Each year on Veterans Day, we pause to honor the men and women who have served our nation with dedication and courage. Among them are countless Jewish Americans who, across generations, have answered the call to serve, defending the freedoms and democratic values that form the foundation of our nation and our community.
Join us on November 11, 2025 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. for our Jewish Historical Society Veterans Day and Kristallnacht Commemoration, co-sponsored with the Holocaust Council. This year we are proud to welcome guest speaker Selina Kanowitz, National Vice Commander of JWV.
The Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV), established in 1896, stands as the oldest active veterans organization in the country. Its founding was both an act of patriotism and a statement of principle, created to support Jewish servicemembers and to combat false accusations questioning Jewish loyalty and commitment to the United States. Since its inception, the JWV has played a vital role in ensuring that Jewish veterans receive recognition, support, and respect for their contributions to the defense of our nation.
Throughout history, Jewish Americans have served with honor in every branch of the military and in every major conflict, from the Revolutionary War to Iraq and Afghanistan.
- During World War II, more than 500,000 Jewish Americans served, many of whom were decorated for valor.
- Jewish servicemembers were among those who liberated concentration camps, bearing witness to the devastating consequences of antisemitism and tyranny.
- Their courage and sacrifice reflect the deep and enduring commitment of Jewish Americans to uphold justice, freedom, and equality.
Here in Greater MetroWest New Jersey, we are proud to count among our community members many Jewish veterans whose service has strengthened both our country and our local Jewish community. Local, regional, and national JWV chapters, continue to provide fellowship, advocacy, and education, reminding us of the vital connection between Jewish values and civic duty. Their presence enriches our communal life and ensures that the legacy of Jewish service is honored and remembered.
As we recognize our veterans, we also acknowledge the dual reality that many Jewish Americans experience today—a profound pride in our community’s legacy of service, and a renewed concern over the rise in antisemitism at home and abroad. The Jewish people have long demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, and our veterans exemplify that strength. They remind us that patriotism and Jewish identity are not in conflict but are deeply intertwined in the American story.
This Veterans Day, the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ extends our deepest gratitude to all Jewish servicemembers—past and present—for their valor, sacrifice, and devotion to our country and our people. May their example continue to inspire us to stand united, uphold our shared values, and work toward a future defined by peace, understanding, and respect for all.