How to Find Relatives in Israel

Manage your Resources

• Step 1:
  If you're starting from scratch, begin by making a family tree. Fill in as much of it as you can and find out where relatives are missing.
• Step 2:
  Collect names. Talk to relatives--especially older relatives--who may have names of family members located in Israel. Inquire about memories, letters or photographs that may lead to names. Every bit of information you have, especially birth, marriage, immigration and death records, will be useful.
• Step 3:
  Research past generations. Your relatives in Israel today may have new names because of marriage or Hebraization, so it may be necessary to go further back in the family history and work down the tree.
• Step 4:
  Study cemetery records through burial societies called chevra kadishas. If you know the general location of your family members, calling the chevra kadisha in their area may lead you to relatives.
• Step 5:
  Contact genealogical societies. Many Jewish genealogical agencies work exclusively to match Jewish family members with one another. Agents at genealogical societies can assist you in your search.
• Step 6:
  Search archives online. If your relative was an immigrant to Israel or your relatives are descended from immigrants, use the resources of Yad Vashem, the Israel Genealogical Society, the Central Zionist Archives and the Central Archives for the History of the Jewish People at the Jewish National Library.
• Step 7:
  Turn to the phone book. If you know the name and vicinity of your relatives in Israel, use Israel's online phone directory. You may alternatively want to contact someone you know in Israel to help you with this on the ground. Also, use social networking tools on the Internet to your advantage.