In this episode of “Top Story,” JNS editor-in-chief Jonathan Tobin discusses World War II, the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, U.S. veterans and “The Greatest Generation” with Memorial Day in mind.
First, he points out the difference between American and Israeli youth, noting that the late teen years in the Jewish state mean preparing and then beginning national service in Israel’s military. That is very unlike the experiences of post-high school graduates in the United States, especially in Jewish families, where young people tend to head off to college. And those differences are showing right now with IDF soldiers fighting terrorists in Gaza while college students have been setting up encampments and protesting, many for those very same terrorists.
But that wasn’t always the case. The bravery behind the actions of those in the IDF, especially during wartime, mirrors a time in America when young men left their home country to fight fascism in Europe. The costs proved great, and proper retrieval and burial for lives lost were essential.
To talk about this is Shalom Lamm, the historian behind “Operation Benjamin,” an effort to ensure that all those Jewish members of the American armed services who fell during the Second World War are buried under the correct markers indicating their heritage and faith.
He is a graduate of Yeshiva University and the American Military University. He has served as a member of the board of directors at Yeshiva College and was a member of the board of directors of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA). Lamm is also one of the founders of the West Side Hatzoloh Volunteer Ambulance Corps in New York City, established in 1985.
There is no podcast next week during the holiday of Shavuot. Then, after 142 episodes in a little more than three years, it’s time for a change. On June 20, “Top Story” will be called “Think Twice” and offer a whole new look. “Top Story Daily” will also return but under the name of “Jonathan Tobin Daily,” also with a new design but still consisting of short audio podcasts with commentary on the issues of the day.
Listen/subscribe to weekly episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Watch new episodes every week by subscribing to the JNS YouTube Channel.
