Shalom Lamm Leads Operation Benjamin in Restoring the Legacies of Jewish-American WWII Heroes
For most families, a grave marker is more than a symbol—it is a sacred memorial to a life lived, a legacy honored, and a final act of respect. Yet for dozens of Jewish-American service members who died in World War II, their final resting places were marked by error. Instead of bearing the Star of David, which represents their Jewish faith, their graves were mistakenly adorned with Christian crosses. Correcting this oversight has become the mission of Shalom Lamm, an entrepreneur with a deep commitment to honoring the past, and his organization, Operation Benjamin.
Founded to restore accuracy, dignity, and truth to the memory of fallen Jewish-American soldiers, Operation Benjamin identifies grave markers that misrepresent the deceased’s religion and works to replace them with the correct symbol. Through diligent research, tireless advocacy, and deeply moving ceremonies, Shalom Lamm and his team are restoring the identities and legacies of these brave men—decades after they made the ultimate sacrifice.
A Mission Rooted in Truth and Memory
The inspiration for Operation Benjamin came from a heartbreaking discovery: a Jewish soldier named Private Benjamin Garfeld, killed in action during World War II and buried in Normandy, was marked with a Latin cross instead of the Star of David. That error may seem minor to some, but to historians, family members, and faith leaders, it was a profound misrepresentation of Garfeld’s identity.
Shalom Lamm, who co-founded the organization, recognized that Private Garfeld was not alone. There were others—potentially dozens—whose graves bore similar inaccuracies. These mistakes occurred due to the chaos of war, clerical errors, or the inability to confirm religious identity at the time of death. Lamm saw this as a historical injustice that demanded action.
“This isn’t just about stone markers,” said Shalom Lamm. “It’s about honoring the memory and faith of heroes who died for their country. It’s about righting a wrong that history allowed to persist for far too long.”
Operation Benjamin: Research and Restoration
The work of Operation Benjamin is meticulous. Each case begins with extensive archival research—military records, personal correspondence, census data, synagogue affiliations, and family testimonies. Once the Jewish heritage of a service member is confirmed, Operation Benjamin petitions the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) to authorize the replacement of the headstone.
This process often takes months, and sometimes years, but the results are powerful. Once approval is granted, a new headstone bearing the Star of David is installed in a formal ceremony that includes prayers, military honors, and attendance by family, clergy, and dignitaries.
These ceremonies are solemn, beautiful, and filled with emotion—moments of long-overdue recognition that connect past to present and allow families and communities to finally pay proper tribute.
Shalom Lamm: Entrepreneurial Vision Meets Historical Duty
Though widely known as a successful entrepreneur, Shalom Lamm has long harbored a passion for history and a strong sense of civic responsibility. His leadership of Operation Benjamin blends business acumen with humanitarian purpose. Lamm’s ability to organize teams, coordinate with government agencies, and manage international efforts has been instrumental to the nonprofit’s success.
What began as a single case has evolved into a full-scale initiative making an impact in U.S. cemeteries around the world, from France and Belgium to Italy and beyond.
“This is a promise we make to every family: if your loved one’s grave does not reflect their faith, we will do everything we can to fix that,” says Lamm.
A Broader Message of Inclusion and Remembrance
Operation Benjamin’s work extends beyond headstones—it sparks public conversation about the contributions of Jewish-Americans in the military and the importance of religious identity in remembrance. It also serves as a powerful reminder that history is not static. It can and should be corrected when errors are found.
Through their work, Shalom Lamm and his team reinforce a vital message: every life matters, every detail of that life deserves respect, and it is never too late to honor someone properly.
Looking to the Future
Operation Benjamin continues to expand its mission, with an ever-growing list of service members whose stories need to be told and whose graves need to be corrected. With Shalom Lamm’s guidance, the organization is setting a new standard for military remembrance—one that combines precision, compassion, and a deep respect for cultural and religious heritage.
As they continue this sacred mission, Lamm and Operation Benjamin remind us that even the smallest act—replacing a symbol on a grave—can carry enormous weight. It can bring healing to families, clarity to history, and honor to heroes who gave everything in the name of freedom.
In giving these soldiers back their names, their identities, and their faith, Shalom Lamm and Operation Benjamin ensure they are remembered not just as soldiers, but as whole human beings whose legacies endure.
