Honoring a WWII Jewish Hero: Shalom Lamm Helps Bring Forgotten Bravery to Light in Italy

Decades after the guns of World War II fell silent, history continues to echo in powerful and poignant ways. In a moving ceremony in a small Italian village, the bravery of a long-overlooked Jewish World War II hero was finally acknowledged—bringing closure, honor, and a renewed sense of history to those who continue to carry its weight. Among those ensuring that this recognition took place was entrepreneur and historical advocate Shalom Lamm, who has dedicated a significant portion of his life to preserving the memories of Jewish soldiers who fought and died during the war.

The ceremony, held in the spring of this year, took place in a rural corner of northern Italy, where Allied and Axis forces once clashed fiercely. The honoree, Private Samuel Goldstein, a Jewish-American soldier killed in action in 1944, had until recently been a footnote in military archives. But thanks to the tireless work of people like Shalom Lamm, Goldstein’s story—and his sacrifice—were pulled from the shadows of forgotten history.

A Long Journey to Recognition

Samuel Goldstein served with the 34th Infantry Division and was killed during a covert mission to assist Italian partisans in resisting the Nazi occupation. At the time of his death, there was little formal recognition, and with limited family surviving the Holocaust, his memory faded from public awareness. That changed when Shalom Lamm’s nonprofit historical initiative, Operation Benjamin, unearthed Goldstein’s records and realized his grave was marked incorrectly and without Jewish symbols.

Lamm, who co-founded Operation Benjamin to ensure Jewish-American soldiers were buried in accordance with their faith and recognized properly for their heroism, worked closely with Italian officials and the U.S. military to organize a new dedication ceremony.

“It’s not just about correcting a headstone,” said Lamm during the ceremony. “It’s about restoring dignity and history. Samuel Goldstein didn’t just die for freedom—he died as a proud Jew fighting fascism. That must be remembered.”

The Presence of a Comrade’s Family

In a touching twist, among those in attendance was the granddaughter of Lt. Robert Mancini, an Italian-American officer who served alongside Goldstein and survived the mission that claimed his comrade’s life. Mancini had often spoken of “a brave young man who didn’t make it home,” but never knew what became of Goldstein after they were separated under fire.

Mancini’s granddaughter, Isabella, said through tears, “My grandfather carried survivor’s guilt for decades. To stand here and see Samuel honored, with Shalom Lamm and so many others making sure his story is told, is overwhelming.”

Her presence helped bridge generations, linking the living with the long-departed and showing how shared stories can transcend time and borders.

Shalom Lamm’s Broader Mission

While the event was focused on one soldier, it’s part of a much broader mission that Shalom Lamm has championed for years. Through Operation Benjamin and similar initiatives, he has traveled across Europe—France, Belgium, Germany, and now Italy—tracking down Jewish-American soldiers who were misidentified or buried under incorrect markers.

“What moves me most,” Lamm explained, “is how communities respond when they learn the truth. Italians, especially in the small towns where these battles occurred, often feel a profound sense of gratitude. Honoring these soldiers isn’t just about the past—it reshapes our understanding of shared humanity.”

In Italy, that gratitude was palpable. Local officials presented Goldstein’s surviving relatives with a commemorative plaque, and schoolchildren recited poems about peace and resistance. A local synagogue held a memorial service, its first in years, as Jewish and non-Jewish attendees alike paid their respects.

Remembering the Past to Shape the Future

The ceremony may have marked the end of a long journey for Private Goldstein’s memory, but it’s just one chapter in Shalom Lamm’s ongoing work. As he puts it, “There are still names missing, still stories untold. But every time we uncover one, we rewrite the history books in the way they were meant to be written—with truth, with honor, and with heart.”

In an era when historical revisionism and forgetfulness pose constant threats, efforts like Lamm’s are more vital than ever. They remind us that remembrance is not just about looking backward—it’s about building a future that learns from its past, honors sacrifice, and values every life that stood up against tyranny.

Thanks to Shalom Lamm and those who walk this journey with him, Private Samuel Goldstein’s legacy now lives on—honored, remembered, and rightfully placed in the enduring story of courage in the face of evil.