Over the past two months, we have had the privilege of sharing some of the most moving moments from Operation Benjamin’s 2026 Meuse-Argonne Mission. Today, we share the final video in this series, bringing us back to the closing moments at the Consenvoye German War Cemetery and the extraordinary story of Cher Ami. As we bring this series to a close, we hope these stories have left a lasting impression on you, as they have on all of us who had the privilege of witnessing these moments in person. It has been a privilege to share these stories with you.

During our Meuse-Argonne Mission 2026, Operation Benjamin, in partnership with the @usabmc and the German War Graves Commission, replaced the headstones of five American Jewish servicemen and twelve German Jewish servicemen who gave their lives during World War I. In under 7 minutes, this video captures moving highlights from the American ceremonies, a century after their deaths.  Beyond honoring their service and sacrifice, these ceremonies ensured that their Jewish identities and legacies would be preserved for generations to come. As expressed by Rabbi Jacob J. Schacter in one of the most moving moments of the ceremonies: “On behalf of the Jewish people, after all these years, we welcome you home.” Watch the highlights from the American ceremonies of the Meuse-Argonne Mission 2026.

This week, we turn our attention to the headstone replacement ceremonies at the Consenvoye German War Cemetery in France, where 12 Jewish German soldiers who served and died during World War I were honored with grave markers accurately reflecting their Jewish faith and identity. More than a century after their deaths, these ceremonies brought together descendants, dignitaries, and supporters from around the world, united in their commitment to honoring the soldiers’ service and sacrifice. We invite you to watch the moving moments of remembrance and the restoration of Jewish identity.

As part of the Meuse-Argonne Mission 2026, Operation Benjamin, in partnership with Operation Levi, replaced the headstones and grave markers at the Consenvoye German War Cemetery, of 12 Jewish German soldiers who served and died during World War I. During the opening ceremony, three extraordinary leaders addressed those assembled for this historic event. Their words spoke to the deep meaning of this moment. We invite you to watch highlights of their opening remarks from this historic ceremony.

For those whose extraordinary contributions have shaped our mission, Operation Benjamin created its highest honor: the Order of the Marble Star of David. During our Meuse-Argonne Mission 2026, we presented Marble Star No. 001 to a recipient who had no idea it was coming. Watch this unforgettable moment and the presentation of the first-ever Order of the Marble Star of David.

For more than a century, much of PFC Maurice W. Akabas’s story was unknowned even within his own family. In moving remarks, Maurice’s great-nephew, Rabbi Wayne Franklin, reflects on what it means for their children and grandchildren to finally know him and for his memory to live on for generations to come. Watch his family tell his story. ✡️

At 14, Samuel Abraham Backer left Poland alone and crossed an ocean to begin a new life in America. At 27, he was killed serving his country in WWI. More than a century later, his family stood at his grave as his Jewish identity was finally restored. This is Samuel’s return.

Our Meuse-Argonne Mission 2026 video series continues with remarks from General (Ret.) Dirk Backen, Secretary General of the German War Graves Commission (Volksbund). During the Mission, Operation Benjamin replaced the headstones of five American Jewish soldiers of World War I. In partnership with Operation Levi, we also honored twelve German Jewish soldiers by correcting their headstones from Latin Crosses to Stars of David. General Backen reminds us that even history’s deepest wounds can inspire truth, responsibility, and remembrance.

Private Harvey P. Mashatt was just 19 years old when he died in a Japanese prisoner of war camp on July 16, 1942. After the war, the Army confirmed that Harvey was Jewish and ordered his grave marker changed from a Latin cross to a Star of David. Official records stated the correction had been made, but it never was. Nearly 80 years later, Operation Benjamin and Harvey’s family uncovered the original 1946 correspondence and fulfilled the Army’s uncompleted order. We remember not only a nineteen-year-old American who gave his life in service to his country, but also a family that never stopped caring how he would be remembered.

