[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 41 (Friday, March 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          JEWISH WAR VETERANS

                                 ______


                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 21, 1996

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Jewish 
War Veterans of the United States of America upon the celebration of 
the organization's 100th anniversary. On Saturday, March 23, the 
Wyoming Valley Chapter will commemorate this important anniversary at 
its annual banquet in Wilkes-Barre, PA. I am pleased to have been asked 
to participate in this event.
  Since its founding in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans organization has 
been a patriotic voice of American Jews who proudly served in the U.S. 
military. Founded by men who wore the blue uniform of the victorious 
Union Army and Navy during the Civil War, its membership has 
subsequently included Jewish military personnel who have answered the 
call to colors since 1861, and continue the tradition of service in the 
peace-keeping force in Bosnia.
  At its first roll call, held at the Lexington Opera House in New York 
City in 1896, 63 Jewish Civil War veterans were recorded present at 
what was then called a gathering of the Hebrew Union Veterans. From 
that time until World War I, the JWV merged with other organizations 
and promoted the recognition of Jewish veterans. One of its members, 
Ben Altheimer, was widely recognized for greatly influencing President 
Woodrow Wilson in designating June 14 as Flag Day.
  During the years following World War I, the JWV became active in 
protesting the Jewish discrimination in Poland, Romania and Galicia. In 
1924, the organization changed its name to Jewish War Veterans of the 
Wars of the Republic. The next year, the JWV published the first issue 
of its national magazine entitled ``Jewish Veteran.'' For 75 years the 
publication has continued to be mailed to all JWV members. The JWV 
became increasingly more active in politics over the next several 
years, lobbying Congress for veterans' legislation on a regular basis. 
By 1939, 277 posts had formed and an organization for teenagers, the 
sons of JWV had been formed.
  Meeting 10 days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the JWV's National 
Executive Committee promulgated its ``Emergency Program for Victory'' 
which called for a comprehensive civilian program to support the war 
effort. The program was successful in selling $250 million in war bonds 
to make a significant contribution to the war effort. The JWV continued 
to fight for veterans causes and provide support for veterans families 
through World War II.
  Mr. Speaker, in the 50 years following World War II the membership of 
the JWV grew as did its political strength and social influence. Always 
an advocate for its members and never declining a challenge, the Jewish 
War Veterans has taken its place among the most respected veterans 
organizations in the world. In my congressional district, the Wyoming 
Valley Chapter of the Jewish War Veterans is extremely active. Its 
membership is comprised of some of the most decorated and distinguished 
veterans in the Commonwealth, including Samuel Greenberg of Kingston, 
who served as National Commander of the Jewish War Veterans in 1984 and 
1985. Another Kingston resident, Attorney Joseph J. Savitz, served the 
Jewish War Veterans as the organization's National Judge Advocate in 
1961 and 1962.
  Mr. Speaker, during my tenure in the U.S. Congress, working closely 
with the veterans in my district has been one of my greatest pleasures. 
I am extremely proud of my friendship with these dedicated men and 
women. The members of the Wyoming Valley Chapter of the Jewish War 
Veterans are to be commended for their continued advocacy, leadership, 
and heartfelt concern for the well being of our Nation's veterans. I am 
proud to have their friendship and congratulate this organization on 
its 100th anniversary.

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