Legacy in Action: What Shalom Lamm Wants the Next Generation to Know About Social Impact Work

In an age defined by fast-moving trends, digital influence, and the constant pursuit of innovation, it’s easy for deeper ideals—like service, legacy, and remembrance—to get lost in the noise. But for entrepreneur and nonprofit founder Shalom Lamm, those ideals are exactly what should be at the center of the next generation’s mission.

Lamm, the founder of Operation Benjamin, a nonprofit dedicated to identifying Jewish American soldiers mistakenly buried under Latin crosses and restoring their proper religious headstones, has spent the last several years immersed in social impact work that blends history, identity, and moral duty.

As someone who’s built successful businesses and now leads a purpose-driven organization, Shalom Lamm offers a unique perspective on what it truly means to create change. In this post, he shares what he believes the next generation must understand about meaningful social impact—and how they can rise to the challenge with intention, empathy, and courage.

The Call to Something Greater

“The next generation has no shortage of intelligence or creativity,” says Lamm. “What they need is a deep connection to something greater than themselves.”

For Lamm, that “something greater” has become Operation Benjamin. The organization identifies Jewish service members from World War II who were buried under incorrect markers and works tirelessly with families, historians, and government institutions to correct the record.

But this mission didn’t just appear overnight. It came from a long-standing sense of responsibility—to history, to justice, and to the dignity of those who can no longer speak for themselves.

Shalom’s message to the next generation? Social impact isn’t about branding or applause. It’s about service.

Lesson 1: Real Impact Happens in the Quiet Work

Shalom Lamm is the first to admit that social impact work isn’t always glamorous. In fact, most of it is deeply unglamorous: combing through old military records, contacting next of kin, filing paperwork with government offices, and coordinating with cemetery officials around the world.

“People often think impact work is about speeches or photo ops,” he explains. “But the real change happens in the quiet hours, when no one’s watching.”

He encourages young leaders not to chase visibility, but to chase truth. Whether you’re working in humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, or historical justice, the most meaningful work often goes unseen. That doesn’t make it any less powerful.

Lesson 2: History Matters More Than You Think

For Lamm, Operation Benjamin is not just about correcting individual headstones. It’s about restoring forgotten stories and honoring the truth in a world that often overlooks it.

“History is our collective memory,” he says. “When we lose that, we lose who we are.”

He believes the next generation has a unique responsibility—to protect memory in the digital age, where misinformation spreads faster than truth and where nuance is often replaced by outrage.

By investing in projects that honor and preserve history—whether through museums, oral histories, or advocacy—young changemakers can ensure that the past remains a guide, not just a ghost.

Lesson 3: Social Impact Is Built on Relationships

Operation Benjamin’s success is built on partnerships—with government bodies like the American Battle Monuments Commission, with military archives, with families across generations and continents. None of this work could happen in isolation.

“It’s not enough to have a mission. You need people who believe in it with you,” Lamm emphasizes.

He advises the next generation to focus on building trust. Whether you’re launching a nonprofit, advocating for change, or leading a grassroots campaign, your ability to cultivate meaningful relationships will be the cornerstone of your success.

Lesson 4: You Can Build a Career That Reflects Your Values

Shalom Lamm didn’t begin his career in the nonprofit world. For decades, he worked as a real estate developer and entrepreneur. But over time, his priorities shifted from profit to purpose. Instead of abandoning his business acumen, he repurposed it to serve his values.

“You don’t have to choose between making a living and making a difference,” Lamm insists. “You can do both—if you lead with integrity.”

He urges young professionals not to think of social impact as a separate track, but as a lens they can apply to any field. From ethical business practices to environmentally conscious startups, social impact can be baked into your mission—not added on later.

Lesson 5: The Work Is Worth the Weight

Let’s be clear—social impact work can be heavy. Lamm has had to speak with grieving families, confront historical injustices, and navigate complex systems that aren’t always designed for change.

“It can be exhausting. But it’s the most meaningful work I’ve ever done,” he reflects.

He wants the next generation to understand that this weight isn’t a burden—it’s a responsibility. And if you care deeply enough, it becomes your engine, not your obstacle.

What the Future Needs Now

As Shalom Lamm looks ahead, he’s both realistic and optimistic. He knows that the challenges facing the world—climate change, injustice, polarization—are immense. But he also sees incredible promise in young people who are more connected, more values-driven, and more socially aware than any generation before them.

What he hopes they take forward is this:

• That every act of service matters, no matter how small or unseen.
  
• That truth and memory are worth fighting for.
  
• That your career can reflect your values—and still thrive.
  
• That doing good doesn’t require being perfect, only being persistent.
  

“You don’t need to be famous to make an impact. You just need to care deeply—and act consistently.”

Final Thoughts: Legacy Is a Living Thing

Through Operation Benjamin, Shalom Lamm has shown that legacy isn’t about what you leave behind. It’s about how you live right now. It’s the lives you touch, the truths you restore, the systems you challenge, and the people you serve.

To the next generation of changemakers, his message is simple:

“Build something that outlives you. Do work that makes you proud to be remembered. And remember—impact doesn’t come from what you say. It comes from what you do.”