Researcher in Belarus #belarus
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Yaron Wolfsthal
Dear Group,
I'd appreciate a well-experienced reference to a researcher in Brest and Volkovysk. Thank you very much - Yaron Wolfsthal |
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fjs@...
based in Minsk which offers an economical in-depth genealogical service as well as heritage tours. They have a genealogy staff fluent in many languages including, English, French, Yiddish and Hebrew. They are also well connected with most of the current Jewish communities across Belarus. They also work closely with the Jewish Agency Limud. Another avenue to pursue is to deal directly with the Belarus National Historical Archive (http://niab.by/newsite/en/our-services) which also offers research services.
When dealing with a private researcher (whether a firm, organisation or individual ) for a genealogical search in the Belarus archives you should bear in mind that you must authorise the researcher with an Apostille issued by the appropriate authority in your country. Without the Apostille the researcher cannot legally conduct your research. If you deal directly with the Archive an Apostille is not necessary.
For the sake of clarity I have no association with either Jewish Tour or, obviously, the National Historical Archive of Belarus although I do know individuals who have availed themselves of services offered by both. I do not do genealogical research. Good luck and please feel free to contact me whenever you think I may be of assistance. Frank Swartz |
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jdsherod@...
I have worked with Yuri Dorn at JHRG (jhrg@...)multiple times. They have found records for multiple sides of my family from all over the Belarus area. Costs are extremely reasonable, however I would caution you about the turn around time for research can run into several months. I believe this is understandable given the nature of the bureaucracy they have to deal with in obtaining records from the archives. Jonathan Sher |
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fjs@...
Several Jewishgenners have contacted me to say that the first line of my message was missing. I must have been distracted by circumstances here. Anyway, here it is, in it's entirety, again.:
You may wish to contact Jewish Tour (jewish-tour.com) a reliable, established firm based in Minsk which offers an economical in-depth genealogical service as well as heritage tours. They have a genealogy staff fluent in many languages including, English, French, Yiddish and Hebrew. They are also well connected with most of the current Jewish communities across Belarus. They also work closely with the Jewish Agency Limud. Another avenue to pursue is to deal directly with the Belarus National Historical Archive (http://niab.by/newsite/en/our-services) which also offers research services.
When dealing with a private researcher (whether a firm, organisation or individual ) for a genealogical search in the Belarus archives you should bear in mind that you must authorise the researcher with an Apostille issued by the appropriate authority in your country. Without the Apostille the researcher cannot legally conduct your research. If you deal directly with the Archive an Apostille is not necessary.
For the sake of clarity I have no association with either Jewish Tour or, obviously, the National Historical Archive of Belarus although I do know individuals who have availed themselves of services offered by both. I do not do genealogical research.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions which you feel I might be able to help with. Gemar chatimah tovah! Frank Swartz |
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rich.meyersburg@...
Frank, What is an APOSTILLE and who is the appropriate authority to issue one?
Rich Meyersburg Laurel, MD |
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fjs@...
Dear Rich (if I may), An Apostille is, essentially an internationally accepted form of notarisation. Since different states and countries require various levels of authentication for notarisation Apostilles provide an international standard of validation which is accepted by the 118 countries to the Hague Conference on Private International Law. In the United States Apostilles are usually issued by the Secretary of State’s office of each state. As you are in Maryland I suggest that you view https://www.peoples-law.org/maryland-apostille-and-full-legalization-process-authenticating-maryland-documents-use-across [https://tinyurl.com/y25j7uer]. As a word of warning: there are on the internet many Apostille ‘services’ which promise to undertake the process of obtaining an Apostille for you--at obscenely high prices. I suggest you avoid them. Obtaining an Apostille is a reasonably simple process. which you can easily and inexpensively do yourself. I would also beware of any private researcher who says you can avoid providing an Apostille. Apart from the fact that research without one will be illegal the researcher will be limited in access to relevant documents. An Apostille is not required if you deal directly with the Archive. If you feel I can be of any further help please feel free to email me. Best regards, Frank Swartz |
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Risa Heywood
Hi Frank:
I hope you and your family are well. It's hard to believe it's been 21 years since I met you in Minsk! You recommended Jewish Tour (jewish-tour.com). Who are the owners, researchers and tour guides at that company? There aren't any people's names or profiles on their website. My clients often ask for researcher recommendations in Belarus but, for me, it's important to know the people behind the company. Thank you, Risa -- Risa Daitzman Heywood Portugal and Arizona |
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Sally Horn
I concur with Jonathan Sher's recommendation. I also have used Yuri Dorn (jhrg@...) and have gotten great results. I did not need to fillet an Apostille.
Sally Horn |
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Risa, I'm wondering if you have Portuguese Citizenship as you signed off with Portugal and Arizona. I have many questions about obtaining Portuguese citizenship. I visited there a year or two ago. Could I possibly email you? Many thanks!
Susie Krumholz Austin, Texas |
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anthony.rabin@...
I agree with Jonathan Sher's and Sally Horn's recommendation. I also have used Yuri Dorn (jhrg@...) and have had very good results. I did not need an Apostille.
Anthony Rabin London, UK |
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fjs@...
Dear Risa, It’s great to hear from you after all this time. I’ll write to you privately to catch up with events of the last two decades. In the meantime, to respond to your question: I am not directly involved with Jewish Tour but I will pass on your question to the owner, Natalie Bermont, and suggest a revision to the firm’s website. The site as, it is, does, however, provide a lot of useful information about Jewish heritage in Belarus. I was brought into connexion with Jewish tour by the Israeli Ambassador to Belarus. Thanks again for writing. Best regards from Galina and me,
Frank Swartz |
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Gerald and Margaret
Do contact the Together Plan (www.thetogetherplan.com) to make contact with experienced Belerussians who undertake genealogical research. They speak the language and are used to the bureaucratic complications of the country, a huge advantage !!.
References available from debrakbrunner@... Margaret Levin |
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