern for the security of the country through military service, JWV is well placed to make a meaningful contribution to address this threat.

The JCAT will perform a variety of activities to address antisemitism from a JWV prospective, providing the National Commander (NC) and the National Executive Director (NED) with direct input to develop positions and plans for approval by the NC and NED and, in collaboration with the National Action Committee, to engage in the dissemination of such positions and plans to JWV components and members for subsequent action. The JCAT will work to leverage JWV’s partnerships with other Jewish and non-Jewish groups fighting antisemitism and supporting Israel.

This new entity is designed to take advantage of Post-9/11membership, whose interests are primarily, through JWV, to address antisemitism within the construct of their busy lives. The JCAT also partners with other organizations of Jewish service members to fulfill this mission.

For more information on JCAT, please contact JCAT@jwv.org.

###

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’s Statement Commending the U.S. Senate for Rejecting the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to Block Weapons Sales to Israel

The Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America opposed the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to block more than $20 billion of U.S. military aid to Israel. The resolutions were rejected by the Senate on November 20. JWV appreciates the overwhelming vote of 18-79.

“JWV supports Israel’s right to defend itself and commends the Senators for rejecting each of the resolutions considered,” said Gary Ginsburg, JWV National Commander and retired U.S. Army veteran. “Now is the time to stand with Israel. As the United States’ only steadfast ally and only democracy in the Middle East, denying the requisite military aid creates weakness, which only encourages Iran and its proxies, Hamas and Hezbollah, to act with additional attacks on Israel.”

Since the October 7th attacks, Israel has been battling Hamas and Hezbollah, while other Iranian terrorist proxies have launched daily attacks on Israeli cities and Jewish and Arab civilians. Ginsburg noted, “The immediate release of the remaining hostages is paramount, and we must continue to honor the memories of those lost in the brutal attacks of October 7.”

JWV applauds the U.S. Senate’s rejection of the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to block U.S. military aid to Israel. This action strengthens Israel’s security and deterring regional war.

###

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 Elects New National Commander & National Vice Commander

The Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. (JWV) is pleased to announce it has elected its 93rd National Commander, Command Sergeant Major Gary Ginsburg, USA, Retired of Rochester, NY and 5th National Vice Commander, Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CWO4) Scott P. Stevens, USA, Retired of El Paso, TX during its 129th Annual National Convention in Atlantic City, NJ.

National Commander (NC) Gary Ginsburg has been a life member of both the Jewish War Veterans (JWV) and the National Museum of American Jewish Military History since 2016. Ginsburg is the third generation of his family to serve in the JWV. His grandfather and father were longtime JWV members of Post 131 in Syracuse, NY.

“As National Commander, my focus this year will be on expanding our outreach, reinforcing our veteran advocacy, and building on the JWV’s proud tradition of standing firm against hatred, bigotry, and antisemitism,” Ginsburg stated. “We have a unique opportunity to strengthen our organization and ensure that the voices of all veterans are heard, honored, and supported.”

He held multiple leadership positions including Department Commander for the JWV Department of New York following 33 years as a Soldier in the US Army. He served both in the states and overseas. Gary Ginsburg retired in the rank of Command Sergeant Major culminating with three assignments at brigade and battalion levels of command.

He graduated with honors from the US Army Sergeants Major Academy in 1999 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University and a graduate degree (using his GI Bill benefits) from the University of Southern California.

National Vice Commander (NVC) Scott P. Stevens, a Life Member of JWV since 2012, has held a wide range of leadership positions within both JWV and the National Museum of American Jewish Military History (NMAJMH). Nationally, he serves on the JWV National Executive Committee and has been an active member of several key committees, including as an action officer for the Constitution & Bylaws, Membership, and Information Technology Committees. He also chairs the National Convention Credentialing and Registration Committee and leads efforts to update vital organization documents. At the regional level, Stevens served as Department of TALO Commander from 2018 to 2020 and chaired their Membership Committee. Locally, he has held multiple leadership roles in Maurice Kubby Post 749. At NMAJMH, Stevens has served on the Board of Directors and contributed to the Programs and Exhibits Committee.

“I am humbled and honored to serve as the National Vice Commander in support of the longest serving veterans’ organization in the United States. This year, I’m eager to support JWV in their mission to support veterans and combat antisemitism wherever and whenever it occurs,” stated Stevens.

Stevens began his military career in February 1974 as an E-1 and was assigned as a HAWK Missile Battery Launcher Crewman. Over the next twelve years, he was promoted to Sergeant First Class (E-7). At 16 years of service, he applied for Warrant Officer and was assigned as a Patriot Missile Tactician/ Technician. Prior to retirement (30 years,) he served as a Brigade Senior Patriot Missile Tactics and Systems Maintenance Trainer/ Evaluator.

