The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) held its annual conference in Jerusalem, Israel from July 6-10, 2015. Attendance peaked at 1,000 with more than 21 countries represented. More than 60 video-recorded sessions are available for on-demand viewing for those not able to be at the conference (visit www.iajgs2015.org to subscribe) and include the opening event keynote by Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv and Chairman of Yad Vashem, and address by Gilad Japhet, CEO of MyHeritage.
This conference is unique in the quality of resources available, the depth and diversity of experts available, the importance of making use of modern technology alongside the basics of genealogy research, and the truly international interest and cooperation. For the first time, a Family Fun Day, filled with multigenerational hands-on family history activities, was held in conjunction with the conference.
The climax of the conference was the banquet evening where awards were given out to outstanding individuals and groups. The following distinguished award recipients for 2015 were recognized (photos of the recipients are posted at https://www.facebook.com/IAJGSConference/posts/843233539063800):
Lifetime Achievement Award:
Judy Baston
Judy Baston, accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award
In recognition of Judy’s tireless work as: a LitvakSIG board member; moderator of the LitvakSIG Discussion Group; membership of the JRI Poland Board; Lomza Archive Coordinator; and moderator of the Lodz Area Research Group and BialyGen discussion groups. Judy was also involved in editing/proofreading Yizkor Book translations for Ciechanowiec, Eisiskes and Ostrow Mazowiecka, and is a sought-after speaker.
Outstanding Project/Resource/Program:
JGS of Greater Boston - JewishGen Memorial Plaque Database Contribution
Heidi Urich, President JGS Greater Boston accepting the Outstanding Project Award.
In recognition of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Boston being the leading contributor to the JewishGen Memorial Plaque Database, accounting for 52% of the entries. JGSGB has submitted 37,628 entries from 62 Massachusetts synagogues/Jewish organizations. When gravestone and burial records are not available, memorial plaques are an invaluable source of vital information. It is likely that these plaques and their information would have remained hidden and eventually lost but for the initiative and diligence of the Society’s members.
Outstanding Publication:
Jewish Genealogical Society of Long Island You Tube Channel
Debbie Wang, President JGS Long Island, accepting the Outstanding Publication Award.
In recognition of JGS of Long Island work to increase its membership and attract younger members. Using social media creatively with a relevant, informative message, and getting to the point quickly; JGSLI created a series of short, informative videos available to its members and the greater genealogical community through its new YouTube channel. This unique program includes 10 videos with a goal of adding a new one monthly. This innovative project can be replicated by other IAJGS members.
Outstanding Publication:
Jewish Genealogical Society of Maryland, Newsletter L'Dor V'Dor
Selene Scherr accepting the Outstanding Publication Award on behalf of the JGS Maryland.
In recognition of the very comprehensive and outstanding Jewish Genealogical Society of Maryland newsletter, L'Dor V'Dor, published by a society that is not yet two years old. This attractive newsletter under the leadership of Publication Chair, Susan Steeble, compares favorably to publications of much more mature organizations. L'Dor V'Dor includes a variety of articles, from research methodologies to success stories to brick walls. Its breadth and depth are unique.
IAJGS Member of the Year:
Israel Genealogy Research Association
The IGRA team: Carol Hoffman, Secretary, Garri Regev, President, Rose Feldman, Executive Council Member-at-Large, and Daniel Horowitz, Member at Large, accepting IAJGS member of the year.
In recognition of the work of the Israel Genealogy Research Association, which reorganized 3.5 years ago. IGRA has created the All Israel Database (AID), which currently includes over 420,000 records, searchable by name in Hebrew and English. IGRA is working with more than thirty different archives in Israel, including collaborating with the Israel State Archives to index marriage and divorce records from the British Mandate Period of Palestine. IGRA’s innovative programming includes their online databases, journal and video conferencing.
Volunteer of the Year:
Jan Meisels Allen
Hal Bookbinder, IAJGS Past President and JGS Conejo Valley and Ventura County founding member and honorary past president, accepting the Volunteer of the Year Award on behalf of Jan Meisels Allen, JGSCV President, IAJGS PRAMC Chairman, and IAJGS RPAC representative.
In recognition of the work of Jan Meisels Allen, President of Jewish Genealogical Society of the Conejo Valley and Ventura County and Chair of the IAJGS Public Records Access Monitoring Committee. A former IAJGS Vice-President who strives to keep Jewish genealogists aware of opportunities and records access issues through her messages to the IAJGS leadership and JewishGen. A regular volunteer for IAJGS International Conferences, she has coordinated access to a huge variety of online databases supporting the attendees’ research experiences.
Past recipients (starting in 1998)of IAJGS Achievement Awards can be found at /awards/achievement-awards/. For more information on the IAJGS and where you can find the closest Jewish Genealogical Society visit www.iajgs.org. Visit https://www.facebook.com/IAJGSConference to see many photos and postings from this year’s conference. The next annual IAJGS conference will be held in Seattle, Washington August 7-12, 2016 www.iajgs2016.org.