We’re honored to have Operation Benjamin featured in @jdforward. Read the remarkable story of PFC Frank Kurzinger, whose Jewish identity was restored 80 years after his death through the placement of a Star of David at his grave. forward.com/news/832811/oper…

We've just returned from a historic June 2026 Mission to the Meuse-Argonne region of France. During this Mission, we replaced the Latin crosses of five U.S. Jewish World War I soldiers and twelve German Jewish World War I soldiers with Stars of David that more accurately reflect who these young men were. Among the many distinguished guests who joined us was former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren. Following the deeply moving ceremony at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Ambassador Oren delivered remarks to the 130 assembled participants entitled, "Who Today Is Willing to Fight, and If Necessary, Die for Their Country?" We invite you to visit his Substack, Clarity with Michael Oren, for the full speech: claritywithmichaeloren.subst…

One hundred and eight years later, their identities have finally been restored. @VINNews featured Operation Benjamin’s recent Mission in France, where five American Jewish soldiers of the First World War received Stars of David headstones accurately reflecting their Jewish identity. The article also highlights the participation of @USAmbFrance Charles Kushner, who joined the ceremonies honoring these long-overlooked soldiers. Read the full story below. facebook.com/vinnews

On Memorial Day, we remember the American servicemen and women who gave their lives in defense of our country. At Operation Benjamin, remembrance also carries a responsibility: to ensure that those who made the ultimate sacrifice are remembered truthfully. For Jewish servicemen buried beneath Latin crosses in American military cemeteries, our work seeks to restore historical accuracy and place upon their graves the symbol that reflected who they were in life: the Star of David. We are deeply grateful to our colleagues at the American Battle Monuments Commission and the German War Graves Commission for their partnership, professionalism, and shared commitment to honoring the fallen with dignity and historical accuracy. This Memorial Day, we remember not only how they died, but who they were.

Largest Mission in Operation Benjamin history. Next month in France, 17 Jewish soldiers of the First World War, 5 Americans and 12 Germans, will finally receive grave markers accurately reflecting their Jewish identity more than a century after their deaths. In preparation, Operation Benjamin’s advance team recently completed planning visits throughout the Meuse-Argonne region with cemetery leadership, government officials, clergy, security authorities, transportation teams, and partner organizations. One of the most moving moments came when the @usabmc shared photographs of newly carved Stars of David headstones awaiting placement at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery. 108 years later, these soldiers’ identities are finally being restored with dignity and accuracy.

Eighty-one years ago, 2LT Howard Feldman was killed in action at just 21 years old, days before WWII ended. Though his Jewish identity was documented, he was buried beneath a Latin Cross for nearly 77 years. In 2022, his headstone was corrected to a Star of David, restoring the truth. Howard Feldman was an American airman and a Jewish soldier. Today, his grave reflects both. Watch the ceremony below: vimeo.com/759363915/f3ebb80a…

He flew his fifth mission. He never came home. 1LT Joseph Sugarman, a Jewish American pilot, was buried under the wrong symbol for decades. In 2022, that changed. His headstone now bears a Star of David, restoring not just a grave, but the truth of who he was.

1LT Harvey S. Hoffman enlisted in 1940, received an honorable discharge, and then made a choice that defined him: He went back. A commissioned officer, he deployed to Europe and took part in the Allied landings in southern France. In 1945, he was killed on duty at just 28. Though confirmed Jewish, he was buried beneath a Latin Cross. In 2022, his family, Operation Benjamin, and the @usabmc restored his identity with a Star of David. Honor returned. ✡️

Private Arthur Waldman survived the Bataan Death March, but died as a POW in Japan in 1944. He was buried beneath a Latin Cross, despite living and serving as a Jew. In 2020, Operation Benjamin, with the @usabmc and Arthur’s family, replaced his headstone with a Star of David. This anniversary is a reminder: Even decades later, responsibility remains. To remember. To restore. To tell the truth. 🎥 Watch the dedication ceremony.

