Thanks to everyone who came to the conference and to those of you who have written telling us how much you enjoyed the experience! We are truly gratified that you joined us and that you benefited from the learning, sharing, and networking that are so important to those of us devoted to family research.
In co-hosting this conference, the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) and the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Philadelphia (JGSGP) worked extremely well together and we are much indebted to many individuals who have so generously given their time and efforts.
Thanks to the following for their work before and during the conference: Jan Meisels Allen, Fred Blum, Hal Bookbinder, Harry Boonin, Michael Brenner, Evan Fishman, Stacia Freidman, Mark Halpern, Mark Heckman, Daniel Horowitz, Bill Israel, David Kleiman, Kahlile Mehr, Stanley Merves. Jim and Cindy Meyers, Selma Neubauer, Mike Posnick, Joan Rosen, Shelda and Stan Sandler, Steve Schecter, Lois Sernoff, Joel Spector, Renee Steinig, Jackye Sullins, Jeff Vasser, Pamela Weisberger and the many who volunteered time helping on-site.
We also thank the Sheraton Hotel staff, our meeting planners Bonnie Wallsh and Nadine Fox, all the speakers, exhibitors, Beth and Ben from E-show who made registration a breeze, the registration workers from PhillyTemps, and the security personnel.
Finally, we wish to express our deep appreciation to all those who so generously helped make the conference a success through financial contributions.
With very best wishes for your continued family research,
Anne Feder Lee (IAJGS) and David Mink (JGSGP)
Philly2009 Co-Chairs
Breaking News: Complimentary internet access provided in the Sheraton sleeping rooms for conference registrants. Be sure to book your room at the Sheraton by using the reservation link on this website.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: DEADLINE FOR PURCHASING TICKETS TO ALL OPTIONAL (FEE REQUIRED) EVENTS IS: Sunday, July 19, 2009 at 11:59 pm US central time. You can check at Registration Desk after conference begins to see if tickets are still available for purchase, but we can't guarantee that they will be available.
Come join us in Philadelphia to learn more about Jewish genealogy, enjoy the many historical attractions Philadelphia has to offer, make new friends, see old friends, and maybe even find a relative you didn't know about before.
The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) and the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Philadelphia (JGSGP) are proud to co-sponsor the 2009 conference.
On this website you will find much information about the 29th IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy to be held August 2-7 2009 at the Sheraton Philadelphia Center City Hotel. Just click on one of the buttons at the left. We invite you to return here often.
We look forward to seeing you in Philadelphia!
Conference Co-chairs:
On behalf of the IAJGS: Anne Feder Lee, President
On behalf of the JGSGP: David Mink
To register for the conference: Click on the button at left "Registration"
To make your hotel registration: Click on the button at left "Hotel Registration"
THE PROGRAM IS NOW LIVE.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: We are delighted to announce that the distinguished French priest, author, and humanitarian, Father Patrick Desbois, will be the keynote speaker at the opening session of the 29th IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy in Philadelphia, Sunday, August 2, 2009. His speech will be, "The Holocaust by Bullets: A Priest's Journey to Uncover the Truth Behind the Murder of 1.5 million Jews," which is also the title of his recently published book.
For more information about Father Desbois, click on the Press Information button at left and read our press release about him.
BANQUET ENTERTAINER: We are very pleased to announce our banquet entertainer. Yisrael Campbell - now widely regarded as the premiere standup comedian in Israel - is an original and erudite comedian who has lived in Jerusalem, but now lives in New York City. However, the journey that led Yisrael to The Holy Land began a long time ago in a place far, far away: he actually was born "Christopher Campbell," raised Catholic, and grew up in Philadelphia. Recently, Yisrael's unique story has attracted considerable media attention, leading to television appearances on CNN and ABC World News Tonight and interviews by Comedy Central' Stephen Colbert and Rolling Stone Magazine. Most recently, a documentary film has captured Yisrael's unique story and chronicles his life in the soon-to-be released film "Circumcise Me."
To see a preview of Yisrael Campbell, view his videos at YouTube. Go to http://www.youtube.com/ and search for "Yisrael Campbell." Find "TJC's Interview with Comedian Yisrael Campbell (4:20)." You can also find more about him at his website: www.yisraelcampbell.com