Salute to Tidewater Jewish Military Connections
Supplement to Jewish News November 5, 2018 jewishnewsva.org | November 5, 2018 | Veterans | Jewish News | 17
Veterans Dear Readers,
M
ore than most every other corner of the nation, we in Tidewater understand and appreciate those who serve in the United States Military. If
we don’t have family members who have served, we certainly have friends and neighbors who have. And, so, Veteran’s Day is a day that is and should be treated with respect, as well as celebrated as we honor the important work and
SERVE. PROTECT. SUPPORT.
dedication of the men and women who so proudly protect our country. Within these pages, we have a variety of military-veteran related articles including one on the Jewish War Veterans Post 158 and Lt. Commander Adam Goldberg’s efforts to revive the chapter (page 20). Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s 9th Annual Veterans Day Service, which takes place this year on Monday, November 12, is featured on page 22. Always a moving morning, the event is certainly worth the time. The article on Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) on page 19
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131 Kings Way, Hampton, VA 23669 Phone: 757-722-3961 Fax: 757-722-9902
7400 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505 Phone: 757-961-821 Fax: 757-321-9414
18 | Jewish News | Veterans | October 22, 2018 | jewishnewsva.org
features two young women from Tidewater who currently serve in the IDF. Hannah Yarrow’s and Ilana Peck’s parents talk about their daughters and FDIF. Of course, there’s more, including information on VA benefits and details about an auction of military-related items. Jewish News salutes the Military!
Terri Denison Editor
Veterans
Celebrating 70 Years of heroes and hope: Israel’s Lone Soldiers and FIDF
T
Rick Yarow’s daughter, Hannah, serves as a liaison with foreign militaries. “Ilana was instilled with a love of Israel from home. It is in our blood, but she was the first one from our family to act on it,” Marcy Mostofsky says. “During her year and a half in seminary, she developed a special connection with Israel. She didn’t want to just read about Jewish history, she wanted to be a part of it,” adds Michael Mostofsky. “My daughter gave up a very easy life for a very difficult life,” says Rick Yarow. “She went to college, was a part of a sorority, but felt that something was missing from her life. She gave up her support system to be a part of something bigger than herself.” FIDF’s support for Lone Soldiers includes housing, mentoring, a 24-hour call center, financial grants, flights to visit their families abroad, fun days, Shabbat meals, holiday gift packages, and social gatherings. In 2017, FIDF provided guidance and support to more than 3,062 Lone Soldiers from around the world. While Lone Soldiers may be far from the warmth of home, FIDF ensures no soldier ever feels alone. “As a parent, it feels good to know that FIDF is looking out for my daughter and making things easier,” says Yarow. “To her, it is magic. And I know it’s not magic, that there is a lot of work and money to be raised in order to give them the support they need.” Offering advice to other parents of Lone Soldiers, Michael Mostofsky says, “it was really hard at first for the both us, especially when we dropped her off at the airport and it really hit us. But it has been a dream of mine to make aliyah, a dream of our people for the past 2,000 years, so I focus on my pride for my daughter because she is living that dream.” It’s not only the solThursday, November 29 diers who appreciate the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront assistance and programs In honor of Israel’s 70th year of independence, FIDF is hostprovided by FIDF. The ing its first-ever Virginia Gala. parents of Lone Soldiers, who feel a combination of It will be a celebration of heroes and hope and will give pride and concern regardmembers of the community the opportunity to interact with ing their child’s joining and hear stories from IDF soldiers. the IDF, benefit from FIDF support, too. “I can tell when she For information, contact Alex Pomerantz, director of VA, speaks to us that she is MidAtlantic Region, at Alex.Pomerantz@fidf.org or 757-472-9054. happy, but that doesn’t
he brave men and women of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) put their lives on the line each day to protect the hopes and dreams inspired by the Jewish state. Since 1981, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) has supported the defenders of Israel with educational and wellbeing programs and facilities. The organization plays an important role in ensuring that IDF soldiers are cared for while carrying out their crucial tasks, supporting Israel’s soldiers as they protect the Jewish homeland. FIDF cares for Israel’s soldiers through its six pillars of support: education, financial relief, construction projects, fallen and wounded soldiers, Adopt a Brigade, and Lone Soldiers—those who leave their native countries to join the IDF and serve with no immediate family in Israel. Since Israel’s inception in 1948, the relationship between the United States and Israel has continued to grow and evolve. FIDF, through its support for Lone Soldiers, is at the core of that connection. The growing Lone Soldier phenomenon is a treasured link between Jewish communities in the United States and those in Israel. Each Lone Soldier has their own personal reason for joining the IDF, but a strong love of Israel and a sense of duty tend to be universal reasons for the soldiers, as well as for the families they leave behind. Tidewater is home to families with sons and daughters who have served or are currently serving in the IDF as Lone Soldiers, including the Mostofsky and Yarow families. Marcy and Michael Mostofsky’s daughter, Ilana, serves in a search and rescue unit, and Debra and
Hannah Yarow.
