For decades, the graves of many Jewish-American soldiers who perished in World War II bore crosses instead of Stars of David—an error that, though unintentional, erased an essential part of these fallen heroes’ identities. Today, thanks to the unwavering efforts of Shalom Lamm, entrepreneur and military historian, and his organization Operation Benjamin, these soldiers are finally receiving the recognition—and the proper funerals—they always deserved.
The journey to correct these historical oversights is more than a matter of symbolism. It’s a moral mission rooted in honor, memory, and truth. Each correction is a long-overdue tribute to a life sacrificed in the fight against tyranny, and a gesture of respect for the religious heritage these brave men carried with them into battle.
A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice
During World War II, more than 500,000 Jewish Americans served in the U.S. armed forces. They fought courageously across Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific, standing shoulder to shoulder with their fellow countrymen in the defense of liberty. Yet, for some of those who fell in battle, their Jewish identity was lost in death due to clerical errors, battlefield confusion, or missing documentation.
Many were buried in American military cemeteries overseas with Latin crosses marking their final resting place—rather than the Star of David that reflected their faith. These mistakes remained uncorrected for decades, leaving families without closure and heroes without full recognition.
Operation Benjamin: A Mission of Historical Justice
Recognizing this injustice, Shalom Lamm co-founded Operation Benjamin, an organization dedicated to identifying Jewish-American service members buried under incorrect headstones and ensuring they receive proper Jewish burials and memorials. Named after Private Benjamin Garfeld, one such soldier mistakenly buried under a cross, the organization was born out of historical inquiry and a deep moral imperative.
Under Lamm’s leadership, Operation Benjamin brings together military historians, genealogists, government officials, and clergy to meticulously verify the Jewish heritage of these soldiers. Once confirmed, the organization works with the American Battle Monuments Commission to replace the cross with a Star of David and conduct a re-dedication ceremony that reflects the soldier’s faith.
“This is not about rewriting history—it’s about correcting it,” says Shalom Lamm. “These men gave everything in the service of their country. The least we can do is honor their memory with the truth.”
The Ceremony They Never Had
One of the most powerful aspects of Operation Benjamin’s work is the formal ceremony that accompanies each corrected headstone. These ceremonies are often the first real funeral the soldier has ever had—a service that includes military honors, prayers from rabbis, the presence of descendants, and emotional moments of reflection.
For many families, it’s a moment of healing. The knowledge that their loved one is now recognized fully and correctly brings a sense of peace and justice that was long missing.
“It’s incredibly moving,” Lamm explains. “You see tears, you see gratitude, and you feel the weight of generations being lifted.”
These ceremonies also serve as a reminder of the enduring importance of identity, especially in the context of historical memory and military service. They are not just about headstones; they are about lives, legacies, and the importance of being remembered rightly.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit Behind the Mission
While Shalom Lamm is widely known for his business acumen, his work with Operation Benjamin exemplifies how entrepreneurial skills can be harnessed for the public good. From navigating military bureaucracy to managing logistics and securing funding, Lamm’s background has been instrumental in scaling the organization’s mission.
“Entrepreneurship isn’t just about building businesses,” Lamm says. “It’s about solving problems. Operation Benjamin is about solving one of the most heartbreaking problems we’ve found in military history.”
Looking Ahead: A Continuing Effort
Operation Benjamin has already corrected dozens of headstones in cemeteries in Normandy, Belgium, and Italy—but there is much work left to do. Shalom Lamm and his team are committed to finding every Jewish-American soldier whose burial does not reflect their heritage, ensuring that no hero is left behind in anonymity or misrepresentation.
As the organization grows, it also serves an educational purpose—bringing to light the vital role Jewish Americans played in the Second World War and reinforcing the importance of historical accuracy in honoring those who served.
Conclusion
The efforts of Shalom Lamm and Operation Benjamin are a poignant reminder that history does not end at the grave. It lives on through memory, through family, and through the small but powerful act of telling the truth. By giving these Jewish-American soldiers the funerals they never had and restoring their proper identity, Lamm and his team are not just correcting the past—they’re elevating it.
In honoring these heroes, we are reminded of the sacred duty to remember not just how our soldiers died, but who they were. And thanks to Operation Benjamin, their stories will never again be forgotten.