Why History Matters
Preserving history isn’t just about remembering names and dates—it’s about preserving identity, truth, and lessons that shape our future. The stories we tell and the legacies we protect help form the cultural and moral foundation of our society. Without historical awareness, we risk repeating mistakes and losing the richness of what came before us.
Shalom Lamm understands this better than most. A leader, philanthropist, and historical advocate, Lamm has committed himself to correcting historical oversights and elevating forgotten stories through deliberate action. His work reminds us that preserving the past is not passive—it’s a deeply active, necessary process that benefits future generations.
Operation Benjamin: Correcting Historical Oversights
Perhaps the most profound expression of Shalom Lamm’s dedication to history is Operation Benjamin, the nonprofit he co-founded to honor Jewish-American soldiers who served and died in World War II. Many of these brave individuals were mistakenly buried under Christian headstones, a reflection of clerical error, lost records, or misunderstood identities. For decades, these errors went unaddressed.
To Lamm, this wasn’t just an administrative mistake—it was a personal and cultural injustice. Each misidentified headstone represented a life whose story had been inaccurately told and whose heritage had been obscured. Operation Benjamin was created to restore the truth.
Working with the Department of Veterans Affairs, religious scholars, military families, and historians, Operation Benjamin verifies Jewish heritage, collects documentation, and submits applications to have the headstones corrected. Once approved, the replacement ceremonies are handled with dignity, respect, and reverence—ensuring that each soldier is finally honored in a way that reflects their true identity.
But this initiative is more than just symbolic. It’s a reminder that details matter in history. Accuracy matters. And when we correct the record, we do more than fix a past mistake—we teach the living the value of truth, remembrance, and respect.
Educational Outreach: History as a Living Lesson
Lamm’s work doesn’t stop at grave markers. He also supports and invests in educational programs that use history as a tool for modern understanding. His belief is simple: people must know their history to grow from it, and that education is the most powerful vehicle for that growth.
By funding lectures, school materials, public seminars, and digital content, Lamm aims to make history accessible and engaging, especially for younger generations. He recognizes that in an era dominated by fast-paced content and digital distraction, the challenge isn’t just preserving history—it’s making people care about it.
This commitment includes supporting Holocaust education, Jewish-American military history, and broader lessons in civic duty and remembrance. By bringing these stories to classrooms, communities, and public forums, Lamm ensures that historical narratives stay relevant, accurate, and emotionally resonant.
He believes that historical awareness can combat apathy, build empathy, and create a more informed citizenry. In his view, education is the bridge that connects the past to the present—and ultimately to a better future.
Collaborations with Historical Institutions
Another key pillar of Lamm’s approach is collaboration. He understands that preserving history is a massive undertaking—one that cannot be done alone. That’s why he works closely with museums, historical archives, and cultural preservation societies to support research, restoration, and public access.
These partnerships have enabled the digitization of military records, the curation of exhibits, and the documentation of family stories that would otherwise be lost. By partnering with reputable institutions, Lamm not only strengthens the integrity of his efforts but also amplifies their reach.
His support helps these institutions modernize their operations, expand public programming, and share critical materials with educators, scholars, and the general public. The result is a more informed society with deeper access to firsthand accounts, preserved artifacts, and trustworthy narratives.
Additionally, these collaborations promote scholarly research and expand the collective knowledge base of Jewish-American military contributions, enriching both academic and cultural dialogues for years to come.
The Broader Vision: Protecting Memory, Inspiring Action
For Lamm, preserving history isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about responsibility. It’s about ensuring that memory serves a purpose in the present. He views every gravestone correction, every educational workshop, and every historical partnership as a call to action—to remember, to reflect, and to act in ways that honor those who came before us.
This philosophy informs his broader leadership approach, one centered on mission-driven service and values-based impact. Lamm consistently advocates for a world where the past informs progress, where truth is pursued with diligence, and where legacy is more than a word—it’s a commitment.
Conclusion: A Legacy Rooted in Truth
Shalom Lamm’s work is a testament to the power of historical preservation when guided by passion, precision, and purpose. Whether through Operation Benjamin’s sacred mission to correct historical oversights, his educational investments that illuminate the past for today’s learners, or his partnerships with cultural institutions, Lamm has built a living legacy that continues to grow.
In a time when truth is often diluted and history is increasingly politicized or forgotten, Lamm’s unwavering dedication reminds us that preserving the past is a moral imperative. His efforts ensure that the people, values, and sacrifices that built our present are never lost in the noise of modern life.
As he continues to lead and inspire, one thing remains clear: Shalom Lamm is not just preserving history—he’s elevating it, giving voice to the silent, and ensuring that the future never forgets the stories that shaped us.