Scott is a past Vice President of the Sun City Chapter of the US Army Warrant Officer Association (1997-1998) and is the President of Congregation Temple Mount Sinai, El Paso Texas 2023-2025.

Scott was born in Cocoa Beach, Florida (1957). Scott is married to Bonny Stevens (1977) and has two sons, and five grandsons.

###

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

Message from JWV on Hurricane Helene and Milton

The Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America extends our heartfelt wish for a speedy and full recovery to the communities impacted by the recent passing of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

“Many of our brothers and sisters have faced great hardships over the past few weeks due the natural disasters,” said JWV National Commander Gary Ginsburg. “Florida just experienced a catastrophic weather event with the arrival of Hurricane Milton and the Southeastern states of Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia continue their recovery from Hurricane Helene’s aftermath.”

JWV acknowledges the great work by local, state and federal agencies to bring relief and support as these many communities work through rescue, response and recovery. “These incidents have disrupted lives and upended futures,” Ginsburg said. “For some, these may seem never-ending, but I am deeply hopeful that those caught in these catastrophes, receive the help that is needed now and rebuild their lives through appropriate support, prayer, and faith.”

For Veterans living in the impacted regions, JWV encourages them to seek support as needed from one of the Veterans’ most faithful partners, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

For those requiring support and assistance or seeking additional information, VA Under Secretary of Health Shereef Elnahal shares the website https://www.va.gov/resources/disaster-help/ as a source for Veterans. A telephone line for disaster information for Veterans is also available at 1-800-myva411.

JWV encourages all Veterans to contact the VA as needed and to please pass along this information to fellow Veterans and JWV members. “Speaking of passing along, I have one favor to ask,” Ginsburg added. “If you know someone in the affected areas, please reach out to them. Let them know that relationships we formed in JWV, means that not only we are here, but here for THEM. The JWV leadership team is here. Do not hesitate to contact us if you believe we can be assistance.”

Additional resources and state updates on Hurricane Milton can be found by visiting FloridaDisaster.org/Updates.

JWV wishes all those commemorating Yom Kippur this weekend “a good final sealing” for the Jewish New Year.

“Our New Year may have not started the way we planned,” Ginsburg said. “However, we will survive and persevere as long as we are in this together. L’Shanah Tovah and Best Wishes for a speedy recovery.”

###

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 Marks the First Anniversary of the Hamas Attack on Israel

Just a few days ago, Jews welcomed the New Year 5785. Only this year is different. “JWV faced the challenges and the horrors of October 7th; the plight of our hostages and the ongoing war weighed heavily on us all,” said JWV National Commander Gary Ginsburg, USA (Retired). “Despite the adversity, JWV stood firmly with Israel, expressing solidarity and unity for Israel and proudly securing the support of 26 other veterans and military organizations.

JWV demand the immediate release and safe return of the hostages. We recall the lives lost and those injured. We and Jews across the United States continue to contend with the troubling rise in antisemitism, and our resilience continues to be tested during these difficult times. “JWV continues to meet the challenges, fighting effectively against antisemitism, helping to unify and empower the American veteran and military community, defending our Jewish values and standing with the State of Israel.”

While we reflect on the anniversary of October 7, JWV calls on its members and all Americans to have a renewed spirit. May the year 5785 be rewarding and sweet, filled with health and blessings for all everywhere.

Shana Tova.

###

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’s Statement on the Medal of Honor and Presidential Medal of Freedom

The Jewish War Veterans of the USA wishes to address recent discussions in the news about the Medal of Honor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. “The Medal of Honor is our nation’s highest military award, recognizing extraordinary acts of valor, bravery and heroism in combat during military service,” said JWV National Commander Colonel Barry Lischinsky (Retired).

Colonel Lischinsky added, “It is essential that we honor the true significance of this Medal. All recipients, including the 18 Jewish Medal of Honor awardees, demonstrated remarkable courage and made profound sacrifices beyond the call of duty, often making the ultimate sacrifice.”

While the Presidential Medal of Freedom is a prestigious civilian honor for major contributions to our country or global affairs, it is important to remember that it differs significantly from military awards. Comparing civilian achievements to the sacrifices made by our military and veterans does not reflect the true nature of these honors.

We believe it is crucial for everyone to understand the differences between these two awards. Respecting the sacrifices of our veterans and upholding the integrity of our national honors is something we should all strive for.

###

About the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America

Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) has been the premier voice for Jewish service members and veterans in the U.S. JWV advocates for the rights and benefits of all service members, continues the fight against antisemitism, and supports the State of Israel, celebrating the honorable and heroic service of Jewish men and women in the U.S. military.

/by