Obituary – Cause of Death : “Holocaust survivor Sidney Shachnow, US Army Major General, passes at 83 | The Times of Israel”

Sidney Shachnow, Holocaust survivor turned US Army major general, passes away at 83

In a sad turn of events, Sidney Shachnow, a Holocaust survivor who later achieved the rank of US Army major general, has passed away at the age of 83. The news of his demise was confirmed by Lynne Kessler Lechter on Twitter, expressing her condolences and offering a heartfelt tribute to the departed. May his name be for a blessing.

Sidney Shachnow’s life was a testament to resilience and determination in the face of unimaginable adversity. Born in 1934 in Kaunas, Lithuania, he experienced the horrors of the Holocaust firsthand. At the age of seven, Shachnow and his family were forced into a Jewish ghetto by the Nazis, enduring the hardships and constant fear that characterized this dark period of history.

Miraculously, Shachnow and his mother managed to escape the ghetto and found refuge in a barn, hiding from Nazi forces for several years. After the war, they immigrated to the United States, seeking a new beginning and a chance to rebuild their lives.

Driven by a desire to protect others and prevent the atrocities he had witnessed from happening again, Shachnow joined the US Army in 1955. He dedicated his life to serving his adopted country, rising through the ranks and distinguishing himself as a courageous and skilled soldier.

Throughout his military career, Shachnow displayed exceptional leadership qualities and a commitment to excellence. He served in the Vietnam War, earning two Silver Stars for his gallantry in combat. In the years that followed, he held various command positions, both in the United States and overseas, leaving an indelible mark on the military communities he served.

Shachnow’s legacy extends beyond his military achievements. Recognizing the importance of education, he earned a Master’s degree in International Relations from Salve Regina University and later completed the Executive Program in National and International Security at Harvard University.

After retiring from the military in 1994, Shachnow continued to contribute to society through his involvement in various organizations and institutions. He served as the CEO of the Fort Myer Construction Corporation and was an active member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, working tirelessly to preserve the memory of those lost during the Holocaust.

Despite his many accomplishments, Sidney Shachnow remained humble and grounded, always emphasizing the importance of unity and understanding. He believed in the power of education and dialogue to bridge divides and promote peace.

While the cause of Sidney Shachnow’s death remains unknown at this time, his passing is a significant loss for the military community, the Jewish community, and all those who were touched by his remarkable story. His life serves as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.

As we mourn the loss of Sidney Shachnow, let us also celebrate his legacy and the impact he had on the world. May his memory be a blessing, inspiring future generations to stand up against injustice and work towards a more compassionate and understanding society..

Sidney Shachnow, Holocaust survivor turned US Army major general, dies at 83 | The Times of Israel May his name be for a blessing. https://t.co/mzkiV1Hg2X

— Lynne Kessler Lechter (@LynneLechter) December 22, 2023

Condolences

@LynneLechter said Sidney Shachnow, Holocaust survivor turned US Army major general, dies at 83 | The Times of Israel May his name be for a blessing. timesofisrael.com/sidney-shachno…