FDIF Virginia Gala
Ilana Peck.
make her any less homesick,” says Marcy Mostofsky. “But when she goes to FIDF Lone Soldier events, everyone is going through a similar experience, so it makes her feel like she has a bit of home. Having support like that helps me worry a little less.”
jewishnewsva.org | November 5, 2018 | Veterans | Jewish News | 19
Veterans
Jewish War Veterans Post 158 seeks new members, ramps up activity Terri Denison
W
hen U.S. Naval Lt. Commander Adam Goldberg was stationed in Rhode Island, he was an active member of
its Jewish War Veterans Post. So, in 2013 when he was transferred to Norfolk, Va., it was only natural to him that he join
HEROIC STYLE
JWV Post 158, one of the oldest chapters are inactive.” in the nation. For Active Duty service members, it is For years having been under the free to join, notes Goldberg. watchful care of Samuel Werth—until “We’re trying to do something—a his death—Goldberg found the local Post meeting or an activity—quarterly,” he languishing. Goldberg vowed to revive says. “Our primary goal is to get younger it. Several deployments, however, got members involved, to connect the in the way. Now, with retireyoung vets with older vets ment planned for March, for mentorships and Goldberg is working networking groups.” to reenergize the JWV Post 158 Post. And, for includes all of anyone who Southeaster n wonders, chapVirginia, assists ters are called with a variety Posts based of issues, and on an Army is associated term for a base, with other vetnotes Goldberg. erans groups. E st abl i shed As Post in 1896, and charCom m a nder, tered by Congress Goldberg has been in 1984, the Jewish in contact with area War Veterans is the oldest synagogues and Jewish active veterans organization in organizations to reach as many the nation. It is open to veterans in the area as any Jewish veteran who possible. has served in a time of One of JWV’s ongowar and works to bring ing activities is to put together men and women flags on the headstones the year with the joint ties of a of veterans, especially Jewish War Veterans common Jewish heritage around Memorial Day. was established and a common expeJim Eilberg heads up this rience as a member of effort, which also serves the Armed Forces of the as a fundraiser for the United States. Post. Tidewater’s Post As for Goldberg, includes veterans from the Los Angeles native all branches of the milsays he hopes to make itary. The only criterion Tidewater his permanent is having been involved home once retirement in a war, which according to Goldberg, arrives next year. “This is a great place “is easy right now because one has been to live!” he says without hesitation. And, going on for a long time.” that’s a good thing for JWV Post 158. Current members of JWV Post 158 range in age from the mid-20s to the 90s, For information about Post 158, go to https:// with the bulk in the 40s and 50s. “We www.facebook.com/JWVPost158VA. For have around two dozen active members,” information about Jewish War Veterans, visit says Goldberg, “with more than 60 that www.JWV.org.
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20 | Jewish News | Veterans | October 22, 2018 | jewishnewsva.org
Veterans Veteran’s Day 2018 Militaria Auction 100th anniversary of end of World War I Sunday, November 11, 10 am Phoebus Auction Gallery
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hoebus Auction Gallery will auction off a collection of more than 500 Lots with a focus on Virginia and Maryland soldiers of the 29th (Blue Gray) and 80th Division (Blue Ridge) Divisions. Items include: Combat and dress uniforms, weapons, medals and insignia, photographs, letters, personal items, war trophies and models. Phoebus also has military-themed collector and history books. Items are from Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, Korean, and Vietnam Wars. This is the lifetime collection of Sam Martinette, Norfolk. Phoebus Auction Gallery is located at 18 East Mellen St. in Hampton. Call 757-722-9210 for information or view catalogue at www.phoebusauction.com/ catnov112018.htm.
