JWV Condemns Violent Actions at U.S. Capitol

January 7, 2021

We, who fought to protect the right to assemble, the right to free speech, and the right to protest, were saddened by the events that took place at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th.

There is no excuse for the behavior which caused our elected officials to flee the U.S. Capitol, which caused law enforcement officers to draw their weapons, and which caused the death of a female protestor.

The Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. condemns the actions we witnessed on Wednesday.  We support the rule of law.  Those who trespassed, damaged property, and physically assaulted law enforcement officers in the halls and on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

We pray for our government and for a peaceful and orderly transition of power on January 20th.  May G-d bless the United States.

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 Calls for Resignation of VA Secretary Wilkie

The Jewish War Veterans of the USA, America’s oldest active veterans organization, sadly joins the numerous other veterans organizations in expressing its disappointment in the handling of the sexual harassment complaint of a Jewish veteran at a VA facility.

As the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and because of his involvement in this matter, including the failure to cooperate with the Inspector General (IG) investigation, we feel there is no alternative but for Secretary Wilkie to resign forthwith.

While we have always had an excellent relationship with the Secretary, our responsibility and our loyalty will always be with the veteran.
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 Elects New National Commander and Vice Commander

The Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. (JWV) is pleased to announce it has elected Jeff Sacks National Commander and Alan Paley National Vice Commander during its 125th National Convention in August.

Sacks was born and raised in the Chicago area. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant via ROTC when he graduated from the University of Illinois in 1979. He served on active duty during the Cold War in Washington, D.C. and West Germany in military police assignments. He was mobilized in 1990 in support of Operation Desert Shield and commanded the 822nd MP Company during Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq in 1991. Following the Gulf War, he stayed in the Reserves, retiring as a Major in 2017. Sacks was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service during Operation Desert Storm.

Sacks and his father, a WWII Navy veteran, joined JWV Post 153 together in 1996. He rose through the ranks, and has served as the Post Commander, Department of Illinois Commander, NEC, and on various National Committees.
In civilian life, Sacks served as a law enforcement officer from 1987-2012 with the Chicago Police Department before retiring as a Sergeant. He is married to Pye Squire. They have five adult children (two are JWV members) and ten grandchildren. Jeff is active in his synagogue and has served on its board as Security Committee Chairman for the past six years.

Paley enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1966 and served as a Weapons Specialist on Phantom F-4D fighter aircraft at bases in West Germany, Italy, and Libya. He joined New Jersey JWV Post 651 in 1968 as an in-service member.

Following his honorable discharge in 1970 he became active in JWV and rose through the ranks of his post becoming one of the youngest Post Commanders in JWV. After relocating to Florida, he served as Council Commander, Department Commander, National Budget Chairman, and National Adjutant.

In civilian life, Paley is the Chief Financial Officer of Overseas Cargo, Inc., a 3rd party logistics and warehouse service provider specializing in the handling, storage, and exportation of perishable goods. He has three children and one grandchild. Alan also serves on the Executive Board of his synagogue.

We wish Sacks and Paley a successful year!

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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Warrior Canine Connection Names Service Dog After JWV Member

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2020

Washington, D.C. – Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), a nonprofit that breeds, trains and places service dogs with Service Members and Veterans with visible and invisible wounds, has named one of its future services dogs from its Commitment Litter “Rochel” after Air Force Sergeant Rachelle ‘Rochel’ Suzanne Hayman.

“WCC names all its puppies after Service Members and Veterans who have made significant contributions to our nation,” Alyssa Malaspina, who coordinates WCC’s Namesake Program. “We take special care to honor heroes such as Rochel Hayman, to those who’ve served as far back as World War II to the present day. Learning from our living namesakes, their families, widows, moms, dads, siblings and friends is a rich tradition that honors their military service and helps to keep their legacies alive.”

“I know Warrior Canine Connection, and I know the critical impact they have with what they do.  When I heard they wanted to name one of their dogs after me, I was speechless and overwhelmed.  It’s such a tremendous merit I don’t feel deserving of, but my children are so excited and proud, so I accepted.  I trust WCC Rochel will serve with love and kindness and to the best of her capabilities,” Hayman said.

Air Force Sergeant Hayman grew up in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Sgt. Hayman planned to study broadcasting in college, but her path took a turn upon meeting an Air Force recruiter who told her that she could pursue her interests in radio and television while serving in the military. Sgt. Hayman was stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan for two years. While she predominately worked in radio, Sgt. Hayman had many opportunities to enhance her live shows with interviews of touring pop music artists. After being stationed in Japan, Sgt. Hayman served for two and a half years on the island of Crete, Greece at the now closed Iraklion Air Station in both radio and television.

