 This perception was so widespread and long-lasting that author Mark Twain, in his 1899 article "Concerning the Jews", criticized the American Jews for their lack of patriotism and willingness to serve.However, when presented with statistics proving Jewish participation throughout American military history, Twain withdrew his remark, and contradicted the misperception in his 1904 "".During World War II, Jewish American soldiers were able to perform religious practices overseas while in service.