OperationBenjamin

Identifying Jewish American servicemen buried beneath incorrect grave markers and restoring their rightful identity.

[OperationBenjamin @OperBenjamin]

In 1945, when Nazi guards demanded that American prisoners of war identify which among them were Jewish, PFC Johann “Hans” Kasten refused.

On Veterans Day, @TheFP shares his remarkable story in an article by @AaronBMacLean ahead of Operation Benjamin’s November 17th ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

Read more: https://t.co/w60DYbn4Mn

[OperationBenjamin @OperBenjamin]

They were German Jewish patriots. They fought for their fatherland, and they fought because they understood that their devotion would emancipate their fellow German Jews.

At the Saint Quentin German War Cemetery in France, the words spoken to each soldier carried particular meaning:

“On behalf of our fatherland, Germany, I thank you for your service. And on behalf of the Jewish people, we welcome you home.”

Watch these remarkable moments from the ceremony, including the tribute to Isidor Katzenstein, whose family was there to bear witness.

[OperationBenjamin @OperBenjamin]

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.

[OperationBenjamin @OperBenjamin]

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.

[OperationBenjamin @OperBenjamin]

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.

[OperationBenjamin @OperBenjamin]

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.

[OperationBenjamin @OperBenjamin]

We are honored to see the extraordinary story of Dirk Backen and Operation Benjamin featured in @JNS_org.

From helping bring 1st Lt. Nathan Baskind home to helping launch Operation Levi, Dirk’s commitment to restoring the identities of fallen Jewish soldiers has left an extraordinary mark on our mission.

Read more:
https://t.co/6UUb4y0iM1

[OperationBenjamin @OperBenjamin]

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.

[OperationBenjamin @OperBenjamin]

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. ✡️

[OperationBenjamin @OperBenjamin]

As we continue sharing moments from the Meuse-Argonne Mission 2026, this week we hear the remarkable story of PFC Barney Bardman.

In October 1918, hundreds of American soldiers became trapped behind enemy lines in the Argonne Forest, becoming known as the famed “Lost Battalion.”

PFC Barney Bardman’s remarkable actions during those desperate days would earn him one of the U.S. military’s highest honors.

Watch his remarkable story.

https://t.co/wJD7sKfBdf

[OperationBenjamin @OperBenjamin]

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.

[OperationBenjamin @OperBenjamin]

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.

[OperationBenjamin @OperBenjamin]

We’re proud to begin sharing highlights from the Meuse-Argonne Mission 2026.

Over two days in France, Operation Benjamin and Operation Levi honored 17 Jewish soldiers, 5 Americans and 12 Germans, whose grave markers now reflect their Jewish faith.

History is not only something to study. When it can be corrected, it must be.

Our first video begins in Verdun, where Operation Benjamin President Elizabeth Steinlauf welcomed participants to this extraordinary Mission.
https://t.co/YOFWTeKxrc

[OperationBenjamin @OperBenjamin]

History matters because lies have consequences.

In the latest @JNS_org opinion piece, Operation Benjamin co-founder and Chief Historian Shalom Lamm examines the enduring “stab-in-the-back” myth, a false narrative that accused Jewish soldiers of betraying Germany during WWI.

Read more: https://t.co/v42bkQSbqI

[OperationBenjamin @OperBenjamin]

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.

[OperationBenjamin @OperBenjamin]

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.
https://t.co/3lukQInmQ8

[OperationBenjamin @OperBenjamin]

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:
https://t.co/6EeMA0GDC3

[OperationBenjamin @OperBenjamin]

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.
https://t.co/ieYUfk0Kq5