The Old Country
This gallery describes the different places where Jews were from and gives an idea of their situation. In this gallery, you might see important papers that show people’s ages, where they were from, and some are even written in another language, an indication of the country in which they lived.
Family Photograph
Russia
Gerald and Fanny
This picture was taken in Russia in the early 1900's, of my father's grandparents, Harry and Fanny. They went to America to escape persecution and to seek a better life.
This artifact is significant to my family because it reminds and shows us of them.
Schutz Pass
Budapest
My grandmother
This Shutz Pass and 2 others were issued by Raoul Wallenberg as Swedish Ambassador to Hungary during WWII to my great grandmother and her parents. The passes gave them protection as Swedish citizens so that the Nazis did not deport them to concentration camps. They spent the end of the war in hiding in Budapest with my grandmother who was a little girl and eventually my great-grandfather after he escaped from a slave labor camp. They all survived the war. This pass represents a great man's attempt to save Jews from the Nazi ravages and the salvation of a part of my family during the war.
It is significant to me because my great grandparents and my grandma would not be born. I would not have been born without my great-great grandparents receiving this.
Photograph
Vienna, Austria
This photograph was taken in Austria in a photo studio. My great grandmother was in her work clothes but the name of the photo studio is unknown.
This photo is the only picture of my great grandma my family has. She was killed by Nazis, but everyone else in my family got away, and eventually came to America. I chose this artifact because it tells a strong and important story of my Jewish heritage.
Sewing Machine
Russia
My Grandfather
At the end of the 18th century David Schwartz came to America from Russia. When he got to America he worked on fixing sewing machines. When he got interested with sewing machines he started his own company making sewing machines.
My family has used it for a long time.