16thstreet: The Ackman & Ziff Family Genealogy Institute Have you ever wanted to know more about your heritage or family history? The Center for Jewish History offers a landmark genealogy institute that is open to all. Visit us to get unparalleled free, personalized assistance from a skilled librarian who can help you navigate resources and databases, and show you how to access materials that…
Public Grief in Personal Papers: Condolence Letters to the Klinghoffer Family By Leanora Lange Personal papers are usually just that—personal. They relate to an individual and may reveal what may have otherwise been private, information that was exclusive to this person and perhaps a select group of relatives or friends. The Klinghoffer Family Papers are unlike any other personal papers I have processed. They…
An Evening of Conversation & Stories On October 8, 1985, terrorists representing the Palestinian Liberation Organization stormed the Achille Lauro cruise ship, murdering Leon Klinghoffer, who was vacationing with his wife and friends. His tragic death became a rallying cry in the fight against terrorism. In the ensuing years the story was co-opted and retold through the lens of popular culture. Featuring Ilsa…
Photo above: Rabbi David Hill during his trip to the USSR in 1981. (Citation: Photographs and Negatives, 1981-1982. David Hill Papers; P-888; box 1, folder 8; American Jewish Historical Society, New York, NY, and Boston, MA.) Project Update: Digitization of Soviet Jewry collections from the American Jewish Historical Society Thanks to generous support from the National Historical Publications & Records Commission (NHPRC), the Center for…