Frequently Asked Questions
About the
Holocaust Global Registry

1. What is the Holocaust Global Registry?

The Holocaust Global Registry is an interactive searchable database, created for the purpose of helping survivors reunite with any family or friends who may be searching for them. It provides a central place where all survivors may add a record for themselves, and where others can add the names of people they are searching.

1.1. What does it contain?

The Holocaust Global Registry contains records of people in the following categories:

a) "survivor"
b) "survivor, searching my identity"
c) "looking for"

1.2. Who should use the Holocaust Global Registry?

The Registry may be used by all survivors and anyone searching for family and friends who may have survived the Holocaust. It is also for child survivors (most were born between 1930-1945) who are searching clues to their identity.

1.3. Who are survivors?

a) All people who were persecuted during the years of Nazi terror in Europe (1933-1945), and managed to survive by whatever means possible.

b) All who suffered persecution because they were Jewish, and all who were labelled as Jews by those in power at that time.

c) All adults and all children, including those who were hidden, or were adopted by concerned and righteous families.

d) All those who were forced to leave their homes to escape persecution, and found safe haven elsewhere.

1.4. Who is a "survivor, searching my identity"?

1.5. Can I use the database if I am NOT a survivor, but am looking for a survivor?

1.6. Can I add a record for members of my family who did NOT survive the Holocaust?

1.7. Can I add a record for someone who was a survivor, but has since passed away?

Yes!

If you want to add a record for a family member or friend who was a survivor but who has since passed away, you may add their record using the category "survivor".

1.8. Where does the data come from?

The data in the Holocaust Global registry comes from you, the participants. All the names are either submitted by the survivors themselves, or by people who are "looking for" survivors. The names are not collected from any other source.

1.9. Where is the Holocaust Global Registry available?

1.10. In my country, on-line costs are expensive, but I want to use the Registry. There is a survivors' group in my city who also wants to add their names. What can we do?

1.11. How often is the Holocaust Global Registry updated?

1.12 How do I know I am seeing the most current version of the Registry?

From time to time, we might receive suggestions which could result in us making changes to the database format. So, when you return to this website, please click the "RELOAD" or "REFRESH" button on your web browser, to be sure you are looking at the most current version of the Registry.

1.13 What does this cost?

There are no costs for use of the Holocaust Global Registry. Everyone may participate, free of charge. The Registry is maintained by JewishGen, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation. However, while JewishGen is completely free of cost to users, there are costs to administer and maintain the database. If you wish, you may send a voluntary donation (tax-deductible in the U.S.), to help offset some of these expenses so we can continue to provide this and other services to the Jewish genealogical community. Please make checks payable to: JewishGen, Inc. and mail to us at: 12 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1100, Houston, Texas 77046 USA. JewishGen is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation.

1.14 Are there any other resources available for searching Holocaust Survivors?

1.15 Disclaimer

Neither JewishGen, Inc. nor the database manager is responsible for the accuracy of the information contained in the Holocaust Global Registry. Since all the information is added by the public, it is subject to errors and omissions.

Any information contained in JewishGen's Holocaust Global Registry may not be reprinted or used for solicitation of paid research or for any commercial use, school-related projects, term papers or interviews for the purpose of publication without the express written permission of JewishGen, Inc.

2. How do I search for someone?

On the Main Page of the Registry, there is a "search box" where you may enter any word to search. If you enter more than one word, please leave a "space" between each word. When you are ready to begin, click on "enter", or hit the return key.

HINT: Since this database may be searched using any word, in addition to searching for names of people, don't forget to also search for the name of your city or town.

2.1. When I enter names in the search box on the Main Page, does that search ALL the records in the Registry?

Yes.

When you do a search, it searches ALL the records in the Registry.

2.2. What words can I use to search?

You may use any words: a person's name, a nickname, a maiden name, parents' names, the name or a town or city. Type your words in the search box (leave a space between each word).

HINT: Try searching by words such as "butcher", "baker", "doctor", etc., in case someone may have entered an occupation on their record.

2.3. How can I see if anyone from my town is listed in the Registry?

Just type the name of your city or town in the search box, and click the "search" button.

2.4. Can I search using any numbers, such as a birthdate, even if I don't know the complete date?

Yes.

Just enter the birthdate in the search box. You can search using only a year, or only a month and day.

Example: 8 February 1937 OR February 8 1937

Example: 8 February OR February 8

Example: 1937

2.5. Can I search for someone using any first or last name?

Yes,

you can use first or last names for the person you are searching, or their parents names, or their brothers or sisters, Just type the names in the search box. (Leave a space between each name.)

Example: Hannah

Example: Rosen

Example: Hannah Rosen

2.6. My search yielded no matches, what do I do now?

If your search yielded no matches, you should add a record for the person you are searching. By adding a record, you increase the possibility of a "contact" because someone might know the person you are searching and they may check the Registry and find your record

2.7. I searched for the name "Rosen", but records came up for people with other names? Why?

If you searched for "Rosen", and other names came up, it is because the name "Rosen" also appears somewhere in those records. It might be in the fields for mother, father, relatives, etc. Also, "Rosen" appears in the names Rosenthal, Rosenberg, Grosen, etc.

2.8. How can I "narrow" my search?

If you find that doing a very general search (such as searching by name only), brings up too many "matches", you can narrow your search by clicking the circle for "matches on ALL words" (to the right of the search box).

If you search for the words "Sarah Rosen" (clicking the circle for "matches on ANY words) you would get matches for anyone who has the names "Sarah" or "Rosen" in their records.

