Jewish Youth at War: Letters from American Soldiers

Jewish Youth at War: Letters from American Soldiers brings together letters written by ninety-three Jewish men and women who served in the U.S. military during World War II, in Europe, the Pacific, and India. Isaac E. Rontch, as editor, selected these letters from thousands sent to him. He received them directly from Jewish service members and from newspapers, synagogues, and Jewish organizations. Many writers sent copies of letters they had already written to their families. Proud of American democratic values, Rontch wanted to do more than simply record wartime events and everyday military life; his goal was also to show the cultural identity and sense of purpose of Jewish young people serving in the military. The book includes letters by Leon Uris, who later became famous for his novel Exodus.