Hebrew Cemetery Annual Veterans Day Program Recognizes Long Jewish Military History

November 2023

By Brian Yesowitch

The Jewish community has a long history of involvement in the United States military, dating back to the founding of our nation. One particular story highlights this connection, involving George Washington in December 1778. During a visit to a Jewish merchant named Michael Hart on Chanukah, Mr. Hart began explaining the significance and rituals of the holiday. Surprisingly, President Washington interrupted, revealing his familiarity with Chanukah. He recounted a poignant memory from his time at Valley Forge during the American Revolution. While there, General Washington witnessed a lone soldier struggling to protect a single flame from the biting cold winds.

This soldier was a Polish immigrant who had come to America seeking religious freedom, which he couldn’t find under Russian rule. To him, that solitary flame symbolized the Chanukah lights, commemorating the miraculous Jewish victory against formidable foes. The soldier told General Washington that, just as the God of Israel had helped the ancient Jews triumph over their powerful enemy, He would also assist America in its just quest for independence and freedom. Inspired by the message conveyed by those humble Chanukah candles, General Washington continued to lead the Continental Army with increased confidence and determination, eventually achieving an unlikely victory over the British.

This story encapsulates the enduring relationship that Jewish soldiers have shared with the American military throughout our nation’s nearly 250-year history. In Charlotte, we take pride in being home to a significant number of veterans from all branches of the military spanning generations. Our Hebrew Cemetery serves as the final resting place for soldiers and their families who have been connected to each conflict since the burial of Elizabeth Cohen in 1870.

Twice a year, on Memorial Day in the spring and Veterans Day in the fall, we honor our interred Jewish soldiers by placing American flags on their graves. Our dedicated cemetery staff ensures that these flags remain in place for a week before and after each holiday, allowing family members and other visitors the opportunity to pay their respects to their loved ones. Last fall, we initiated our Veterans Day program, which saw more than 50 members of our Jewish community coming together to support this mitzvah of placing American flags on the graves of Jewish soldiers.

We extend a warm invitation to join us on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. for a walk through the cemetery and the placement of flags. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have acquired new American flags for this purpose, and with the assistance of families and friends of our soldiers, our list of graves to honor has expanded, ensuring that everyone in our community who wishes to place a flag has the opportunity to do so.

Charlotte’s fall season offers a beautiful outdoor setting, and we anticipate a wonderful, sunny, and cool fall day, much like last year. To sign up for the event, please provide your name and the number of attendees via email at sara.schreibman@hebrewcemetery.org. For any further inquiries, you can reach out to our director, Sandra Goldman, at director@hebrewcemetery. org.

To discover more about the Hebrew Cemetery, explore options for purchasing funeral plots, inquire about membership and donation opportunities, or include the Hebrew Cemetery Association in your estate planning, please contact our director, Sandra Goldman, at (704) 5761859 or via email at director@ hebrewcemetery.org.

The Hebrew Cemetery joins with the community in remembering the names of those who have been buried in the cemetery in the month of September.

Gertrude Leifer 4/1/1925 - 9/2/2023

Sandra Meyer 1/25/1958 - 9/17/2023