01 April 2008

JewishGen: End of an era?

All of us are JewishGenners - or should be. The site has provided so many of us with information and database records enabling family connections through the generations.

We couldn't have accomplished so much without JewishGen. If it hadn't already existed, we would have had to create it along the way.

For some time, there have been rumors that something was happening at JewishGen.

Today, the following message from the site's founder - Susan King - was carried on the site's discussion groups:

There are times when it's almost impossible to find the right words, and perhaps this is one of those times.

Twenty-two years ago (seems like eons), I had an idea that grew up to be JewishGen. Over the years you may have been one of those wonderful people who offered help and together we nurtured that brainchild of mine. Together we loved it and lived it.

It has been an extraordinary ride and looking back from where we have come, we can all take enormous pride in what we have established collectively. It is a legacy that I know will follow me wherever I go for the rest of my life. There is nothing better than knowing that you have fulfilled a dream and to know you have made a difference in so many lives. I will cherish these years forever.

I am ever so grateful for the true friendships I've developed along the way, ever so grateful for the spirit of the volunteers who have worked with so much dedication over these many years creating and building a real grassroots effort that was at the core of my vision and so grateful that JewishGen has been at the center of my life for so many years.

I can't thank everyone enough for lending their talents, their skills, their hearts, their ideas and their time. Effective Monday, March 31st, I will no longer be associated with JewishGen either as an employee or as a director. Even though I may be moving forward and perhaps defining yet another life purpose, please know that JewishGen and all of you who walked the walk with me, nurturing my dream along with yours, will remain in my heart forever.

Susan

Susan E. King
JewishGen Founder

3 comments:

  1. I had not heard about this! I have not been on JewishGen for about a month you see (I do use it a lot, it is such a wonderful site) - what will this mean for the future of JG, do you know?

    Thanks for posting this. I'll check in with JG a little more regularly now.

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  2. Does anyone know if Susan is still going to be involved informally, attending the conferences and such?

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  3. Anonymous9:54 AM

    Susan King was and still is a pioneer. When I think of JewishGen, I will always think of Susan. I wish her much success and happiness in whatever she pursues.

    She will be missed.

    Mark Halpern
    West Chester, PA, USA

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