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On Veterans Day 2014, B’nai B’rith International honors all of the men and women of the armed forces sacrificing and defending against tyranny so that future generations might be free.
B’nai B’rith has played a role supporting the military and its members dating back to the American Civil War. Over time, that role has evolved as needed, providing resources before and after combat, while members have answered the call to take up arms. One such member was Lt. Gilbert Steingart, a dentist in the Navy during World War II. Lt. Steingart served in the Pacific Theater, leaving behind his wife, Eleanor, and children–as well as his leadership posts at the local B’nai B’rith lodge. However, he maintained regular contact with his wife and friends at the lodge, writing more than 500 letters during the war. |
Read all of his letters mentioning B’nai B’rith, here.
The following are highlights from his letters, posted online by his daughter, Linda Frumkes: |
Can’t attend B’nai B’rith Past Presidents Night:Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart
U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco Friday 15 September 1944 Dear Earl, |
Who Is B’nai B’rith War Service Chairman?Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart
U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco Tuesday 2 Janaury 1945, 10:15 PM Dearest Eleanor, Hello darling, here I am again. I forgot to mention in yesterday’s letter that when I went ashore I ran into a Dr. Arnerich, who graduated a year before I did. He is on a tender and has been out here for five months. It’s twelve years since I last saw him. Yet we recognized each other immediately. Guess we haven’t changed much at that. Oh yes, I shaved off my beard but I still have a moustache. If and when I get some film I’ll take a picture and send it on. […] Darling, who is War Service Chairman for the B’nai B’rith? Please let me know, as I have a request to make of the lodge through him |