Jewish War Veterans of the United States and Ladies Auxiliary, Fall River Post 168 records

The Jewish War Veterans Fall River Post #168 was organized on January 20, 1938 by 14 charter members who were veterans of World War I. Herbert Leviss was elected its first Commander. The National Jewish Veteran group was founded in 1896 by Jewish Civil War veterans, and is the oldest veteran group in America. Its major purposes are to foster veterans’ affairs and to be of service on the local, national, and international level. Post 168 carries out programs designed to perpetuate the memory of departed Jewish comrades. The post and auxiliary provides financial assistance to veterans, visits former servicemen who are hospitalized, presents Thanksgiving baskets to needy veterans, and offers an annual scholarship. They also are responsible for the erection of a monument in memory of area Jewish War Veterans at M. Wm. Rosenthal Square.

Post 168 participates in “Classmates today - Neighbors tomorrow” program. It also recognizes an outstanding basketball player at Durfee High School each year with the George Kaplan trophy. The Post supports the Red Cross Blood Donor program, fundraises for Chai, a State Department program, that purchases braille watches and typewriters for the blind in Israel, and sponsors the annual “Samuel Kaplan Memorial” breakfast in memory of all past Commanders and comrades. The group proudly marches in the parades on Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day.

The Fall River Jewish War Veterans Ladies Auxiliary was established on June 26, 1938 after the encouragement of the Department of Massachusetts Jewish War Veteran Auxiliary. Shirley Rosenthal was elected its first president. In the formative years, the membership consisted of women of World War I veteran’s families. With the outbreak of World War II, membership increased with the induction of wives, mothers, and sisters of World War II servicemen. Between the years of 1941-1945, members visited servicemen stationed at Camp Edwards, Myles Standish, Fort Adams, Newport Naval Base, the U.S.O, and Cushing General Hospital. Members socialized, served refreshments, danced and made servicemen feel at home. The main purpose of the Auxiliary is to visit and assist hospitalized veterans in any way possible. The auxiliary also sponsors the following programs: Child Welfare, Community Relations, Aid to Israel, Brotherhood/Americanism. Aid to Veterans’ Families, and U.S. Bonds and Legislation.