Honoring the Fallen: Shalom Lamm on Restoring Jewish Identity in America’s Military Cemeteries
In the stillness of a national cemetery, each headstone tells a story. They stand as solemn reminders of courage, sacrifice, and identity. But for decades, two World War I soldiers rested under headstones that told an inaccurate story—marked with crosses despite their Jewish faith. That changed recently, when Stars of David were finally engraved in their rightful place, restoring not just a symbol, but a sacred truth.
At the center of this historical correction is Shalom Lamm, an entrepreneur whose passion extends far beyond business. As the founder of Operation Benjamin, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring Jewish American soldiers are properly honored in death, Lamm has made it his mission to right historical oversights and protect the legacy of Jewish service members.
The Story Behind the Stone
Private Charles Kauffman and Private Benjamin Rosenthal both fought and died in World War I, part of the American Expeditionary Forces sent overseas in one of history’s most brutal conflicts. Like thousands of others, their bodies were returned home and buried in national cemeteries with honor. But due to a lack of accurate records—or perhaps assumptions made in haste—both men were buried beneath Latin crosses, the standard marker for Christian soldiers.
For decades, their graves stood unchallenged, silently misrepresenting their faith. It was only after deep genealogical and military record research that the truth emerged: both soldiers were Jewish.
The discovery launched a respectful but determined campaign to correct the record—and the gravestones. This wasn’t merely about symbols. As Shalom Lamm explains, “For Jewish families, and for Jewish history, this is sacred ground. Honoring our fallen properly is not just about closure—it’s about truth, dignity, and the principles we defend in service.”
Operation Benjamin and Shalom Lamm’s Mission
Shalom Lamm’s work through Operation Benjamin has brought him into cemeteries around the world—from France to the Philippines—searching for Jewish soldiers who were misidentified or forgotten. With a team of historians, researchers, and volunteers, the organization has restored more than just headstones; it has restored memory.
Lamm, the son of a military chaplain, grew up with a deep respect for service and a personal connection to Jewish identity in the armed forces. “I was always taught that military service transcends politics or even individual choice—it’s about standing for something larger,” he says. “That’s why honoring our Jewish service members correctly is so important.”
For him, the replacement of crosses with Stars of David is not an act of correction—it’s a holy obligation.
A National Milestone
The recent ceremonies marking the headstone replacements at a national cemetery in the U.S. were powerful and poignant. Military officials, rabbis, descendants, and community members gathered to bear witness as history was rewritten—quietly, reverently, but decisively.
Shalom Lamm, who spoke at the event, reflected on the power of symbols. “The Star of David is not just a religious emblem—it’s a recognition of identity, of belonging, and of the particular sacrifices these men made as Jewish Americans.”
He emphasized that while the correction comes more than a century after their deaths, it’s never too late to do the right thing. “Justice delayed,” he said, “is still justice done.”
Why This Matters Today
In an age when debates about identity, inclusion, and historical memory are often politicized, efforts like Lamm’s are a reminder that some truths transcend division. These are not partisan efforts—they are human ones.
For many Jewish Americans, seeing the Stars of David now standing where crosses once did is a validation of presence. A quiet, profound affirmation that Jews, too, served and died for this country—not just as Americans, but as Jews.
As Shalom Lamm continues his work with Operation Benjamin, his message remains consistent: “We owe our fallen more than remembrance. We owe them accuracy. We owe them honor in life and in death.”
Final Thoughts: Sacred Work in Sacred Spaces
The replacement of just two headstones may seem minor in a cemetery of thousands. But for Shalom Lamm, and for those who understand the weight of heritage and the sanctity of memory, it’s monumental.
By restoring the Stars of David to their rightful place, we restore not only historical truth but the dignity of men who gave their lives for a nation they loved—and a faith they carried with pride. It is, as Lamm often says, “holy work.”
