Genealogical Conference Attracts International Participants

OCEANVIEW CHAPTER OF ORT MEMBERSHIP/HONOR/ DONOR LUNCHEON AND FASHION SHOW. From left are officers: Advisor Sande Miller,Honor VP Roberta Bell, President Shelly Taroff, Donor VP Florence Silverman, and Membership VP Rose Silverman. Photo by MarilynKessler (More photos on Page 20). PHILADELPHIA — The Russians are coming - to the 29th International Conference on Jewish Genealogy, Aug. 2 to 7, at the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel. (www.Philly2009.org). And so are South Africans, Canadians, Austrians, Hungarians, Romanians, British, Poles and Israelis. They're all part of a large group of experts, researchers and attendees of the conference.

Presentations throughout the Conference will feature topics touching on Jewish communities around the globe, presenters from a variety of countries and Philadelphia topics as well. A sampling includes:

• Paul Cheifitz, a genealogist born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, speaking on The Great Trek "Finding Hidden Yidn in South Africa."

• Dorin Dobrincu of Romania, whose topic is "Archival Sources Pertaining to the History of Jewish People in Romania."

• Wolf-Erich Eckstein, manager of the Office of the Vienna Jewish Community, presenting "Vienna Jewish Records: Volume, Structure and Limitations."

• Aliza Green, an award-winning Philadelphiabased chef, who will lead a workshop on "Tasting World Jewish Cuisines: Turkish, Syrian and Ashkenazi-Italkeni Recipes" and a speech on "Sweet & Sour: How Jewish Traders Changed the Way the World Eats."

• Laurence Harris, Chairman of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Great Britain, who will lead three programs, including "UK Records 1881-1918."

• Susan Koelble, a professional researcher, author and lecturer from Philadelphia, who will lead a beginner track session about "Getting the Most out of Your Philadelphia Research."

Distinguished French priest, author and humanitarian Father Patrick Desbois will present the opening session keynote address, "The Holocaust by Bullets: A Priest's Journey to Uncover the Truth Behind the Murder of 1.5 Million Jews." Father Desbois is the president of YAHAD-IN-UNUM (www.yahadinunum.org), whose mission is to increase knowledge and cooperation between Catholics and Jews.

The Conference offers a variety of tracks based on such interests as Holocaust, Genetics, Russian Empire, Beginners, Internet, US Resources and several others.

In addition to the sessions, the conference will offer a film festival, sightseeing tours, visits to historic Jewish cemeteries, Birds-of-a-Feather meetings for participants to network with others who have similar interests, "Breakfasts with Experts" and a banquet featuring entertainment by Yisrael Campbell, one of Israel's premier stand-up comics. An exhibitor room and a resource room will also be available throughout the event.

According to conference co-chair David Mink, "This is a wonderful conference for anyone who's interested in finding out more about their roots, whether they're just getting started or are an experienced genealogist. It's also a great way to meet others with similar interests and share information

Participants can register for the full Conference or select days. Details are available at www.philly2009.org. The site is updated periodically with program information.