Pallone Reintroduces Resolution Honoring 130 Years of Jewish War Veterans

Washington, DC - Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today reintroduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives honoring the 130th anniversary of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America during Jewish American Heritage Month.

Founded in 1896 by Jewish Civil War veterans responding to false claims that Jews had not served their country, the Jewish War Veterans is the nation's oldest active veterans service organization. The resolution recognizes the organization's role in defending the rights of veterans, preserving Jewish military history, supporting military families, and confronting antisemitism for more than a century.

Pallone introduced the resolution as new data from the Anti-Defamation League found assaults against Jewish Americans reached their highest level in more than four decades in 2025, with antisemitic incidents remaining near record highs nationwide. Northern New Jersey was identified as one of the country's major hotspots for antisemitic activity.

"At a time when Jewish Americans are facing a deeply troubling rise in violence and harassment, it is critical to recognize organizations that have spent generations standing up to hate and defending the truth," Pallone said. "For 130 years, the Jewish War Veterans have served this country with distinction while preserving the legacy of Jewish servicemembers and advocating for veterans and military families. Their history is a powerful reminder that fighting bigotry and defending democracy go hand in hand."

"Founded in 1896, JWV is the longest-serving veterans service organization dedicated to combating the antisemitic claim that Jews did not serve in the military," said National Commander Scott P. Stevens. "Sixty-three Civil War veterans met for the first time at the Lexington Avenue Opera House to proclaim their proud military service as Jewish Americans. JWV led a protest march in the streets of New York in 1933, calling for a boycott of German goods and drawing international attention to the threat posed by Nazi Germany." Stevens noted that "Jews served from before the Revolutionary War to the present, with 19 Jewish servicemen receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor. JWV led the effort to advocate for and secure the MOH for William Shemin. (WWI) in 2015 and Tibor Rubin (KOR) in 2005. Now, as always, JWV will continue to fight for the benefits and services earned by all veterans and to combat all forms of bigotry, hatred, and discrimination, including antisemitism."

The resolution also highlights the organization's leadership in protesting Nazi Germany in the 1930s, supporting Holocaust education, helping establish the National Museum of American Jewish Military History, and continuing to advocate for equality and veterans' rights.

The resolution affirms Congress' support for the organization's mission to preserve history, promote justice, and combat antisemitism in all its forms.

Read Pallone's full resolution here.

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