Follow @UnitedJewish

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Williamsburg Jewish Community - Built on the Holocaust Ashes - Remembers U.S. Service-Members' Assistance During and After Holocaust


New York Times Covers Recent Reunion of Williamsburg Survivors with Service Member who Fed and Dressed them Immediately after the War

Williamsburg - Veterans Day - when we all reflect on the heroic, selfless service of our service-members to our country - has a special meaning to the Jewish community in Williamsburg, built on the ashes of the Holocaust by a small number of Holocaust survivors. The community remembers the key role that the US Military played ending the holocaust, ending the annihilation of the Jewish People in Europe, and the tremendous help and care that US Service Members extended to the survivors immediately after their liberation.

Two weeks ago, an emotional reunion took place in Williamsburg between survivors, many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and a U.S. Pilot, Mr. Alan Golub, whom they thanked for providing them food and clothing after the holocaust. On his own initiative, Mr. Golub saved them from hunger and returned their dignity. The reunion was covered in Sunday's NY Times.

 Alan Golub and his P-51 Mustang fighter plane
The UJO’s President Rabbi David Niederman said: ”Lt. Golub is just one of our country’s incredible members of the military. He went unrecognized for 70 years, until he was reunited with the survivors thanks to the interest of a family member. There are many more service-members with similar stories that we don't even know. They didn't do it for fame, but to make the world a better place. As we mark Veteran’s Day, we recognize Lt. Golub’s and all his fellow WWII vets, many of whom are still with us, for their selfless service. We owe all U.S. veterans our deep gratitude and appreciation for enabling us to enjoy the freedoms we all hold so dear. We continue to pray for all service members in the line of duty to continue spread freedom successfully, and return home to their families safely and healthy."
The survivors with the dresses secured by Mr. Golub - in the photo presented to him as a token of appreciation
1)    The back of the photo with the survivors’ names, according to the numbers on the photos, and their thank you note presented at the time to Mr. Golub
Mr. Golub, surrounded by survivors he helped, and their families
L. to R. Dr. Iriving Shindler, Executive Director of Pesach Tikva, Mr. Alan Golub, Rabbi David Niederman, Chairman of the Board, and Dr. Zalmen Kotzen Director of Geriatric Services