DNA Shoah Project for Holocaust Survivors
Forensic DNA Testing Helps Find Family Members and Identify Remains
Oct 20, 2009
According to The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, nearly six million Jewish people were murdered during the Shoah, which is Hebrew for Holocaust. Thousands of children were orphaned or separated from other family members and later dispersed to displaced persons camps. Many people never saw their families again and were unsure of their fate.
The DNA Shoah Project
The DNA Shoah Project was developed using forensic science techniques to create a DNA database of Holocaust survivors. Project goals are to:
- bring families together that may have lost touch due to the Holocaust
- help identify relatives separated during World War II
- assist in forensic identification of remains from the Holocaust as they are found
- educating people about the Holocaust using forensic technology
Founder Syd Mandelblum's parents were both survivors of the Holocaust. Three of his grandparents were lost at the Auschwitz concentration camp. His maternal grandfather was last known to be at a slave labor camp, but was never seen afterward. The project is affiliated with the University of Arizona.
DNA Testing Method
DNA material is being collected from Holocaust survivors and their children or grandchildren, as well as the children or grandchildren of known victims of the Holocaust. The testing method is the same as that used for DNA paternity testing or identifying missing persons.
Participants will receive a DNA test kit which they will use to collect two specimens from the inside of their cheeks. This is a painless process. Cheek swabs are sent back to the Shoah Project. Genetic markers will be identified and added to the DNA database. The database is screened for any potential matches at these markers. Subsequent participants' DNA will also be added and screened for matches.
Participants in the DNA Shoah Project
Participation is free of charge. DNA samples are needed from the following people:
- Holocaust survivors
- children of Holocaust victims
- children of survivors whose parents are not participating
- children of two survivors when only one parent is participating
- grandchildren of survivors or victims whose parents are not participating.
DNA sample information is confidential. Participants will be notified if a match is found, but identifying information will not be released without further consent.
Getting Involved with the DNA Genetic Testing Database
The more samples that are collected, the more powerful the DNA database will be. Individual participation is definitely encouraged. Collection events may be organized at various sites. Those people who are not related to someone who survived or was a victim of the Holocaust can help by organizing group collections or making a financial donation.
For more information contact info@dnashoah.org
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