On Veterans Day, we honor those who have served their country with unwavering dedication and valor. Among these heroes stands Rabbi Herschel Schacter, an American military chaplain whose life took a profound turn on April 11, 1945. As one of the first to enter the newly liberated Buchenwald concentration camp, Rabbi Schacter faced unimaginable horrors. Yet, in that moment, he became a symbol of hope, helping to rebuild shattered lives and rekindle the spirit of a traumatized people.
Rabbi Schacter’s story resonates with that of a biblical figure who, centuries earlier, faced a similar mission of rebuilding and restoration: Ezra the Scribe.
Both men stepped into roles that transcended their immediate duties, driven by a deep commitment to their faith, their people, and the values that underpin a just society. Their narratives offer profound insights into the power of faith, resilience, and the enduring importance of safeguarding freedom—whether in Israel or America.
Ezra, a priest and scribe, played a pivotal role in the Jewish community’s return from Babylonian exile. He led a group of exiles on a perilous journey back to Jerusalem, tasked not only with rebuilding physical structures but also with restoring the spiritual and communal fabric of the Jewish people.
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Ezra encountered a city in ruins and a community struggling to reclaim its identity. His response was decisive: he gathered the people, read the Torah aloud, and re-taught the laws that had been the foundation of their society. The Hebrew Bible captures Ezra’s dedication:
Ezra’s leadership brought renewed purpose and identity to a people on the brink of losing both. He understood that a nation’s strength is rooted in its commitment to its values and laws—a principle that would echo through the centuries to Rabbi Schacter’s time.
When Rabbi Herschel Schacter entered Buchenwald, he confronted scenes of unspeakable horror: piles of bodies, survivors barely clinging to life, and the acrid smell of smoke from the crematorium. Yet, like Ezra before him, Rabbi Schacter recognized that his role extended beyond offering comfort—it was to rebuild and restore. His first words to the survivors resounded with hope: “Sholom aleichem Yidden, ihr zeit frei — Greetings, Jews, you are free!”
For the following two and a half months, Rabbi Schacter returned to Buchenwald daily, attending to both the physical and spiritual needs of the survivors. He conducted religious services, counseled the grieving, and aided in reuniting families. His actions mirrored those of Ezra, who had guided his people in rebuilding their lives after a period of great suffering.
Rabbi Schacter’s efforts extended far beyond Buchenwald. He became a vocal advocate for the survivors, embarking on a coast-to-coast speaking tour in 1946. Throughout his life, he demonstrated unwavering dedication to his faith and his people, working tirelessly to revitalize American Orthodox Judaism, champion the cause of Soviet Jewry, and lead the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. Just as Ezra had worked to restore the Jewish community in Jerusalem, Rabbi Schacter devoted himself to rebuilding and strengthening Jewish life in the aftermath of the Holocaust.
The narratives of Ezra and Rabbi Schacter serve as poignant reminders that both Israel and America are founded on biblical values and principles. In America, these ideals are enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, which speaks of “unalienable Rights” bestowed by the Creator, including “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” The Bible’s teachings on justice, compassion, and the sanctity of human life have profoundly shaped America’s moral foundation.
Similarly, the State of Israel, reborn in the aftermath of World War II, is built upon biblical principles of justice, freedom, and the inherent dignity of every individual. Just as Ezra led his people back to their ancestral homeland, Israel stands as a modern fulfillment of the ancient Jewish aspiration to return to Zion.
The stories of veterans like Rabbi Schacter underscore the importance of defending freedom and justice in both America and Israel. Both nations have faced existential threats and have relied on the courage and dedication of their citizens to protect their values and way of life. The service of American Jewish veterans, like Rabbi Schacter, bridges these two narratives—demonstrating that the fight for justice and freedom in one land is inextricably linked to the same struggle in another.
Rabbi Schacter’s life and legacy attest to the enduring significance of upholding the values that both America and Israel hold dear. On this Veterans Day, we honor all those who have served—whether in the European theater, the Middle Eastern deserts, or anywhere their duty has called them. Their service and sacrifice remind us that the struggle for freedom, justice, and the protection of human dignity is a shared mission that transcends borders and generations.
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