JewishGen: Yizkor Book Necrology Database updated

Yizkor books are helpful resources when dealing with Holocaust-era Jewish genealogy research.

What are these books? These memorial books were written by survivors of communities across Europe detailing the history of the community, what happened there during the Holocaust, and often contain photos of the community and its residents.

Importantly, they contain the names of residents who lived throughout the history of the community and those who perished. The Necrology Database indexes the names of individuals who perished. It's an important database as few Yizkor Books incorporated name indexes, making it difficult for linguistically-challenged researchers to find names of interest.

Few of these volumes were written in English, and most were in Yiddish, some with sections in Polish, German, Russian and other languages. Survivors from around the world often contributed chapters and information. The Yizkor Book section at JewishGen provides translations of these books or chapters, with the work done by volunteers or funded by contributions for professional translations.

The necrology database is only a name index, and shows researchers in what yizkor book the information was discovered. Checking the books may provide more details about the individuals.

The database was updated with 8,800 entries from 17 books, and the complete current total is more than 225,000 names from 258 books.

Here are the updates:

-- Hungary: Mad (292 entries), Mezokovesd (749 entries).

-- Poland: Bilgoraj (37 entries), Chmielnik (1,231), Dabrowa Bialostocka (183), Jaroslaw (179), Jedrzejow (1,975), Krasnystaw (281), Leczyca (468), Przedborz (526), Raciaz (693), Warka (92) and Zambrow (106).

-- Romania: Gherla (Szamosujvar) (372 entries).

-- Slovakia: Sahy (Ipolysag) (1,060 entries).

-- Ukraine: Rava-Ruska (530 entries), and Stavishche (95).

Search the necrology database here.

Necrology Database: 12,000 new entries

The JewishGen Yizkor Book Necrology Database has added more than 12,000 new entries from 27 Yizkor Books:

Belarus:
Byten (190 entries)
Lakhva (432)
Naliboki (190)

Lithuania:
Skuodas (288)

Moldova:
Marculesti (272)

Poland:
Baranow Sandomierski (161)
Bielsko-Biala (61)
Brzeziny (868)
Chorzele (248)
Czyzew-Osada (62)
Golub-Dobrzyn (43)
Kutno (510)
Lomazy (979)
Lubartow (75)
Sierpc (747)
Strzegowo (34)
Tyszowce (614)
Wieleczka (327)
Wielun (1,897)

Romania:
Tasnad (32)

Ukraine:
Berestechko (474)
Dobromil (65)
Kamyanets-Podilskyy (57)
Komarno (151)
Ozerna (392)
Tovste (702)]
Vladimirets (1,124)

Search the Necrology Database here. It indexes names of Holocaust martyrs listed in the necrologies in Yizkor books at the Yizkor Book Project. It is only a name index, and directs readers back to the Yizkor book in question, where more details may be found.

The database now has more than 215,000 entries from 241 different Yizkor Books.

Warren Blatt, JewishGen managing director, thanks such dedicated individuals as Michael Tobias, Max Heffler, Lance Ackerfeld as well as donors and translators. Yad Vashem gets special mention for contributing the necrologies to the website. Additional volunteers are sought to continue the project. Contact Warren for more information.

Argentina: Paul Armony z'l

Jewish genealogy has lost a great friend, passionate colleague and dedicated researcher. I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Paul Armony of Argentina, who died October 24, 2008 (25 Tishri 5769).

The founding President of the Sociedad Argentina de Genealogía Judia - today the Asociacion de Genealogia Judia de Argentina - Paul was truly the force behind that society and its many achievements. As editor of the society's journal, Toldot, he was honored by the IAJGS.

Paul is survived by his wife Eva; sons Ariel, Victor and Jorge; brother Alberto and family, two daughters-in-law and five grandchildren.

Burial will be this morning (Sunday, October 26) in the La Tablada cemetery according to Jewish tradition.

For more information and to read messages of condolence, view the AGJA site. Messages may be sent to info@agja.org.ar

.............................

I knew Paul for many years, and had known of him for several years before we finally met in person. We communicated occasionally through the years. He was always most generous with his time and assistance to colleagues around the world attempting to research Argentinean family branches.

Although living in Argentina, he spent time in Montreal - two sons are university professors - and returned to Argentina.

Stan Diamond of the Montreal JGS wrote that he experienced "first hand the depth of his [Paul's] interests, the breadth of his knowledge, the intensity of his spirit and the inner drive that has made the Asociacion de Genealogia Judia de Argentina a leader in making important Jewish genealogical resources available to researchers around the world. We are all diminished by the loss of this most generous colleague and friend."

Carlos Glikson of Argentina wrote that "Paul was an example of knowledge, generosity and strength, and - as a tireless, perseverant and devoted leader - resolutely impulsed and organized the advance of Jewish genealogy in Argentina."

He will be missed by everyone who knew him, who was inspired by him and who received his generous help. May his family be comforted.