Lessons in Legacy: What Shalom Lamm and Operation Benjamin Learned from Their Community in 2024

At the heart of every meaningful nonprofit is a vibrant community—one that teaches as much as it gives. For Operation Benjamin, a nonprofit dedicated to correcting the historical burial records of Jewish-American soldiers from World War II, 2024 was not only a year of expanded mission work but a year of unexpected lessons. Under the visionary leadership of Shalom Lamm, entrepreneur and CEO of Operation Benjamin, the organization learned profound truths from its global network of supporters, descendants, historians, and volunteers.

These lessons, drawn from interactions across cemeteries in Europe to Zoom calls with families in the U.S., have reshaped the organization’s outlook and deepened its sense of purpose.

The Power of Listening, Not Just Leading

One of the most humbling insights Shalom Lamm shared this year is the importance of listening—deeply, patiently, and without agenda. While Operation Benjamin has long operated with a clear mission, the voices of families whose loved ones are being honored have reshaped how that mission is executed.

In 2024, Lamm and his team heard from several descendants who provided previously unknown photographs, handwritten letters, and oral histories that painted fuller pictures of the soldiers they sought to honor. These weren’t just historical facts—they were emotional truths.

“Listening to these families isn’t just part of our research,” Shalom Lamm explained. “It’s part of how we honor the humanity of each soldier. Their legacy is not just military—it’s personal.”

Community is Multigenerational

Another powerful realization came from the surge of interest among younger generations. Grandchildren and even great-grandchildren of World War II veterans reached out to Operation Benjamin, seeking to learn more about their family history—and to volunteer.

Through digital outreach and storytelling, Operation Benjamin has found a new, younger audience eager to preserve history and participate in acts of remembrance. This wave of generational involvement has inspired Lamm to begin developing new educational initiatives, including virtual learning modules and high school partnership programs.

“Our community taught us that this mission isn’t just about the past,” said Lamm. “It’s about teaching the future how to remember with integrity.”

Dignity in the Details

This year also reinforced the idea that dignity lies in the details. Every gravestone corrected, every ceremony conducted, every interaction with a family must be handled with profound care. Communities notice—and deeply appreciate—when organizations get the small things right.

One particular ceremony in the Netherlands stood out. A local community had adopted a cemetery where several American soldiers were buried, and they worked closely with Operation Benjamin to ensure the memorial for a newly identified Jewish soldier included traditional Jewish prayers and customs.

The collaboration between local Dutch volunteers, American family members, and Operation Benjamin staff became a testament to the global bonds formed through shared respect and remembrance.

“Dignity is universal,” said Lamm. “And our community around the world reminds us that even across cultures and continents, honoring the fallen brings us together.”

Gratitude Creates Momentum

From personal thank-you notes to community-organized fundraisers, the outpouring of appreciation in 2024 had a surprising effect: it fueled the organization forward.

Shalom Lamm emphasized how critical this has been for morale. “Nonprofit work can be emotionally heavy. But when we see how grateful families are, how grateful even strangers are—it fills our tank. It tells us to keep going.”

This gratitude has led to expanded partnerships, new volunteers, and increased media interest—all because the community continues to carry the mission with them, beyond a single ceremony or post.

Reflection Leads to Refinement

Ultimately, what Operation Benjamin has learned this year is that no nonprofit grows in a vacuum. The community surrounding it offers real-time feedback that helps refine the work. Whether it’s suggestions for how ceremonies are conducted, feedback on educational materials, or questions about transparency, Shalom Lamm welcomes it all.

“This year, our community became our compass,” he said. “They showed us what mattered most, and they helped us see where we could be better.”

Moving Forward, Together

As 2025 continues, Shalom Lamm and the Operation Benjamin team are more grounded than ever in their mission—but also more open. Open to new voices, to evolving needs, and to the wisdom their supporters continue to share.

In a world too often divided, the Operation Benjamin community has modeled something rare and sacred: unity through remembrance. That, more than anything, is the lesson that will carry this organization into the future.