Fort Hamilton Army Base Holds Holocaust Memorial Ceremony

The United States Army Garrison in Fort Hamilton recently held a memorial ceremony to honor the millions of Jews impacted by the Holocaust.

Rabbi Chaim Teitelbuam of the Satmar community was invited as the guest speaker. He shared stories of his great grandfather, a survivor.

Teitelbaum said that his great-grandfather’s may not have survived had it not been for the United States Army rescuing him.

“Even as all other countries turned their backs, including Germany, when Israel was facing a similar Holocaust of its own in 1974, the United States of America was there and always has been, and there is no greater country than America,” he said.

He lit six candles at the Army chapel along with another survivor and spoke of his great grandfather’s strength in the face of adversity.

“I don’t know how, but he always had a smile on his face,” Teitelbaum said, according to The Hamilton Connection. “I don’t know how he had the strength to play with me when I was a boy, but he did. He knew something that we all should know. It makes no difference what punches life throws at you. Nothing but nothing can break your heart and nothing but nothing is stronger than you.”

The Army Garrison has been working with local Jewish leaders and other religious groups during their “Lunch and Learn” sessions. The Fort Hamilton base held its first Jewish service on the second day of Hanukkah.