We are living in an incredible time to give to communities all over the world. With the pandemic still causing many families to live in fear, it’s clear it’s time to give back. Many humble people don’t realize the impact they’ve had on their communities. In the case of Shalom Lamm, he has not only been a pillar in many of his Jewish communities, but he also consistently stands up for what is right. Throughout his life, Lamm has dedicated himself to non-profit work. His decision to serve locals, especially through various non-profit institutions is remarkable to many. Operation Benjamin is a non-profit dedicated to restoring Jewish soldiers, healthcare workers, and volunteers who lost their lives in World War II. There are so many people who have been positively touched by this special organization. The team at Operation Benjamin, run by Lamm, are from all over the world. There are team members even in Israel diligently trying to solve the mysteries that lie with these Jewish martyrs. The millions who lost their lives during such a pivotal moment in history have established such an impact on the Operation Benjamin team. Their devotion to conducting proper burials for these soldiers is unheard of. Jewish customs are obviously different than those of others which is why it is tremendously unfair that these soldiers were incorrectly buried. The families of these soldiers and fighters feel blessed when they see the proper burials take place. The dedication that transpires through the process, as the folks at Operation Benjamin track down the history of these Jewish soldiers, is unique to any other non-profit that might exist in the entire landscape. Lamm is so proud of his team for the service they provide to restore peace to the legacies of these precious souls. 

According to the Operation Benjamin website, a Jewish burial is the greatest of mitzvot. The primary reason we are taught that this is the case, is that it is a good deed that can never be repaid. That is why this non-profit strives so hard to deliver these soldiers back to their families so they can be buried righteously. The first soldier to be moved from a Latin Cross burial to a Star of David burial was Private Benjamin Gorodetsky. After decades of being misplaced, he was granted to be moved to Normandy in 2018. Next was Sam Cordova, who was in the 60th Coast Artillery Regiment. He was from Seattle, Washington, and was killed in the first Japanese bombing of Fort Mills. Then, 2nd Lieutenant Howard U. Feldman, from Allentown, Pennsylvania. He was part of a bomber squadron and died in a plane crash. Then, 1st Lieutenant Rober S. Fink was from New York, New York. He was only twenty-five years old and had his headstone changed on February 12, 2020. On the Operation Benjamin website, one can view the video of this remarkable and memorable ceremony when clicking on the associated soldiers. Shalom Lamm makes an appearance in almost every video and sings traditional burial hymns. 

These men led heroic lives; and the work of Operation Benjamin ensures that their burials are taken care of in the most proper way possible, befitting for those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice. There are many questions that exist about how this remarkable operation began. The process of the way the organization operates in carrying out their sacrosanct mission is as follows:  they first establish the Jewish identity of the presented candidate. They have an extensive research team that searches rigorously for documentation, historic evidence, and field visits to the families. They filter through archives and online advice that might help them deduce the person’s heritage. Next, the non-profit presents the information to the United States Government. They offer a cover letter signed by a family member requesting the change of the grave marker. The American Battle Monuments Commission grants this as this serves as incontrovertible evidence of the servicemen’s religion and the family’s support. Although the verification process takes time because of the age of these documents, it is well worth the wait in the end. The government is usually shifting through documents over seventy years old and some have incomplete information. Once the approval of the document takes place, the grave marker is changed and the families can participate in the ceremony. The graveside marker change ceremony is offered to the families, free of charge, and is conducted with the utmost honor. The families deliver the artifacts, documents, pictures, films, and so much more to help establish who these people were. 

Shalom Lamm and his team are beyond dedicated to providing the best service to all these families. The team at Operation Benjamin is outstanding and are both tremendously talented and committed people. In Jewish culture, it is paramount to be buried properly and with honorable respect. Thanks to the hard work of the folks at Operation Benjamin, these servicemen have a chance to find peace at last under the star of David, as they belong.