For nearly 80 years, Harry Cordova lived with one unanswered wrong. His older brother, Corporal Sam Cordova, was killed in WWII and buried under a Latin Cross, despite being Jewish. At 99, Harry helped restore the truth with Operation Benjamin and the @usabmc, Sam Cordova’s headstone now rests beneath a Star of David at the Manila American Cemetery. His tribute, quiet, loving, and unwavering, was played at the ceremony. A promise, finally kept. Watch Harry’s tribute: vimeo.com/811256072/74b86566…

81 years ago, Everett Seixas Jr. was killed in action during the Battle of the Bulge. More than a century earlier, his ancestor Moses Seixas wrote to George Washington asking if Jews truly belonged in America. Washington answered: “to bigotry no sanction.” Everett fulfilled that promise with his life. In 2022, Operation Benjamin in partnership with the @usabmc, helped restore his grave with a Star of David. The Star of David now standing over Everett Seixas Jr.’s grave does not rewrite history, it tells it accurately.

Pvt. Albert Belmont, born Abraham Belkowitz, was a Jewish American photographer and father who left everything behind to fight fascism in WWII. He was killed at just 33 during the Battle of Metz. For nearly 80 years, his Jewish identity was missing, until it was finally restored. Today, he rests beneath a Star of David at the Lorraine American Cemetery, thanks to the tireless efforts of Operation Benjamin, the @usabmc and his family. This is a story of truth, sacrifice, and history set right. His daughter and granddaughter refused to let his story be forgotten. Their journey was documented by The Washington Post. surl.li/sfxsev

Major Maxwell Jerome Papurt was a psychologist, OSS officer, and leader beloved by his men. Killed in a WWII POW camp at age 37, he was buried under the wrong symbol for nearly 80 years. In 2022, his identity was finally restored. Today, a Star of David honors him at Lorraine American Cemetery. ✡️

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What moves her most is the courage of the soldiers who faced hatred and still chose to fight for freedom. To Yvonne, each corrected headstone represents far more than a religious symbol; it’s a restoration of truth, a return of identity, and an act of justice long overdue. Her work reminds us that remembrance isn’t bound only by faith, it’s an expression of shared humanity, and of standing up for what is right. Here is our conversation (lightly edited for brevity); 3 of 4

As a non-Jewish member of our organization, Yvonne brings a different perspective to the sacred work of restoring identity and truth to Jewish American soldiers. She often says that while she may not be of the same faith, she shares the same sense of duty, to ensure that every soldier is remembered as who they truly were. During missions abroad, when her Jewish teammates observe Shabbat, Yvonne quietly and on her own time continues the behind-the-scenes work that keeps everything running, her own way of serving the mission and honoring the moment. 2 of 4

We’re proud to spotlight Yvonne Thorburn, a devoted member of our Operation Benjamin team whose compassion and commitment transcend faith and background. Yvonne is the Strategic Business Coordinator and key member of the Mission Team. 1 of 4

From the young men who fought in the trenches of World War I, to the soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy, to those who stood in defense of Israel on October 7th, each represents a link in an unbroken chain of bravery, sacrifice, and devotion to something far greater than themselves. Their uniforms may differ, their wars decades apart, but their devotion is the same. Across generations, soldiers have answered the same call to protect, to defend, and to serve. This Veterans Day, we honor them, for their courage, their sacrifice, and their steadfast devotion to the values that define freedom. **AI-generated image uniting soldiers from World War I, World War II, and October 7, 2023. From left to right: PFC Maurice W. Akabas (US WWI), TEC 4 Ben Z. Bernstein (US WWII), 1LT Nathan Baskind (US WWII), and Captain Daniel Perez (Israel, October 7th)

At the unveiling of Siegmund Metzler’s headstone, Patricia Hammond and Matt Redman performed “The Cruel War,” a song of love, loss, and longing. The performance honored the memory of Siegmund Metzler, a German Jewish WWI soldier, and gave voice to our shared grief and remembrance.

In the heart of France, beneath a Star of David that now stands in its rightful place, rests PVT Marvin F. Ashkenas- a son, a brother, and a medic whose Jewish identity was lost to war. Nearly 80 years later, it was restored. His truth, his name, his faith remembered forever. #WWII #Remembrance #OperationBenjamin

Private Benjamin Garadetsky, an American Jewish soldier born in Ukraine who gave his life for freedom, could never have imagined the legacy he would leave behind. He was the very first soldier whose headstone Operation Benjamin corrected, and today our entire mission carries his name. In 2018, after decades under a Latin Cross at the Normandy American Cemetery, Benjamin’s grave was finally marked with the Star of David he deserved. That single moment, restoring his identity and honoring his faith, sparked all that has followed. Attached is the video of our very first headstone replacement, held in June 2018.

