Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV) Ben Katz Post 580 (New Orleans) honors the contributions of Jewish Service Members, women, and family. This Speakers Series is a celebration of the lives of the Gothards, two of Post 580’s most cherished members, and a way to recognize the roles and contributions of Jewish women in preserving the legacy of Jewish American military service. It is Post 580’s intent to annually host, in memory of the Gothards, a Jewish woman veteran or civilian to discuss the service and sacrifices of American Jews during a period in our country’s history.

This is Post 580's lead event for the Veterans Day 2022 weekend. Ben Katz Post 580 is hosting the Women’s Speakers Series’ inaugural event in honor of Judge Sol and Jackie Gothard (of Blessed Memory).  Keynote Speaker, Professor Leah Garrett,  using her book, Young Lions: How Jewish Authors Reinvented the American War Novel, will provide an overview of Jewish military service during WW II by discussing how Jews served at disproportionately high rates and were at the forefront of many military campaigns. Focusing on these soldiers turned authors - Norman Mailer, Joseph Heller, and Herman Wouk – she will discuss their military service and show how their bestselling novels used the theme of World War II to reshape the American public’s ideas about war, the Holocaust, and the role of Jews in postwar life.  Professor Garrett is the Director of Jewish Studies at Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY). She has published five books in Jewish studies and won and was shortlisted for numerous literary prizes.  Refreshments will be provided. Please email commandernolap580jwv@gmail.com no later than November 3 to assist with logistical allocations or questions/concerns.  Free and open to the public. For LiveStream: https://www.templesinainola.com/temple-sinai-tv.html.