Rabbi’s Message – November 10, 2022
“Here there are no quotas of how many from each group are admitted or allowed. Among these men there is no discrimination. No prejudice. No hatred. Theirs is the highest and purest democracy.”
According to the Jewish War Veterans, the oldest veteran’s organization in America, throughout history a disproportionate number of Jews have served in the U.S. Armed services. This doesn’t surprise me because Judaism teaches us to be patriotic, show loyalty to the country where we live, and fight for its freedom. Jewish men and women have defended our country from its very foundation and in every battle since. There are even records showing that George Washington directly commanded 40 Jewish soldiers!
One of the most recognizable names among Jewish War Veterans is Chaplain Roland B. Gittelsohn (USN), the first Jewish chaplain to service with the Marine Corps. On March 21, 1945, he offered a memorial sermon, “The Purest Democracy,” for the dedication of the 5th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima. Rabbi Gittelsohn’s remarks were so powerful they were eventually read into the Congressional Record.
As we give honor to all who served, there are no more beautiful words than his to contemplate. I encourage all of us to take just a few minutes to read these words or to hear them ourselves.