We are honored to launch Operation Levi with the German War Graves Commission-restoring the identities of German-Jewish WWI soldiers long buried under crosses. In May, 6 pilot headstones were restored including Landsturmmann Friedrich Rahmer. His great-great-nephew shares its meaning in the video below. This High Holiday season, we reflect on memory, fragility, & renewal.

Rosh Hashanah is a time of renewal. At Operation Benjamin, each restored headstone breathes new life into the memory of our fallen Jewish heroes. This year, we honor their legacy and pledge never to forget. Shana Tova Umetuka- שנה טובה ומתוקה Wishing you a sweet New Year.

2LT Robert Meltzer’s talents led him to Hollywood, where he worked alongside and befriended Charlie Chaplin and Orson Welles. At just 30 years old, he was killed in action, leaving behind his young daughter, Jo Victory. Decades later, Jo ensured her father’s headstone was corrected to a Star of David through the efforts of Operation Benjamin. View the headstone replacement here.

With deep gratitude, we honor Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter, who concluded his tenure as President of Operation Benjamin. A pillar from the very beginning, his vision, scholarship & dedication shaped OB into what it is today. Rabbi Schacter, thank you for building the foundation upon which we stand and your unshakable commitment to honoring our fallen heroes. Your legacy will endure in every Star of David that now stands where it belongs.

During our recent visit to Germany, we had the honor of meeting with General Wolfgang Schneiderhan, President of the German War Graves Commission (Volksbund). General Schneiderhan spoke passionately about the Volksbund’s mission to honor not only fallen soldiers, but also the victims of tyranny. He expressed deep commitment to preserving the memory of Jewish soldiers of World War I and offered unwavering support for Operation Benjamin’s work.

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In May, Operation Benjamin & the @usabmc honored PFC Frank T. Kurzinger at the Florence American Cemetery by replacing his Latin Cross with a Star of David. Frank Kurzinger was killed trying to save his wounded friend, PFC Del Riley. This May, 15 of Del’s descendants traveled to Florence to honor Frank—and meet his family for the first time. A story of sacrifice, memory, and brotherhood. Read Bruce Riley’s interview below. 1 of 4

On May 14, we restored the Star of David to PFC Frank T. Kurzinger’s grave—a German-Jewish medic killed in WWII saving others. Then something extraordinary happened: the family of the soldier Frank died trying to save met Frank’s descendants—for the first time. They embraced. They wept. This is why we do what we do. #OperationBenjamin #WWII #JewishHistory

For 100 years, two Jewish WWI soldiers—PVT David Moser and PFC Adolph Hanf—lay beneath crosses. On April 7, 2025, we righted that wrong. Their new headstones bear Stars of David. Their truth, restored. vimeo.com/1090083925/b91ac5f… #operationbenjamin #jewishhistory #ww1 #arlington

One year ago today, we reburied 1LT Nathan Baskind at Normandy with full military & Jewish honors—79 years after he fell. An unforgettable journey, an eternal memory. Watch this powerful 3-min video: vimeo.com/1060426933/373ab41… #WWII #JewishHistory

This Memorial Day, we honor all who served — and remember those whose stories were nearly lost. @DanaBashCNN joined us as we restored the identities of Jewish American soldiers buried under the wrong headstones for over 80 years.

The family of the soldier Kurzinger died trying to save placed a bullet casing fired at his funeral during the 21-gun salute and a coin they made to memorialize both men and their sacrifices.

We were honored to be joined by the thirteen members of the family of the man who Kurzinger died trying to save. A medic, Kurzinger ran towards an injured fellow soldier before accidentally tripping a landmine wire that would take his life.

🧵 Today at the Florence American Cemetery, we replaced the headstone of PFC Frank Kurzinger, a Jewish soldier mistakenly buried under a cross. Kurzinger was a refugee from Germany who settled in Denver before enlisting to return to Europe in order to fight the Nazis.

Families and our own @ShalomLamm speak with @DanaBashCNN about our mission today.