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Why Beth Emeth?

The Jewish War Veterans celebrated its 127th anniversary at Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth in Rockville Centre last week — the very same temple where Rabbi Roland Gittelsohn served for 25 years.

Gittelsohn, who served during World War II, was tasked by his supervising chaplain with providing the eulogy as soldiers buried the dead following the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, where nearly 7,000 Americans were killed, and another 20,000 wounded.

JWV, sit back and enjoy your bagels and lox and we will drift into sunset unnoticed. We need to work together to be successful, and I’m hopeful to see some positive movement in this direction.”

ERIc SpINNER, cOmmANDER of Jewish War Veterans Post 652, discusses the importance of 127 years for the national organization as well as the recent anniversary of Iwo Jima, one of the turning points of World War II’s Pacific conflict.

GARy GLIck, cOmmANDER of the Department of New York Jewish War Veterans, delivers his message about the organization’s 127-year history combating hate regarding Jews in the military. He also spoke about the uncertainty of the group’s future in the face of rising antisemitism.

Eric Spinner, commander of Jewish War Veterans

Post 652 in Bellmore — and member of American Legion Post 1033 in Elmont — said that as many veterans get older, the number of people joining the post have gotten smaller. Currently, the Nassau organization boasts nearly 120 members, which has steadily declined over recent years.

“I didn’t know about it until two years ago,” Spinner said. “That’s when I joined.”

Spinner hopes by informing more people about the Jewish War Veterans and what it does to help provide services and recover medals for all veterans, that more people will be inclined to join their group.

“We welcome new Jewish veterans to our ranks,” Spinner said, “and we welcome patrons, too, who are not veterans, but who support our goals and aims.”

The post also welcomes anyone from the community willing to donate to help fund its cause.

To learn more about the organization, its history, and ways you can help, visit We-Are-Vets.us.

And for more information on the national group, visit JWV.org.