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jewishnewsva.org | November 5, 2018 | Veterans | Jewish News | 21
Veterans Annual Veterans Day service and celebration honors service to America Monday, November 12, 9:30 am Sandler Family Campus
REGISTER TODAY! PLEASE JOIN US
THURSDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 29, 2018
THE HILTON OCEAN FRONT Virginia Beach, VA
If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities with special benefits for the Gala and all year long, please contact Alex Pomerantz, Director of VA, Midatlantic Region at alex.pomerantz@fidf.org or 757-472-9054.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
fidf.org/virginiagala2018 80,000
soldiers supported in 2017
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IMPACT! University Scholarships
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Soldiers spiritual needs met
1,869
soldiers participated in the
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22 | Jewish News | Veterans | October 22, 2018 | jewishnewsva.org
I
n addition to honoring veterans who have served in America’s armed forces, Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s 9th Annual Veterans Day service and celebration honors those who continue to do so with dedication and bravery. This year’s speaker, Captain Marcus Friedman, was born into a military family just two weeks after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. After graduating from Norfolk’s Granby High School, Friedman received an NROTC scholarship, and was appointed to the Naval Academy. Selected to train for the Navy Nuclear Power Program in 1965, Friedman was later assigned to a ship that returned he and his wife Ronnie Lynn to Norfolk. Over the next 26 years, the Navy took the couple and their two children, Robert and Leslie Jo, to 17 towns and numerous Jewish communities across America…and around the world for Captain Friedman. Finally, as a Commanding Officer at the Naval Guided Missiles School at Dam Neck, the Navy brought the Friedman family back to Tidewater. Captain Friedman retired from the Navy in 1990, and began a career at ECPI University. In addition to Captain Friedman, clergy from across the region will participate in the Veterans Day service. Recently departed veterans from the past year will be remembered and a Quilt of Valor, made
by Ohef Sholom Temple’s Quilting Group will be presented to a veteran by Quilts of Valor. Following the service, When the Smoke Clears: A Story of Brotherhood, Resilience, and Hope will be screened. Presented by the Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and the Virginia Festival of Jewish Film presented by Alma and Howard Laderberg and Patricia and Avraham Ashkenazi, the film shares the accounts of Gil, Ofer, and Elad—young war veterans whose unthinkable battle experiences leave them with life-altering mental and physical scars. Returning to society, their trauma disconnects them from all they once valued, turning their lives upside down. When all seems lost, a revolutionary idea gives them the hope, courage, tools, and community to survive, as well as to embrace their identities as heroes both on and off the battlefield. The event is open to the community. The opportunity to honor a veteran with a Jewish War Veterans monument paver is available before and during the event. For more information on the Jewish War Veterans monument, or to RSVP for the Veterans Day Service, contact Ann Swindell at aswindell@ujft.org or 965-6106.
Veterans Veterans’ benefits: What’s available, and how attorneys can help Daniel G. Krasnegor, Esquire
B
esides providing hospitals and medical treatment to America’s veterans, one of the main responsibilities of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (commonly called “the VA”) has been to provide compensation and other benefits to veterans, their dependents, and survivors. Congress has passed laws creating a variety of benefits for veterans, their dependents and survivors. The VA is responsible for managing a complex system to determine who is eligible for benefits, and once found eligible, what sort of compensation may be paid.
