Operation Benjamin corrects burial mistakes for Jewish veterans

In the United States, a significant ceremony took place at Arlington National Cemetery where two Jewish-American soldiers from World War I were honored with new headstones that reflect their Jewish faith. These headstones were unveiled under the initiative of Operation Benjamin, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rectifying historical inaccuracies in the burial of Jewish veterans. Speaking at the event, various lawmakers and representatives, including Doug Collins, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Ritchie Torres, highlighted the importance of accurately marking the graves of these service members. The ceremony was attended by around 100 people, including family members and community leaders, who braved the cold to witness this historic moment of honoring fallen soldiers who have been misrepresented for over a century. The focus was particularly on Pvt. David Moser and Pfc. Adolph Hanf, whose previous grave markers featured Latin crosses, symbols not representative of their Jewish identity. This grave misidentification was not just a clerical error but a significant oversight that disregarded the soldiers’ contributions, identity, and faith, effectively erasing a part of their legacy. The event aimed to bring closure to the families of the fallen soldiers, as speakers emphasized the sense of justice finally being served in rectifying this long-standing error. Deborah Eiferman, Moser's 102-year-old niece, expressed her relief and gratitude for finally receiving a proper tribute to her uncle and underscored the emotional weight of the day. The unveiling of these headstones is part of a broader bipartisan effort to ensure that Jewish-American service members buried under incorrect symbols are honored appropriately. A bill—the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act—has been introduced, which is intended to facilitate research and funding necessary to replace incorrect headstones nationwide. According to estimates, about 600 Jewish-American soldiers may have been improperly buried under Latin crosses. This legislative initiative underscores the country’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices of all service members while respecting their religious identities. Following the event, lawmakers reiterated the importance of identity for service members, especially in death, stating that recognition plays a crucial role in honoring their contributions. As part of the ceremonies, attendees reflected on the meaning of redemption, particularly in relation to the upcoming Jewish holiday of Passover, emphasizing that recognizing and memorializing these soldiers is a form of liberation from historical inaccuracies. The event brought together individuals across generations, demonstrating a collective commitment to acknowledging the past and correcting it for future generations. This movement also aligns with a broader understanding of the need for historical accuracy regarding the contributions of diverse communities in the military, ensuring that the narratives surrounding these soldiers are properly represented in history.