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Jewish Historical Society
NJ congressman reintroduces resolution
honoring 130 years of Jewish War Veterans
May 21, 2026, 11:57 am
Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-06)
reintroduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives honoring the
130th anniversary of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
during Jewish American Heritage Month.
Founded in 1896 by Jewish Civil War
veterans responding to false claims that Jews had not served their country, the
Jewish War Veterans is the nation’s oldest active veterans service
organization. The resolution recognizes the organization’s role in defending
the rights of veterans, preserving Jewish military history, supporting military
families, and confronting antisemitism for more than a century.
Pallone introduced the resolution as
new data from the Anti-Defamation League found assaults against Jewish
Americans reached their highest level in more than four decades in 2025, with
antisemitic incidents remaining near record highs nationwide. Northern New
Jersey was identified as one of the country’s major hotspots for antisemitic
activity.
“At a time when Jewish Americans are
facing a deeply troubling rise in violence and harassment, it is critical to
recognize organizations that have spent generations standing up to hate and
defending the truth,” Pallone said. “For 130 years, the Jewish War Veterans
have served this country with distinction while preserving the legacy of Jewish
servicemembers and advocating for veterans and military families. Their history
is a powerful reminder that fighting bigotry and defending democracy go hand in
hand.”
“Founded in 1896, JWV is the
longest-serving veterans service organization dedicated to combating the
antisemitic claim that Jews did not serve in the military,” National Commander
Scott P. Stevens said. “Sixty-three Civil War veterans met for the first time
at the Lexington Avenue Opera House to proclaim their proud military service as
Jewish Americans. JWV led a protest march in the streets of New York in 1933,
calling for a boycott of German goods and drawing international attention to
the threat posed by Nazi Germany.”
Stevens noted that “Jews served from
before the Revolutionary War to the present, with 19 Jewish servicemen
receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor. JWV led the effort to advocate for
and secure the MOH for William Shemin. (WWI) in 2015 and Tibor Rubin (Korea) in
2005. Now, as always, JWV will continue to fight for the benefits and services
earned by all veterans and to combat all forms of bigotry, hatred, and
discrimination, including antisemitism.”
The resolution also highlights the
organization’s leadership in protesting Nazi Germany in the 1930s, supporting
Holocaust education, helping establish the National Museum of American Jewish
Military History, and continuing to advocate for equality and veterans’ rights.
The resolution affirms Congress’s
support for the organization’s mission to preserve history, promote justice,
and combat antisemitism in all its forms.
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Cong. Frank Pullone
Trenton's Ben Kaufman, Cong. Medal of Honor;
Commander, Jewish War Vets