If you are searching for a Sarah Rosen from Budapest, you would add "Budapest" to the search box. (You may use either uppercase or lowercase letters to search.)

Example: Sarah Rosen Budapest or sarah rosen budapest

3. What is the "Advanced Search with DM-Soundex and Wildcard"?

The Advanced Search lets you search the Registry for all combinations of a last name or a town. It will search only the "last name" field of records. It does not search the other fields where last names also appear (i.e., parents names, other names, and relatives field). To search those fields you have to use the search box on the Registry's main page.

a) If you search a name using "DM-Soundex" option, it will search for names which "sound" similar to the name you are searching. For example, "Lvov", "Lebow", and "Lubawa" will all be searched if you search for the name "Lvov".

b) If you search a name using the 'Wildcard" option, that will search for all combinations of your last name or town. For example, if you search for "STEIN", it will show any records in which "STEIN" appears (such as STEIN, STEINberg, STEINer, etc.)

4. What are the A to Z filters listed on the Main Page?

The A to Z filters show records arranged by surnames (last names) only. If you are searching for someone and do not remember their exact last name, but you think it starts with the letter "R", then click on that letter and browse (look at) all the surnames that begin with the letter "R".

5. What is the "Browse database" area for?

The "Browse database" area is used to look through records sorted by category (survivor, survivor searching my identity, and looking for). Please take time to occasionally look through these records. You may see a name you recognize and might be able to offer information which could help someone find their loved ones. You might also be able to help child survivors learn their identity.

5.1. What does "List new entries" mean?

New entries are being added to the database every day, and this feature lets you see the records which have been added since the last time you went to the database.

5.2. What does "List all survivor records" mean?

When you use this feature, it will show all records for survivors.

5.3. What does "List all survivor, searching my identity records" mean?

This will show all records for survivors who are searching their identity. Most of them were so young at that time , they do not remember their names, or parents' names. However, many do remember other details, and that's why we ask everyone to occasionally take time to browse these records.

5.4. What does "List all looking for records" mean?

This feature will show all records of people for whom others are searching.

6. How do I add a record to the database, and do I have to fill in everything on the form?

At the Registry's Main Page, click on "Add a New Record". A record form will appear. Fill in as much information as you wish to give, as all information is optional except for two items: Identification AND address. These two items are mandatory (MUST be filled in).

A) Identification - asks you to indicate if the record is for a:

1) a survivor
2) a survivor, searching my identity
3) looking for (someone you are searching)

B) Address - We need your street address so that we can reach you if someone wishes to contact you. Your address will be kept confidential, and WILL NOT be shown to the public or given to anyone.

NOTE: If you forget to fill in those two areas, an "error" message will appear. Click on "Go back to the input form", fill in the information you left out, and then click on "SAVE" to add your record to the database.

6.1. I am a survivor "searching my identity". What if I do not know my "last name" or "first name"?

If you do not know a last name or a first name, type in the word "unknown". DO NOT use a question mark (?) in the "name" fields on the record form.

6.2. If I don't know what to fill in, do I just put a question mark (?) on the Record form?

No. DO NOT use any question marks. If you do not want to fill in information, just leave the box blank.

6.3. How many records am I allowed to add to the Registry?

The number of records you add to the Registry is not limited, but do not enter more than one record for the same person. You may enter a record for yourself, if you are a survivor, and for anyone else whom you are searching.

6.4. When I add a record, it asks for a password - what is a password?

Before you can save your record, you will be asked to enter a "password". Your password will allow you to return to modify (edit) your record if you need to make changes in the future. Choose a word 4-8 characters in length, and a word that you will remember. DO NOT use any name for your password which also appears in your record.

6.5. How do I get a password?

You choose your own password, using a word or name, something you can remember.

6.6. Can I use the same password for all the records I add to the Registry?

Yes. Always use the same password.

6.7. What if I forgot my password?

6.8. I have entered a record - now how do I view my record?

To view your record, go to the Main Page and enter the person's name (of the record you added) into the SEARCH box, and click on the search button, or hit the enter key.

7. How do I modify (change) my record?

If you need to make changes to a record which you already added to the Registry:

a) Enter the name of the person whose record you want to modify in the SEARCH box on the Main Page.

b) When that record appears, click on the icon (which is to the left of the person's name), and that will take you to the Modify/Delete record page.

c) Enter your password in the box at the MODIFY area and click on the MODIFY button. That will take you to the record form where you can make your changes.

d) When you have made your changes, click on the SAVE button to save your record.

7.1. I've moved, how do I change my address?

7.2. I have a new "e-mail" address, how do I update my record?

7.3. There are mistakes on my entries - how do I correct them?

8. How do I delete a record?

a) In the SEARCH box on the Main Page, type in the name of the person whose record you want to delete.

b) When that record appears, click the icon to the left of the person's name, and it will take you to the "Modify/Delete Record" page.

c) In the box at the DELETE area, enter your password and click on "delete".

d) A message will appear saying that your record has been deleted.

9. How do I contact someone listed in the Registry?

At the bottom of every record in the Registry, there is a "Make Contact" button. If you wish to contact someone:

a) Click on the "Make Contact"button which will take you to the CONTACT REQUEST page.

b) Fill in the form with your message to that person.

c) Click on "SEND MY REQUEST", and your message will be forwarded to that person via e-mail, or via regular mail (if there is no e-mail address listed for that record).

10. What do I do if I have a problem?