JWV Condemns CUNY Law School Speaker’s Comments and Calls on CUNY Leadership to Denounce Antisemitic Remarks

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.

About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans (JWV) 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, fights antisemitism, and supports the State of Israel.

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JWV Condemns Destruction at Vietnam Memorial in D.C.

The Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America condemns the actions of the person or people who burned a wreath and the directory at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.,” said National Commander, Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Nelson L. Mellitz. “The Wall is a lasting tribute and honors the memory of those that made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War and to those that served our country during the Vietnam War era. The Wall is a place of solace for many veterans and JWV will not let this disgraceful action tarnish the actions of our heroes’ names on the Wall. JWV calls on the Park Police and law enforcement to fully investigate, apprehend and prosecute those responsible.

About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans (JWV) 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, fights anti-Semitism, and supports the State of Israel.

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JWV Statement on Orde Wingate

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JWV Elects New National Commander and Vice Commander

The Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. (JWV) is pleased to announce it has elected it’s 91st National Commander, Nelson Mellitz of New Jersey and 3rd National Vice Commander, Barry Lischinsky of Massachusetts during its 127th National Convention in Savannah, Georgia on August 11, 2022.

National Commander Nelson Mellitz joined the Jewish War Veterans in the early 1990s while still on active duty as part of his family’s 80-year legacy of serving the organization.

During his upcoming year leading JWV, he wants the organization, ”to continue to embody the capabilities and precepts that distinguish it from other military and veteran’s organizations. We will go back to our roots to fight increasing anti-Semitism, communicate with federal, state, and local Congressional representatives about the importance of supporting the military, veterans, their families, and Jewish communities, and partner with other organizations that support our mission. We will advocate frequently for the State of Israel wherever the opportunity presents itself.”

Mellitz continues an over 80-year family legacy of serving in the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America. He held many leadership positions in JWV including National Vice Commander, National Quartermaster, National Chief of Staff, Department of NJ Commander, and Council Commander.

Mellitz served 32 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Colonel.

Nelson is Vice President of World Wide Business Operations for Land Sea Air Security, LLC. LSA Security markets proven military defensive equipment.

He has been married to Debbie Markowitz Mellitz for 42 years and they have two daughters.

National Vice Commander (NVC) Barry Lischinsky joined JWV while on active duty in 2000 and became a life member after leaving the service.

As NVC Lischinsky stated his goals: “My primary goal is to increase membership and to secure partnerships with others to support veterans, servicemembers and their families.” Building on the legacy of Past National Commander Harvey Weiner, “I want to make sure everyone knew that Jews served in the military, and to promote that Jews served honorably, were injured and even died in service, from the Revolutionary War to the present,” said Lischinsky.

Lischinsky has held numerous positions at all levels within the Jewish War Veterans including National Chief of Staff, National Membership Chairman, Department of Massachusetts Commander, and Post Commander.

Lischinsky began his 34-year military career in 1969, retiring as a Colonel in 2004. In 2015 became Deputy Superintendent at the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and one year later was appointed Acting Superintendent by the Governor. Lischinsky retired from State service in March 2017.

About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is the oldest active veterans’ organization in America. JWV is dedicated to upholding America’s democratic traditions and fighting bigotry, prejudice, injustice, and discrimination of all kinds. As a national organization, JWV represents the voice of America’s Jewish veterans on issues related to veterans’ benefits, foreign policy, and national security. JWV also commits itself to the assistance of oppressed Jews worldwide.

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JWV Statement on President Biden Signing PACT Act into Law

The Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. (JWV) joins veterans across the country today celebrating the signing of the PACT Act.

“Toxic exposure from burn pits to Agent Orange and other chemicals touches so many in the military and veteran community,” said National Commander Alan Paley. “I am proud of JWV’s vital role in advocating to expand VA health care eligibility and creating a framework for the establishment of future presumptions of service connection.”

“JWV advocacy was a difference maker in securing Congressional passage. The comprehensive package of disability benefits and expanded VA health care services is well earned and is long overdue,” Paley said.

About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is the oldest active veterans’ organization in America. JWV is dedicated to upholding America’s democratic traditions and fighting bigotry, prejudice, injustice, and discrimination of all kinds. As a national organization, JWV represents the voice of America’s Jewish veterans on issues related to veterans’ benefits, foreign policy, and national security. JWV also commits itself to the assistance of oppressed Jews worldwide.

