A year ago, I wrote in the post Murray’s Further Military History about how Murray went to Israel after WWII, where he served during the time of the Israel’s War of Independence. I mentioned that he served with a Canadian soldier who eventually introduced him to his own SIL, Diana Shulman. Murray and Diana eventually married.
In that same post I shared an AP news article showing Murray and his future brother-in-law as soldiers in Israel.
Recently I found a document in the same envelope with Murray’s U.S. Army transcript and discharge paper that proves that Murray served in Israel. This was a treasure to discover because Murray’s service during 1947-1948 has been unfindable up til now. We have his stories, which we know are absolutely true because Murray was not a “storyteller” and he was very realistic about his accomplishments.
You will see that one side of this document is written in Hebrew and shows Murray in his Israeli Defense Forces uniform!
My next door neighbor, who is Israeli, said that the Hebrew doesn’t say anything different than what the other side, in English, says, but he didn’t spend a lot of time translating it. If anybody knows differently, please let me know.
Here is the photo closer up:
Now the flip side of this document is a letter from the American consul.
This is a document that will allow Murray entry back into the United States as a native-born citizen without a passport.
That is because his belongings, including his passport, were destroyed, according to this document on 21 June 1948 in Tel Aviv.
Murray was right in the middle of things when he was in Israel. He had some impressive stories. Without documentation, however, I don’t want to garble the stories or tell stories he might not want told on a public blog. However, he did know many of the movers and shakers of Israel from that period. He was on the Altalena when it was full of refugees fleeing Europe after the Holocaust. He was also around for the Altalena Affair, as well as other events. He did say, and I believe him, that if he had stayed in Israel he would have ended up a general, but he had family back home and decided to return to the United States.
Entering the Pale 
Pingback: At Entering the Pale This Week | The Family Kalamazoo
What a wonderful find. Murray must have been quite a person, and I hope you preserve all his stories for his descendants even if you don’t share them on the blog. He was also very handsome!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Amy! He really was. I am trying to figure out the best way to share them. Yes, they really need to be passed on.
He was very handsome :).
LikeLiked by 2 people
What an amazing find, Luanne. I can imagine the goosebumps and excitement at finding this treasure.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Cathy, I couldn’t even believe it when I found them. I was sort of in shock even as I handed the envelope to my husband and said, “Take a look at this!” Now these documents are in archival plastic!
LikeLiked by 3 people
That is so cool. What a fascinating life he had.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He really did. He had a colorful career until he married and they had kids and then he lived a stable, responsible life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just imagine trying to get back into the country now with that piece of paper ~ This was a fantastic find and treasure….thrilled for you 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
hahahaha, I guess NOT! I’m surprised it even had his pic on it. Thanks, Sharon!
LikeLike
The picture was a bonus for sure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow–I can’t even imagine. It sounds like he had quite a life, and that he was both brave and thoughtful. (I agree he was handsome, too.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
He was all those things, and a pretty cool guy, too! Thanks, Merril.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fascinating find, Luanne. So historically amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t believe it at first when I saw it haha! Thanks, Sheila.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so excited for you, your husband and family, Luanne! This is a remarkable document and such a handsome photograph of your father-in-law. An honorable story and so remarkable to have this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
He was very handsome and very honorable and a bit of an adventurer! Thank you, Robin! How is Landen and Randy and the rest of your family doing (including Robin)?
LikeLike
I missed your response since I rarely backtrack into links to WP, Luanne. Thanks for your warm questions about both Randy and Landen. Randy is doing well and busy with painting. Landen is blessed to have his “port” out and healed. Sadly, he needs to get out and build his stamina. I have asked him to tag along with other grandies. He gets excited but needs to go home sooner than the others. I’m just praying for his strength. Hugs to you and yours! ❤️
LikeLike