Jewish American Soldier Nathan Baskind Given Kevurah After 80 Years
by Reb Chmouel Lubecki – Shliach to Rouen, France
There are many types of emotions in life but the one I felt last Sunday was one of a kind!
The “Operation Benjamin” association, based in the United States, works to rehabilitate the graves of American Jewish soldiers buried in France during the Second World War. The organization received astonishing information a year and a half ago.
Here is the story:
During the Normandy landings in June 1944, American soldier Nathan Baskind was sent on a reconnaissance mission near the town of Cherbourg. Unfortunately, he was captured by the Nazis in Cherbourg. That evening, the camp where Nathan was located was bombed.
As no trace of him was found, Nathan was declared a missing soldier. Because of this, Nathan was accidentally buried with 52 Nazis in a Nazi cemetery!
In December 2022, the “Operation Benjamin” association received new information about Nathan. After investigations and DNA testing, Nathan’s body was found. This involved a lot of effort, exchanging questions and answers with renowned rabbis. Nathan was exhumed from the Nazi cemetery and buried this Sunday in the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, according to American and Jewish traditions.
The soldier’s family came specially from the United States. The emotion during the ceremony was extraordinary. Rabbi Schechter, president of the association, gave a moving speech: “Finally, Nathan, rest in peace!” did he declare.
I had the honor of attending this event. Tears flowed from everyone’s eyes. Finally, Nathan was buried according to Jewish tradition…
May his soul be linked to the bundle of life.
How important it is to grant everyone the right to a dignified burial according to the Torah! How much effort must be invested in these final assignments!
Let us salute their dedication to this sacred task.
