2015 Normandy Kaddish Project

For the second year, the Normandy Kaddish Project is requesting that people around the country and the world say kaddish at Shabbat services on June 5th for those that fell in the vicious fighting in 1944 at Normandy. June 6th is the anniversary of D-Day, when the Allied invasion of Normandy began.

There are 149 American Jewish graves at the Normandy American Cemetery. These names are available to be read as we remember them and all of the Jewish service members who fell at Normandy. Many more who died in the invasion were repatriated for permanent burial at U.S. cemeteries.

Photo: Alan Weinschel

Photo: Alan Weinschel

The Normandy Invasion was a massive effort and Allied victory changed the course of the war. But there was also an incredible cost of human life. The Normandy Kaddish project aims to remember and honor that sacrifice. Last year’s project was covered on JIG here.

Alan Weinschel of New York is leading the effort for the second straight year. He was inspired to start the project on a visit to the cemetery last year where he realized many of the graves had not been visited and that each individual deserves to be mourned and remembered. Weinschel is encouraging all congregations to say kaddish for the Normandy dead on June 5th. If June 5th cannot work, choose another date to honor these men. Once again, do what you can to get your own congregation involved. Weinschel can be contacted at normandykaddishajw@gmail.com.

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U.S. Troops wading through water and Nazi gunfire, ca. 06/06/1944. National Archives photograph.