Mastodawn

So hi. For those that don't know me, 9 years ago I discovered that 20+ years as a reporter was pretty solid training to solve genealogical puzzles. I now am focusing that skill on using genetic genealogy to help Holocaust survivors connect with family.

The DNA Reunion Program at the Center for Jewish History launches virtually at 12:30 ET on giving Tuesday, moderated by award-winning writer Daniel Mendelsohn. (I might have had an in. 😏)

Please join us to learn more. https://programs.cjh.org/tickets/dna-reunion-project-2022-11-29

Upcoming Events at the Center for Jewish History

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Jennifer Mendelsohn Nov 22, 2022

Last year I wrote this op-ed for the Washington Post about the magic I have seen DNA work in this community and why I hoped more people would take advantage of it.

I'm thrilled beyond words that we have an actual pilot program rolling out. Really hoping others will step up to support our efforts and allow us to reach more people. https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/holocaust-jewish-genealogy-dna/2021/05/27/af8d21b8-be8d-11eb-b26e-53663e6be6ff_story.html

The Holocaust destroyed Jewish families. Genealogy can help rebuild them.

Records from before the Nazis are easier to find than many people realize

The Washington Post

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Michael Nov 23, 2022

@jmendelsohn
Fantastic. Using JewishGen and many other resources, my wife was able to trace her family’s flight from the Nazis and find all sorts of documentation from a Polish birth certificate with a forged age to avoid conscription in the Russian army to a marriage certificate from Soviet Central Asia. She was able to recover Polish citizenship for herself and our kids. It was quite a journey.

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denvillekori Nov 23, 2022

@jmendelsohn it turns out that 30+ years as an engineer also makes me a good problem solver (plus being stubborn as all get out). Let me know if you need any help, I love slogging through old documents and newspapers!