I have had steady contact with John @ the Jewish Agency.  When we last updated things we had gotten back from So California and got the info about my grandfather.  Since then I have found out that the information just is not enough to prove I am Jewish.  That seems to be the primary hurdle.  I have to find a way to connect the dots.  And, despite the law of return stating that it can go by any grandparent...the Jewish Agency prefers (almost requires) it to be done via the female of the line...hence my grandmother.and mother.

So that is what I have been up to.  My grandmother has given me a very good lead.  I found out that she registered my mom's birth in a Shul in Shangai.  Under Rabbi Ashkenazi (who upon research seems to be Rabbi Meir Ashkenazi - who headed the religious organization in Shanghai prior to and during WWII.)

If I can get that information then I am in!  As I will have my birth certificate somewhere around my house.

Honestly I feel I am about half way there.  I have no idea if the Synogague in China exists or if they have the records but I have a hunch they do.

Some info I have learned is that according to my grandmother she believes her mom (my Great grandmother) was born in or around Gomel Russia (now Beylorussia).  My Grandfather's family was from somewhere in Lithuania.  I already knew this but they all fled during the Russian Revolution.  In Shangai, my mom's family lived in the French Quarter on Prince Henry St.  And they walked to Shul on Saturday mornings (which my grandma said she complained because she said she didnt like the walk. LOL)

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 08:14 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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