Times Picayune, September 17, 2009
The National Convention of the Jewish War Veterans of America, recently held in New Orleans, brought veterans together from throughout the United States, who had served their country in World War II and every conflict since.
Also participating were men and women who are currently serving on active duty. As part of the convention agenda, a program was sponsored by the Jules Lazard Post 580, New Orleans JWV, at the World War II Museum.
To open the event, the JWV National Commander, Ira Novoselsky, placed a memorial wreath at the base of a Higgins landing craft, as a JWV member sounded taps. A Marine Corps honor guard, led by Bert Stolier, a veteran of Pear Harbor and battles in the Pacific Theater, presented the colors.
Representing the city of New Orleans were New Orleans City Council president Arnie Fielkow and Council Vice President Jackie Clarkson, who welcomed the audience. They presented Novoselsky with a proclamation from the city of New Orleans, recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of America’s Jewish War Veterans.
Jim Gillis, a local Marine Corps veteran who is the project director of “My Brothers’ Keepers,” a gathering of the personal experiences of the Jewish men and women who served in World War II, spoke about the audio and visual documentaries he is collecting for archival preservation.
Capt. Carol Berman, only recently returned from active duty in Afghanistan, offered a stirring account titled “My Path to Judaism — a Woman Officer on Duty in a War Zone.”
Post commander Judge Sol Gothard, a veteran of the Army, spoke about the effects of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans, the local Orthodox Congregation Beth Israel, and the New Orleans JWV Post.
Gothard’s talk was titled “A City, A Synagogue and a JWV Post: From Devastation to Rebirth.” In it, Gothard described the efforts in this community to rebuild. Symbolic of this was the presentation of the new post banner, replacing the one ruined during the hurricane, dedicated in honor of all veterans who served the United States.
Gothard also received a special award from the national headquarters for his efforts in enrolling new members.
http://www.nola.com/picayunes/t-p/ejpicayunes/index.ssf?/base/news-19/1253165778228550.xml&coll=1
