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Correction of Historical Grave Injustices for Jewish World War I Veterans at Arlington
The long-overdue rectification of a historical oversight has taken place at Arlington National Cemetery, where two Jewish World War I veterans who served their country were finally honored with appropriate gravestones featuring Stars of David, replacing the erroneous Latin Crosses that marked their resting places.
Private David Moser, born on September 7, 1898, in Suffern, New York, enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War I in 1917, participating in combat in France a year later. Following his brave service in a conflict that would come to be known as “the war to end all wars,” Moser tragically succumbed to the Spanish flu in Germany on March 1, 1919, just days after the armistice, at the tender age of 20.
Upon learning of his son’s death, Moser’s father suffered a stroke that left him unable to speak. David was initially buried in Germany, but his remains were moved to Arlington National Cemetery on September 25, 1920, at his family’s request. Unfortunately, his gravestone was marked with a cross, misrepresenting his faith.
Recognizing the Sacrifices of Fallen Jewish Soldiers
Another veteran, Adolph Hanf, originally from Poland, immigrated to the United States at the age of 27. He enlisted in the military and was deployed to Europe in 1918, shortly after gaining his U.S. citizenship. Hanf lost his life during the Battle of Fismes, and like Moser, he was buried at Arlington. Despite his family’s efforts to correct the record, his gravestone was similarly marked with a cross. As he has no surviving relatives, the call for justice became even more poignant.
On April 7, a significant ceremony was held at Arlington National Cemetery, organized by Operation Benjamin, which aims to honor American Jewish servicemen and women. The event drew over 100 attendees, including notable figures such as New York Representative Ritchie Torres, Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, and Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, all gathering in chilly 40-degree weather to rectify this long-standing historical error.
“My baby uncle and Adolph gave their lives. They loved this country; they went to defend it and made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s time we honor that,” stated Moser’s 102-year-old niece, Dr. Deborah Eiferman, during the ceremony.
Legislative Initiatives to Honor All Faiths
During the gathering, Rep. Wasserman-Schultz revealed plans to introduce the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. This legislation aims to allocate federal funds for amending the gravestones of approximately 600 U.S. servicemembers who were mistakenly buried under Latin Crosses instead of symbols representative of their faiths.
“I’m proud of my Jewish heritage, particularly today,” Wasserman-Schultz expressed. “We are a people who have endured attempts at annihilation and erasure throughout history, including within our revered institutions.” She emphasized the significance of the ceremony taking place just days before Passover, a Jewish holiday symbolizing liberation and redemption. “We are, in effect, redeeming ourselves by liberating the memories of these Jewish American heroes from the bondage of a grave inscription error,” Rep. Torres remarked.
As the newly unveiled gravestones adorned with the Stars of David were revealed, attendees recited the Mourner’s Kaddish for Moser and Hanf, marking a profound moment in their commemoration. In an era where many Jewish individuals feel pressured to conceal aspects of their identities, the new monuments stand as proud testaments to the faith and sacrifices of these two veterans who valiantly served their country.
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