taking of 92 prisoners and the capture of
anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons and two
trucks.
Sadly, just nine days later, on Sept. 21,
1944, Zussman was killed in action by a
German mortar.
JWV-MI Post 333 was instituted in
1945 to commemorate 2nd Lt. Raymond
Zussman, later merging with Post 135
where, today, the Zussman name remains
proudly affiliated.
Each grave a story. Each grave a lost
treasure. Each grave deserving to be remem-
bered now and forever.
One last story Reed shared with me from
his visit to Machpelah was one I actually had
a connection to. The heartbreaking story of
Air Force Capt. Allan Sheldon Cherry, killed
in the summer of 1967 after his plane was
shot down over North Vietnam.
Cherry’s remains would not be identified
and returned for decades, his funeral finally
taking place on Aug. 9, 1999, 32 years to
the day after his death. The funeral service
was officiated by Temple Israel’s Rabbi Paul
Yedwab at Machpelah with Russi Arden,
Cherry’s widow in attendance. The Yedwab
connection is amazing on its own.
In a stunning revelation, it turns out
that Rabbi Yedwab’s father, Rabbi Stanley
Yedwab, officiated the Cherry’s 1959 wed-
ding in Texas. Russi said at the time of her
husband’s long-awaited interment that the
connection made her feel like she and Allan
Cherry had “come full circle.
” Russi passed
away in 2018.
You can read more of this account by
visiting the Detroit Jewish News Archives
(digital.bentley.umich.edu) and read Shelli
Liebman Dorfman’s coverage of the funeral
in the Aug. 13, 1999, edition of the JN.
In the May 21, 2015, JN, Stacy Gittleman
writes of a special display honoring Captain
Cherry, created by the Leo M. Franklin
Archives at Temple Beth El from mementos
donated by Russi Arden. I had the privilege
of being part of the communication that
transpired between Arden, Marty Levine of
the JWV and the Franklin Archives, in the
development of the display.
A MISSION TO REMEMBER
Every year I attend a JWV-MI Memorial
Weekend service, I am left wanting to see
more children, grandchildren and friends in
attendance, not only our JWV membership,
but anyone in our community who may
have a history with a Jewish veteran.
JWV’s mission states it is incumbent upon
us to “preserve the memories and records
of patriotic service performed by the men
and women of our faith; and to honor their
memory and shield from neglect the graves
of our heroic dead.
”
It is with abundant pride that the JWV is
recognized as the oldest active veteran ser-
vice organization in the United States whose
dedication extends beyond our faith. As the
Jewish War Veterans of the United States of
America proudly state — they are the Jewish
voice for all veterans and the veterans’ voice
for Jews.
The very existence of that critical voice
is at stake, which is why I encourage Jewish
veterans who are not members to learn
more about this cherished organization.
On behalf of the Jewish War Veterans
Department of Michigan and the Women’s
Auxiliary, I wish you a safe and enjoyable
Memorial Day holiday weekend. Thank you
in advance for remembering and thank you
for your support.
We can help you identify a grave of a Jewish Veteran
by clicking on the “Identify the Grave of a Jewish
Veteran” link on the home page of the Jewish War
Veterans Department of Michigan at jwv-mi.org.
Please also click on the Membership tab for more
information on how to join the JWV-MI.
12 | MAY 25 • 2023
OUR COMMUNITY
ON THE COVER
continued from page 11
Mark Reed of JWV-MI gives flag placement instructions.
Ethan Gross and David Hundiak of JWV-MI prepare to flag veteran gravesites at Machpelah.
PHOTOS BY GARY PACKARD