Shalom Lamm Champions Historic Justice Through Operation Benjamin and Bipartisan Headstone Bill

In a rare show of unity in Washington, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are backing a groundbreaking initiative aimed at righting a historic wrong—correcting the headstones of Jewish American soldiers buried under incorrect religious symbols. At the heart of this effort is Shalom Lamm, an entrepreneur and historian whose nonprofit, Operation Benjamin, has brought national attention to the issue of misidentified Jewish war graves.

This bipartisan bill, currently advancing through Congress, seeks to streamline the process of correcting these military headstones and ensure that Jewish veterans are properly honored in accordance with their faith. It’s a mission deeply personal to Shalom Lamm and the team at Operation Benjamin, whose work blends history, military honor, and religious identity with a strong sense of national duty.

The Problem: Misidentified Headstones

For decades, many Jewish American soldiers who died in service—particularly during World War II—have been buried under headstones marked with Christian crosses, rather than the Star of David that reflects their Jewish heritage. The mistakes are not malicious, but rather the result of a chaotic wartime record-keeping system where fallen soldiers were often buried quickly, with information submitted by commanding officers who may not have known the soldier’s faith or family.

Despite efforts by families and advocacy groups, changing these headstones has traditionally involved a complicated and bureaucratic process through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Battle Monuments Commission. That’s where the new bipartisan bill comes in—and where Shalom Lamm’s leadership has made a powerful impact.

Shalom Lamm and the Birth of Operation Benjamin

Shalom Lamm, a seasoned entrepreneur with a deep love for Jewish history and heritage, co-founded Operation Benjamin in 2016 after discovering the story of Benjamin Blustein, a Jewish-American soldier killed in Normandy in 1944. Blustein was buried under a Latin cross. Lamm and his co-founders were stunned to learn how many other Jewish soldiers had similar burial markers, and they made it their mission to restore these soldiers’ true identities.

Operation Benjamin—named in honor of Blustein—has since worked with government agencies, military archives, and families across the world to locate, verify, and correct the graves of Jewish soldiers. The organization has already succeeded in replacing dozens of incorrect headstones with Stars of David, providing a sense of closure and pride to the families of these fallen heroes.

“This isn’t just about headstones,” says Shalom Lamm. “It’s about memory, dignity, and honoring the truth. Every one of these men deserves to be remembered for who they were—in life and in death.”

The Bipartisan Bill: A Step Toward Justice

Backed by members of both parties, the bill proposes reforms that would expedite the correction process by simplifying documentation requirements and enhancing cooperation between government entities and historical organizations like Operation Benjamin. It represents a major step forward in ensuring that Jewish veterans receive the recognition they deserve—without unnecessary red tape.

“This is a matter of basic respect,” said one co-sponsor of the bill. “We owe it to these soldiers and their families to correct the historical record.”

Shalom Lamm has been instrumental in advocating for the bill, meeting with lawmakers, testifying on the importance of historical accuracy, and providing evidence gathered through his organization’s research. His entrepreneurial spirit, combined with a passion for historical justice, has driven this cause from a quiet project into a national conversation.

Beyond Bureaucracy: A Moral Mission

For Shalom Lamm, the work of Operation Benjamin transcends policy or paperwork. It’s about righting a wrong that touches on faith, sacrifice, and identity. Each corrected headstone is not only a tribute to a fallen soldier, but a gesture of healing to the Jewish community and the nation as a whole.

“Our country asked these men to give everything,” Lamm says. “The least we can do is ensure they’re remembered properly.”

Final Thoughts

The bipartisan bill to correct Jewish veterans’ headstones is more than a legislative act—it’s a statement of national values. Thanks to the relentless work of Shalom Lamm and Operation Benjamin, we are reminded that history can be repaired, justice can be served, and even the smallest symbols—like a headstone—can carry profound meaning.

As the bill progresses through Congress, it carries with it the hopes of countless families and the tireless efforts of a man who refused to let the past be forgotten. In honoring the truth, we honor the legacy of our heroes—and ourselves.