War Related Artifacts
Unfortunately war is sometimes a reality and not so very long ago we were threatened with annihilation during World War II. These artifacts are from that time. Through the efforts of the family members represented here and the sacrifice of so many others, the Allies won the war against the Axis powers and in spite of great losses during the Holocaust, the Jewish people survived and have thrived.
Silver Star
United States Army
My Grandfather
Our family is very proud of both my grandfather and great-uncle. They both served our country in defeating the evil Nazis. This silver star belonged to my great-uncle and is a symbol of their service.
My great-uncle was a soldier in World War II, (as was my grandfather, his brother). During a battle, my great-uncle rescued two wounded men and then led his platoon after his platoon commander was also wounded. As a result, he was awarded the silver star for bravery. The medal shows that Jewish Americans fought bravely against the Nazis.
Doctors Kit and Picture
New York
Lydia A.
My great-grandfather was a doctor in WW II. I have his doctor's kit that he used. It is special because I never knew him and it is really fascinating to see it. I also have a picture of my great-grandfather and my grandma holding hands right before he took off to the war. They didn't see each other for four years.
My great-grandfather was a captain in the army, a doctor, and he was stationed in England during WW II where he served for four years. The significance to Jewish heritage is that the Holocaust occurred during WW II in Europe. My great-grandfather - and so many others - played his role in defeating the Germans which also brought an end to the Holocaust.
Air Force Dog Tags
USA
Aaron K.
They were my grandpa's dog tags when he was in the United States air force. Servicemen in the military wear them. There are two tags because, should they die in battle, one is left with the body and the other is put with personal belongings. We have both which means my grandpa survived his military duty.
His dog tags indicate that he is Jewish. The tags include religion to ensure religious needs are met.
Dog Tag
USA
Albert K.
This dog tag was given to my father by his father. My grandfather was in the navy. He served in the Pacific during World War II. His dog tag it has an 'H' on it which shows he was Jewish.
During World War II, American Jews were free while European Jews were being killed by the millions in death camps and concentration camps. My grandfather Albert was fighting to keep the world safe and to free the Jewish people.
Medals
Former USSR
Great-grandfather Yosef
The significance of the medals to my family is that my great-grandfather fought in the World War II and earned these medals. He carried the medals from Moscow to Berlin during World War II and then many years later he brought them to Israel when my whole family immigrated there. We inherited the medals from my great-grand father.These medals are awards for bravery and liberation from Nazis.
The medals are very significant to Jewish heritage because it symbolizes the victory over Nazi Germany.I wouldn't be existing without this, because they wanted to destroy the entire nation of Jews and my great-grandfather helped stop them.