What types of benefits are available? The most basic type of benefit available, disability compensation, is designed to compensate veterans for the effect of diseases or injuries, incurred in service, on their ability to work. This benefit is available to veterans, even if they didn’t serve in combat or during a war, so long as they have a currently diagnosed condition which began in service, was aggravated during service, or was caused by an injury during service. When VA agrees that a current condition meets these requirements, the disability is said to be “service-connected,” and the veteran can be paid a monthly benefit, the amount of which is determined by reference to a schedule set out in the Code of Federal Regulations. Other available benefits include pensions, dependent’s compensation, burial benefits, education, and home loan benefits. The process of seeking benefits A person seeking disability benefits generally begins the process by filing a formal claim application with VA. Once an application has been submitted, the VA is responsible for developing the evidence in the case. The VA’s job (under a legal “duty to assist”) is to help the claimant
in developing the evidence needed to substantiate their claim. Under its duty to assist, the VA is required to tell the claimant what evidence is needed, and to help gather relevant medical records, service records held by the military or other relevant evidence. VA is also required, under many circumstances, to ask its doctors to examine veterans to determine a current diagnosis, etiology and severity of a disability. Once the evidence has been fully developed, VA will issue what is called a rating decision. If the claim is denied or only partially granted, an administrative appeals process is available that leads to a de novo review by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals in Washington, DC. Denials by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals may be appealed to the United
States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Review by the veterans’ court is generally limited to determining whether a decision of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals contains prejudicial error. The delays in receiving a decision in a new claim or on appeal can be particularly frustrating for veterans and their dependents. It can often take five years or more for a decision to be made in an appeal, and even then, decisions frequently fail to address relevant evidence or misapply the law.
What role do attorneys play? The VA system is complex, and attorneys must be aware of the unique aspects of Veterans benefits law, including the fact that there are restrictions on how and
when an attorney may charge for representation, and that attorneys must go through an accreditation process before being allowed to represent a claimant before VA. Veterans benefit attorneys are required to assist clients in developing the evidence needed, deciding which claims have merit and which do not, making sure that VA acts in accordance with its own laws and regulations, helping clients navigate the appeals process and understand generally what is going on with their claims and when to expect resolution, and taking steps to avoid unnecessary delays that sometimes feel like they are built into the system. Daniel G. Krasnegor, Esquire, is with the Veterans Benefit Group of Goodman Allen Donnelly.
VETERAN’S DAY 2018 MILITARIA AUCTION 100th Anniversary of End of World War I
10am • Sunday. November 11, 2018 Collection of 500+ Lots with Focus on Virginia and Maryland Soldiers of the 29th (Blue Gray) and 80th Division (Blue Ridge) Divisions. Items include: Combat and Dress Uniforms • Weapons (1884 Trapdoor Springfield, 1903 Springfield, M-1 Carbine, 98 Krag, Gehr 98 Rifles, Rubber Ducky, Webley Pistol, Knives and Bayonets) • Medals & insignia Photographs (Individual and Unit) • Letters • Mess Kits • Boots, Helmets and Military Headgear • Personal Items • War Trophies • Models
Virginia 29th Division Uniform worn on D-day Omaha Beach
Military Themed Collector and History Books Collectible Personal and Military Items Including the Civil War, Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, Interwar Service, Korean War & Vietnam Wars The Lifetime Collection of Sam Martinette, Norfolk, Virginia
PHOEBUS AUCTION GALLERY
18 East Mellen St, Hampton, VA • 757-722-9210 Catalogue at www.phoebusauction.com/catnov112018
80th Division from World War I
Virginia National Guard and Reserve Divisions
jewishnewsva.org | November 5, 2018 | Veterans | Jewish News | 23
All are invited to
The annual VETERANS DAY SERVICE on the
Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community 5000 Corporate Woods Drive Virginia Beach, VA
Monday, November 12, 2018 at 9:30 A.M. Brunch will be served
After the service, join us for a special screening of the film
“When The Smoke Clears”,
Presented by the Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and The Virginia Festival of Jewish Film presented by Alma & Howard Laderberg* and Patricia & Avraham Ashkenazi.
We hope you will join us to honor those who have served our country, and continue to serve, with true dedication and bravery.
RSVP to Ann Swindell at aswindell@ujft.org or (757) 965-6106 by Monday, November 5th.
Veterans
Angels Watching Over Me A Tribute to Veterans Through Dance Veterans’ Day Sunday, November 11, 4 pm Norfolk Academy
T
he Elbert Watson Dance Company presents Angels Watching Over Me: A Tribute to Veterans Through Dance.
*of blessed memory
This performance is free and open to the public. For information, call 757-461-6236.
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24 | Jewish News | Veterans | October 22, 2018 | jewishnewsva.org