Center for Jewish History :: 15 W. 16th Street NY, NY 10011

HOURS

Reading Room & Genealogy Institute
Mon-Thurs: 9:30am-4:30pm

Exhibit Spaces
Mon-Wed: 9:30am-4:30pm
Thurs: 9:30am-8pm
Fri: 10am-3pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: 11am-5pm

Make sure to check our holiday closures prior to visiting.

Last entry to the Center for Jewish History exhibition spaces is 30 minutes before closing.

Images courtesy of the Leo Baeck Institute

Introduction

Genealogical research, and specifically commercial DNA testing, can unlock mysteries and make crucial connections, often linking Holocaust survivors to living relatives they did not know they had. It can be a priceless gift for a population ravaged by genocide, and time is of the essence, as that population ages and dwindles. Through the DNA Reunion Project at the Center for Jewish History under the auspices of the Ackman & Ziff Family Genealogy Institute, we are raising awareness of the potential of DNA testing. Towards that end, this program allows Holocaust survivors or their children to apply for free commercial DNA kits. The team of Jennifer Mendelsohn and Adina Newman, experts in the field of Ashkenazi Jewish genetic genealogy, lead the consultation aspect of the project.

*Please note: We are not creating a unique test or database but rather a chance to receive a DNA kit from one of the major commercial DNA companies like Ancestry.com, who have donated 2500 kits for this project. If you have already taken an Ancestry DNA test, please do not apply for a free kit. In that case, click here to be added to our mailing list about upcoming online workshops on how to interpret your results.

For the distribution of free kits, we are prioritizing survivors themselves as well as anyone for whom purchasing a kit would constitute a financial hardship. At this time, applications are only open to Holocaust survivors and to the children of Holocaust survivors or victims. The distribution of kits is decided on a case-by-case basis. If you are selected to receive a free kit, your wait time will be determined by the total number of requests received, as supplies last.

For a sample of additional press coverage of this project, see articles from the Associated Press, Baltimore Magazine, and WBUR.

DONATE TO THE DNA REUNION PROJECT

Apply for a Free DNA Kit*

Please read the Frequently Asked Questions before submitting an application. DO NOT submit multiple applications for the same person.

Personal Details

First name

Last name

Phone Number

Street Address

Address Line 2

City

State/Province

Zip Code

Country

Tell Us About Yourself (If you are filling this out on behalf of someone else, please fill in the information for the person who will be testing.)

Are you a

Have you ever taken a dna test before? (If you have already taken an ancestry.com test, please do not fill out this application, as we would be sending you the same kit.)

In relation to your previous answer, if yes, which test have you taken? If no, why not? Please note: our priority is to give tests to those families whose DNA is not currently in any of the commercial databases.

Please briefly tell us your family’s Holocaust story, including specifics like dates and places. Have you ever attempted to research your family’s fate before using sites like Yad Vashem or Bad Arolsen? Is there a specific question you are trying to answer through DNA testing?

Please explain your reasons for applying for a free dna kit. Feel free to include any extenuating circumstances, e.g. financial hardship.

How did you hear about the DNA Reunion Project at the Center for Jewish History?

I confirm that the person to whom this kit is going is able to give consent to taking a DNA test.

I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as the test-taker to read the terms of service for the commercial DNA company from which I receive a kit.

I acknowledge that I have read the Project FAQs.

I confirm with this submission that I am a Holocaust survivor or the child of a survivor or victim, or I am applying on behalf of such a person. At the current time, we cannot consider applications for anyone who does not meet these criteria, including grandchildren, great-grandchildren, or those who are unsure if they have a relative who died in the Holocaust.

Send me updates about the Center

For more information, contact dna@cjh.org.

DONATE TO THE DNA REUNION PROJECT