PARIS — U.S. Ambassador to France Charles Kushner joined representatives of Operation Benjamin and American military officials at a ceremony honoring five American servicemen whose grave markers were replaced with headstones bearing the Star of David.
Kushner said he and his wife, Seryl, were deeply moved to participate in the effort, which seeks to identify Jewish American service members who were mistakenly buried under Latin Cross markers and ensure they are memorialized according to their faith.
The ceremony took place at an American military cemetery overseen by the American Battle Monuments Commission, which maintains U.S. military burial sites overseas.
Operation Benjamin, a nonprofit organization, works with military records, genealogical research and historical documentation to determine whether Jewish soldiers buried overseas were incorrectly identified at the time of their burial. When sufficient evidence is found, the organization works with families and government agencies to replace the headstones.
Kushner praised the initiative, saying it honors the sacrifice of fallen service members while ensuring their religious heritage is properly recognized.
The replacement of the five headstones marks the latest effort by Operation Benjamin to restore Jewish identity to American soldiers who died while serving their country and are buried in military cemeteries around the world.
As reported by VINnews