OPERATION BENJAMIN
Meuse-Argonne Mission
June 1 - 4 ,2026
A historic commemoration honoring American and German
Jewish soldiers who fell in World War I during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
Operation Benjamin, the American Battle Monuments Commission, and Operation Levi,
an initiative of the German War Graves Commission, will be replacing the headstones
of Jewish soldiers mistakenly buried under Latin crosses for over 108 years with Stars of David.
Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, France
Consenvoye German Military Cemetery, France
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Join extraordinary participants including:
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US Ambassador to France, the Honorable Charles Kushner
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Historian and Former Israel Ambassador to the US, Michael Oren, PhD
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Operation Benjamin President Emeritus - Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter
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Director of Yeshiva University Straus Center, Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik
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Phillips University of Marburg Professor of intellectual history, Dr. Ulrich Sieg
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Yeshiva University Straus Center Scholars, University of the Bundeswehr Munich students,
and the Virginia Military Institute cadets
Together, we will remember their service, restore their identities,
and ensure their legacy is honored for eternity with dignity and respect.
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THE SEVENTEEN SOLDIERS WE WILL BE HONORING
PFC Maurice William Akabas · PFC Barney Bardman · PVT Hyman Aronoff ·
PVT Samuel Tamkin · PVT Samuel Backer · Musketier Josef Leiter · Lansturmrekrut Emil May · Ersatz Reservist Ludwig Rosenthal · Musketier Julius Rosenthal · Musketier Arthur Schlesinger · Landsturmrekrut Sally Levi · Gerfreiter Adolf Mendels · Musketier Alfred Hess · Landsturmann Max Wertheimer · Unteroffizier Hermann Marx · Musketier David Jacobs · Musketier Karl Schuster
Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery
Consenvoye German Military Cemetery, France
ABOUT THE MISSION
Monday, June 1
Arrival and Orientation
Verdun, France
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Reception, Welcome Dinner and Keynote Address by Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik
Tuesday, June 2
U.S. Ceremonies
Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, France
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Headstone Replacement Ceremonies honoring five U.S. Soldiers at Meuse-Argonne American Military Cemetery, featuring Special Remarks by the Honorable U.S. Ambassador to France, Charles Kushner
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Historical lecture by former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren
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Dinner followed by an engaging roundtable dialogue bringing together Yeshiva University Straus Center Scholars, University of the Bundeswehr Munich students, and the Virginia Military Institute cadets moderated by CNN commentator Scott Jennings
Wednesday, June 3
German Ceremonies
Consenvoye German Military Cemetery, France
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History Lecture given by Philipps-Universität Marburg Professor Dr. Ulrich Sieg
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Grave Marker Replacement Ceremonies honoring twelve German-Jewish Soldiers at Consenvoye German Military Cemetery with remarks by German Member of Parliament Dr. Ottilie Klein
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Guided Tours of the Verdun Ossuary, Fort Douaumont, and the Lost City of Fleury-devant-Douaumont
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Gala Dinner with closing remarks by Rabbi Dr. Jacob J Schacter
Thursday, June 4
Bon Voyage!
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Cost Per Person: $2500
*Costs include transportation from and to the airport, all meals, hotels and transportation. Airfare not included.
All of your flight arrangements can be made with your own travel agent or our travel professional, Liora Cohen, who will contact you following your registration.
Contact Liora with any questions at:
310-402-4042
PFC Maurice William Akabas, born Moshe Ionel Akabas around February 15, 1893, in Schimaki, Russian Empire (now Šimkaičiai, Lithuania), served in the U.S. Army with Headquarters Company, 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Division during World War I. He was killed by enemy shellfire on October 18, 1918, in Vaux-Champagne, France, and was permanently laid to rest at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in France.
Les Jardins du Mess on the Meuse River
in historic Verdun, France
The historic Verdun Synagogue
* Photo credits: Sabina Dumont, Anibas Photography, www.anibas.fr