The American Red Cross
Holocaust & Victims Tracing & Information Center
The following information was provided by the American Red Cross Holocaust & Victims Tracing & Information Center
The American Red Cross Holocaust & War Victims Tracing & Information Center searches for close family and friends who have been separated due to the Holocaust/WWII. In addition to tracing, we also provide documentation of internment/forced labor/evacuation for reparations. We do all of this through other Red Cross Societies, the International Tracing Service, and Magen David Adom of Israel. All Red Cross tracing services are free.
From September 1990 through June 1997, we have had over 24,000 inquiries. We have located over 600 people alive and have provided information on deportation/internment/evacuation/death on approximately half of the cases. It can take anywhere from 6 months to a few years to receive information from us. This is because we work with Red Cross Societies throughout the world, some of which have few employees and resources. Additionally, Red Cross Societies in the Former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe have been inundated with inquiries in recent years. Although it may take a while to receive information, a case is never considered closed. Since new documentation is discovered all the time, we may provide information on an inquiry that is 10 to 50 years old.
Unfortunately, we cannot trace family names, only specific individuals. In order for us to trace an individual, we must have the person's first and last names, at least an approximate year of birth, at least the country of birth, at least the country of last known residence (although a city is extremely helpful), and the date and place of last communication.
In order to initiate a search, persons residing in the US should contact the Emergency/Tracing Services Department of their local American Red Cross chapter to obtain a Tracing Inquiry Form 1609. Once completed and reviewed, the chapter will forward the request to our office in Baltimore. We will then initiate searches with the Red Cross Societies who can best service the request. Persons residing outside the US should contact the Red Cross Society in their country. Red Cross Societies in every country provide tracing services.
Please note that if you reside in the US, it is quicker and more efficient to go through the American Red Cross, rather than writing directly to the International Tracing Service. This is because we have developed an expedited process with the International Tracing Service. Additionally, we are aware of other resources and can contact other Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies and the Magen David Adom in Israel on behalf of US inquirers. Finally, please note that the International Tracing Service and other Red Cross Societies usually send their replies to direct inquiries from US residents through our office for delivery.
Please contact us with any questions or problems!
Amy Berger Foxson & Suzanne Kantt
Tracing Coordinators
American Red Cross
Holocaust & War Victims Tracing & Information Center
afoxson@arc-cmc.org
skantt@arc-cmc.org
(410) 764-5311
