Church hosts poppy sale by Jewish war veterans
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Church hosts poppy sale by Jewish war veterans

Presenting a plaque of appreciation to Father Edward Flanagan, center, at the Nativity of Our Lord in Monroe, are, from left, JWV Post 609 member Bernie Passer, post commander Frank Slavin, post member Shelly Bloom, and church members Steve Marone and A
Presenting a plaque of appreciation to Father Edward Flanagan, center, at the Nativity of Our Lord in Monroe, are, from left, JWV Post 609 member Bernie Passer, post commander Frank Slavin, post member Shelly Bloom, and church members Steve Marone and A

It’s not too often that members of a Jewish organization raise funds outside a church.

But that is just what members of Jewish War Veterans Post 609 in Monroe did in May, raising close to $1,000 in two hours by selling commemorative poppies outside the Nativity of Our Lord in Monroe.

The poppies, fashioned out of cloth by veterans, have symbolized the sacrifices of veterans since World War I.

The sale represented the first time any JWV post collected money outside a church, according to post member Sheldon Bloom.

“It was a tremendous success,” he said.

JWV received enthusiastic support from members of the church, with some members even helping with the sale, Bloom said. The post regularly raises funds for a veterans’ home in Perth Amboy.

“As long as they serve in the U.S. Armed Forces” they are “our brothers,” Bloom said.

To express appreciation for the church’s assistance, the post presented its priest with a plaque at the church on July 20.

“It was a nice gesture on the part of different faith communities,” Father Edward Flanagan told the Cranbury Press July 23. “We were delighted to host them.”

He added, “People still may have preconceived ideas between Catholic and Jews. The climate in the church has changed. We consider each other brothers and sisters, especially in Monroe, where there is a large population of Jews and Catholics.”

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