Later, when Radio and Television Broadcasting Specialists were sought to volunteer for duty in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield, Sgt. Hayman saw an opportunity to continue her service and was subsequently assigned to a radio pod in Dhahran at the beginning of the Gulf War. Sgt. Hayman continues to be grateful for her opportunities to use her skills and gifts in a positive way and in service to our nation.  She is an active member in the Jewish War Veterans of the USA and Chairwoman of the JWV Gulf War Committee.

For more information, please contact Programs and Public Relations Coordinator Cara Rinkoff at (202) 265-6280 ext. 413 or crinkoff@jwv.org.

About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

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 Believes in Equality

The Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America believes in equal opportunities, equal rights, and equal treatment for American citizens regardless of race. 
 
Black Americans are just that – Americans.
 
They deserve to be cared about by the American people, listened to by the American government, fought for by the American military, and protected by the American police.
 
The Jewish community has a long history of fighting for civil rights alongside our black brothers and sisters.

 
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 Thanks VA for Starting Process to Remove Gravestones with Nazi Symbols

JWV worked with officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs on a solution for the headstones of German prisoners of war that feature swastikas and mention the Fuhrer.

VA Secretary Robert Wilkie has informed us that his department will begin the process of removing the offensive headstones and replacing them with appropriate markers.

We thank Sec. Wilkie and Randy Reeves, Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Memorial Affairs, for their decision.

JWV also appreciates the VA’s attempt to provide historical context for all cemeteries at which foreign prisoners of war are interred by placing interpretive signs at the locations.

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 Vandalism of WWII Memorial

The Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. (JWV) supports the right of everyone to participate in peaceful protests against the unjustified killing of George Floyd in Minnesota.  However, the actions of a small minority of protestors has gone too far – especially when it comes to the desecration of a memorial dedicated to the valiant service of soldiers of all races during World War II.

“American soldiers fought to defeat Nazism and other authoritarian regimes, none of which would ever have allowed peaceful demonstrations to protest perceived injustices,” says JWV National Commander Harvey Weiner

JWV condemns those who vandalized the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. on the night of May 31.

“To desecrate the World War II Memorial and other monuments denigrates those who fought and died to maintain the right to peaceful protest.  Martin Luther King, Jr., whom I peacefully protested with in Washington on August 23, 1963, would be appalled,” Weiner 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 Working With VA to Address Swastikas on Gravestones

The Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. is working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to address the issue of Nazi symbols on three graves in military cemeteries.

JWV wants the gravestones with swastikas and inscriptions that reference the Fuhrer removed from public view and replaced with new gravestones, but retained privately for historical purposes.

This is an excerpt from a letter that JWV received from Randy Reeves, Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, in response to a phone call about this issue:

“As discussed, NCA is tasked with and responsible for stewardship and preservation of historical accuracy as it relates to artifacts and the overall historic landscape of our National Cemeteries.  For that reason, there are no plans to disturb those grave sites.
As we agree, this is a very important discussion and, as with any case like this, we have a responsibility to look at all perspectives, circumstances and associated history.  As I said yesterday, our historians and others are continuing to do extensive research and fact finding to better inform this as we continue discussions with our many stakeholders.  We look forward to our continued dialogue and partnership with you and JWV.  Your opinions and perspectives are very important us.”

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 Nazi Symbolism at Anti-Quarantine Protests

During this extraordinary time in our country’s history, many Americans have protested strict stay-at-home orders issued by their state’s governors.

Nazi slogans and symbols have appeared on signs at rallies in the states of Michigan, Illinois, and Idaho, among others.

While the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV) firmly believes in everyone’s first amendment right to protest, we are appalled by the use of Nazi symbolism at some of the protests taking place across the country.

JWV also condemns those comparing Coronavirus quarantine orders and elected officials to the Holocaust and Nazi leaders.

“The JWV will always expose and condemn the virus of anti-Semitism, wherever and whenever it raises its sickly head,” says National Commander Harvey Weiner.

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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Trump Must Apologize for Remarks about Traumatic Brain Injuries

The Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America calls on President Donald Trump to apologize for his insensitive remarks about service members who received traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) during a missile attack by Iran on U.S. bases in Iraq on January 8.

Trump originally said there were no injuries to any American personnel after the missile attack.  The Department of Defense has since announced at least 34 service members suffered TBIs.

In response to reports of service members with TBIs, Trump said, “I heard they had headaches and a couple of other things, but I can report that it’s not very serious.”  Trump also said, “I don’t consider them [TBIs] severe injuries relative to other injuries that I have seen.”

Both of these remarks are counterproductive at a time when TBIs are becoming a more common injury among members of the military and must be taken seriously.

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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