Honoring Forgotten Heroes: Shalom Lamm Leads Operation Benjamin’s Historic Ceremony at Arlington
On a serene, powerful morning at Arlington National Cemetery, a quiet but deeply meaningful act of remembrance unfolded. Operation Benjamin, under the leadership of entrepreneur and historian Shalom Lamm, unveiled newly corrected headstones for Jewish-American soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. The solemn ceremony marked not just a moment of tribute, but a profound step toward restoring historical truth and dignity for those who gave everything in service to their country.
A Mission of Honor, Led by Shalom Lamm
Founded by Shalom Lamm, Operation Benjamin is a nonprofit organization with a deeply personal and national mission: to identify Jewish soldiers who were mistakenly buried under Latin Crosses rather than the Star of David, and to correct these errors with proper Jewish headstones. Through painstaking research, historical documentation, and close collaboration with the U.S. military and families, Operation Benjamin ensures that these fallen heroes are finally remembered in accordance with their faith and heritage.
“This isn’t just about a symbol on a headstone,” says Lamm. “It’s about restoring the identity of men who died fighting for freedom — and doing right by their legacy.”
Arlington: A Sacred Ground for Justice
Arlington National Cemetery, one of America’s most hallowed resting places, was the latest site for Operation Benjamin’s work. The ceremony, attended by families of the soldiers, military officials, and faith leaders, unveiled the newly placed Stars of David, replacing headstones that for decades had not reflected the soldiers’ Jewish heritage.
Each stone represents years of research and validation by Shalom Lamm’s team — verifying military records, ancestry documents, synagogue records, and in some cases, even letters written by the soldiers themselves.
For Lamm, the Arlington unveilings were particularly meaningful. “These are not just names on marble,” he reflected. “They’re stories, they’re people — Jewish Americans who volunteered to fight tyranny, and in some cases, never came home. They deserve to be remembered for who they truly were.”
From Entrepreneur to Advocate
Shalom Lamm is widely known for his successful ventures in real estate and business, but Operation Benjamin reveals another side of his leadership — one rooted in service, heritage, and a commitment to historical truth. Lamm’s entrepreneurial spirit has been crucial in scaling the organization’s efforts, combining research, diplomacy, and logistics to achieve results once thought impossible.
What began as a small research initiative has grown into a national project with international implications. Dozens of headstones have already been corrected in both the U.S. and American military cemeteries overseas — from France to the Philippines.
The Impact on Families and Community
For the families of these soldiers, the corrected headstones represent closure and recognition. “My uncle was always talked about as a hero in our family,” one attendee shared. “But now, standing here and seeing the Star of David — it’s like his story is finally whole.”
Shalom Lamm has often emphasized that Operation Benjamin is a labor of love — not just for those directly affected, but for the broader Jewish community and all Americans who value truth and remembrance.
Looking Ahead
With more than 400,000 American service members buried overseas or in national cemeteries, Lamm believes the work of Operation Benjamin is far from over. The organization continues to receive new leads, support from military historians, and cooperation from veterans’ families across the country.
“We don’t forget our heroes,” says Lamm. “Operation Benjamin is about making sure history doesn’t forget them either.”