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JWV Response to Op Ed in the Daily Kos

JWV National Commander Alan Paley issued the following response to this op ed in the Daily Kos.

https://www.dailykos.com/blog/Mikey%20Weinstein/

It was with outrage that I reread the posting that Mikey Weinstein received. For individuals within a country that speaks of itself as the “land of the free and the home of the brave,” this posting is disgusting and vile. No one should receive such threats. Regardless of one’s likes or dislikes, there are civil ways of expressing yourself without threatening to kill an individual with whom you disagree. Mikey Weinstein merits support in taking positions to prohibit religious coercion in the military and veteran communities.

The Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) is this Nation’s longest serving active Veterans Service Organization. JWV, since 1896, is and remains committed to oppose all forms of bigotry — Fighting anti-Semitism wherever and whenever it occurs. Those who make anonymous bigoted statements are truly cowards and deserve accountability for their anti-American bigotry.

 

 

 

Alan D. Paley, National Commander
Jewish War Veterans of the USA

About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is dedicated to upholding America’s democratic traditions and fighting bigotry, prejudice, injustice, and discrimination of all kinds. As a national organization, JWV represents the voice of America’s Jewish veterans on issues related to veterans’ benefits, foreign policy, and national security. JWV also commits itself to the assistance of oppressed Jews worldwide.

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JWV successfully petitions for removal of Nazi pilot print at Texas Air Force Base

The Jewish War Veterans of the USA called for the immediate removal of a lithograph of Nazi war hero Wolfgang Schenk from a NATO office at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas.  In his letter calling for the removal, National Judge Advocate Peter Nickitas wrote:

“With members who vanquished the fascists in World War Two, with members whose relatives perished in combat in World War Two, with members who survived the Holocaust, and with members descended of Holocaust survivors, the JWV sees no place for an image of a hero to Nazis in a military installation of the United States.”

Air Force officials have since confirmed that the lithograph has been removed from display.

JTA article –NATO office on Texas Air Force Base removes print of storied Nazi combat pilot and his plane

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JWV Designates Volodymyr Zelensky as Honorary Patron

As of today, Thursday, March 10, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is considered an honorary patron of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV).

“Not only is he Jewish, but the fact that he has taken a stand to protect his people and his country is admirable, and I think he needs to be recognized for that,” said JWV National Commander Alan Paley.

JWV will attempt to convey a letter announcing this honor to Zelensky via the Ukrainian Embassy in the United States.

JWV also wants to condemn the Russian military’s ongoing attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, including recent attacks on maternity and children’s hospitals.

About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is the oldest active veterans’ organization in America. JWV is dedicated to upholding America’s democratic traditions and fighting bigotry, prejudice, injustice, and discrimination of all kinds. As a national organization, JWV represents the voice of America’s Jewish veterans on issues related to veterans’ benefits, foreign policy, and national security. JWV also commits itself to the assistance of oppressed Jews worldwide.

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JWV condemns Russian attack on Babyn Yar Holocaust Memorial

The Jewish War Veterans of the United States of American condemns Russia’s missile strike that hit Babyn Yar Holocaust Memorial in Kiev on Tuesday. The strike was apparently targeting a nearby TV tower but also hit the memorial.

The Babyn Yar Holocaust Memorial Center is built on Europe’s largest mass grave of the Holocaust. Between 1941 and 1943, the Nazis shot between 70,000 and 100,000 people at Babyn Yar.

About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is the oldest active veterans’ organization in America. JWV is dedicated to upholding America’s democratic traditions and fighting bigotry, prejudice, injustice, and discrimination of all kinds. As a national organization, JWV represents the voice of America’s Jewish veterans on issues related to veterans’ benefits, foreign policy, and national security. JWV also commits itself to the assistance of oppressed Jews worldwide.

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JWV declares its support for Jewish veteran Casey Weinstein

The Jewish War Veterans of the USA, at its recent National Executive Committee meeting, adopted the following resolution in response to a demonstration that occurred outside the home of Jewish veteran Casey Weinstein.
“The Jewish War Veterans of the USA declares its support for Casey and Amanda Weinstein and their family, and unequivocally condemns the anti-Semitic rabble that demonstrated menacingly in front of their Hudson, Ohio, home on January 23, 2022.”

About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is the oldest active veterans’ organization in America. JWV is dedicated to upholding America’s democratic traditions and fighting bigotry, prejudice, injustice, and discrimination of all kinds. As a national organization, JWV represents the voice of America’s Jewish veterans on issues related to veterans’ benefits, foreign policy, and national security. JWV also commits itself to the assistance of oppressed Jews worldwide.
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