Shalom Lamm and Operation Benjamin: Rediscovering and Honoring Lost Jewish-American WWII Heroes

When we think of World War II, we often picture grand battles, historical turning points, and the ultimate triumph of freedom over tyranny. But beneath those sweeping narratives are the personal stories—millions of them—of individuals who served with honor, sacrifice, and courage. Many of those stories, particularly those of Jewish-American service members, have been lost to time or misrepresented in historical records. That’s where Operation Benjamin, co-founded by entrepreneur and historian Shalom Lamm, steps in.

Through meticulous research and passionate dedication, Operation Benjamin is ensuring that Jewish-American soldiers who were mistakenly buried under incorrect religious headstones are properly recognized for their faith and service. It is a powerful mission of truth, honor, and remembrance—and Shalom Lamm is at the heart of it.

The Birth of Operation Benjamin

Operation Benjamin was founded on a simple but profound premise: to correct historical inaccuracies and ensure that Jewish-American heroes are remembered according to their true identities. The organization is named after Private Benjamin Garfeld, a Jewish soldier killed in Normandy in 1944, who was buried under a Latin cross instead of the Star of David. When Shalom Lamm and his colleagues discovered this, they launched what would become a multi-year effort to restore dignity to fallen Jewish-American service members.

“This is about memory, heritage, and justice,” explains Shalom Lamm. “We are giving these soldiers back their names, their stories, and their rightful place in history.”

Correcting the Record with Dignity

Over 500,000 Jewish-Americans served in the U.S. military during World War II. Despite their contributions, many were misidentified upon death and buried under Christian crosses due to administrative oversights or a lack of proper documentation. Operation Benjamin works with military archives, historians, and families to research and verify the heritage of these soldiers. Once a case is confirmed, they collaborate with the U.S. government to replace the incorrect headstones with Stars of David, ensuring the fallen are honored appropriately.

The process is rigorous and respectful. Each case requires months—sometimes years—of genealogical and military research, witness interviews, and documentation. The organization also provides support to surviving relatives, offering them a long-overdue moment of closure and pride.

Shalom Lamm’s Role: From Entrepreneur to Preservationist

Shalom Lamm is not just an entrepreneur by trade—he is also a military historian with a deep commitment to preserving the Jewish-American legacy. His background in both business and historical research allows him to lead Operation Benjamin with strategic precision and emotional sensitivity. Lamm’s ability to build partnerships, navigate government bureaucracy, and fundraise effectively has been instrumental to the success of the mission.

“We are correcting errors that have lasted for decades,” Lamm notes. “Each headstone we replace is a silent promise that these soldiers are not forgotten.”

Under his leadership, Operation Benjamin has successfully corrected numerous headstones in American cemeteries in Europe, including Normandy, Belgium, and Italy. The ceremonies that accompany the new headstone installations are deeply moving, often attended by military officials, family members, clergy, and community leaders.

More Than Just a Headstone

The work of Operation Benjamin goes beyond correcting historical records. It’s about healing generational wounds and giving families a restored connection to their ancestry. It’s also about educating the public on the important, and sometimes overlooked, contributions of Jewish-Americans in the fight against fascism and antisemitism.

In an era where the relevance of World War II can feel distant to younger generations, Operation Benjamin brings the past vividly into the present. Through storytelling, education, and ceremony, it reminds us all of the human lives behind the statistics.

A Legacy That Lives On

As Operation Benjamin continues its work, Shalom Lamm remains focused on expansion, with the goal of correcting every known misidentified Jewish grave across the globe. It’s a mission that blends entrepreneurship, scholarship, and moral duty—one that reflects the best of what it means to serve a higher purpose.

“We owe them more than thanks,” Lamm says. “We owe them the truth.”

Through the efforts of Shalom Lamm and the Operation Benjamin team, these forgotten heroes are once again visible. Their faith, identity, and courage are etched in stone, ensuring their legacy will endure—not just in archives, but in hearts and history.