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Palestine Jewish Soldiers: Contributions in Last and Present Wars Lauded

April 14, 1943
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The fine record of Jewish soldiers in Palestine during the last war and the contributions of Jewish men and women in the forces now were lauded here today at a meeting called by the Anglo-American Committee for A Jewish Army to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the arrival in Palestine of the Jewish Legion.

Field Marshal Chetwoode, under whose command the Legion served, disclosed that the first Victoria Cross of the whole Palestine campaign was won by a Jew and added that he has been informed that Jewish men and women are now rendering invaluable services. He voiced support of the proposal for a Jewish army, stating that he had no doubt the Jews would fight “magnificently.”

Prime Minister Jan Christian Smuts of South Africa sent a message emphasizing that since Hitler has made the Jews one of the main issues of the war, their fine contribution to the war effort must not be forgotten. Other messages were received from Lloyd George, Senator Edwin Johnson of Colorado, Col. John H. Patterson, who was the commanding officer of the Legion, and others.

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