Frequently Asked Questions

What can DNA testing do for me?

DNA provides two key pieces of information: an ethnicity estimate that tells you where in the world your ancestors likely originated and a list of people with whom you share DNA, ranked in order of predicted closeness to you, usually called a “match list”. Our focus is on this match list. Although we cannot guarantee you will find close relatives, DNA tests have the potential to connect you with family members you may not have known about and illuminate missing pieces of your family’s story. If you have little or no information about your biological family, DNA can be used to identify them.

Who should apply for the DNA test?

If there is a living Holocaust survivor, our preference is to test them. Children only inherit 50% of each parent’s DNA, so the parent’s DNA test yields more potential useful information. Please note that if a parent has already been tested, we do not need to test their child.

What is a survivor?

We define “survivor” as anyone who experienced Nazi persecution firsthand or had to flee from it.

I’m the grandchild of survivors/victims. Can I get a kit?

We are only able to consider applications from first and second generations: the survivors themselves, and the children of survivors and victims. If you have extraordinary extenuating circumstances that don’t fit these categories, let us know and we will consider your request. Also note: we do not provide free tests for people seeking to investigate whether they have Jewish heritage or those whose families left Europe long before the Holocaust.

I don’t live in the United States. Can I still get a kit?

In most cases, we are able to honor international requests for a free DNA kit and have distributed kits worldwide, including Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and Israel. Ability to send kits depends on where the major commercial DNA companies ship and local laws. Because of this, we cannot send kits to France and Russia at this time. Other countries may also pose difficulties, and we will let you know after reviewing your submitted application.

How does it work? Do I need a blood test?

Our preferred test (AncestryDNA) requires that you produce about a half teaspoon of saliva into a vial. We strongly encourage this method as the one most likely to produce accurate and useful results. If this is simply not possible, please request a swab kit instead, but understand that you are less likely to find relatives, as the companies that use a swab have far fewer people in their databases.

The kit will come with easy-to-follow instructions both for collecting the sample and activating your account. If you’re concerned about producing saliva, before spitting, relax and rub your cheeks gently for 30 seconds. If you find it difficult to produce saliva, you can place a very small amount (1/4 teaspoon) of white table sugar on your tongue.

I’ve already taken a DNA test. How can I be part of The Holocaust Reunion Project?

The goal of The Holocaust Reunion Project is to distribute commercial DNA tests to Holocaust survivors and their families; we prefer AncestryDNA because of the comparative size of its database and because it has the highest quality of cousin matching for Jewish testers. If you’ve already tested at AncestryDNA, you’ve taken the most important first step. If you’d like us to review your results, please email us at info@holocaustreunions.org to inquire about a free consultation. If you’ve tested elsewhere, but not at AncestryDNA, you can apply to receive a free AncestryDNA kit through our website. You can also sign up for our mailing list to learn about future educational programming on how to interpret your results, or you can consider donating to the project to allow more survivors to receive free kits.

Are you creating a separate DNA database for Survivors?

We do not have a separate DNA database but rather provide a chance to match with the millions of people who have already tested through the major commercial DNA companies, which is the most valuable genealogically.

Will the Holocaust Reunion Project receive my results?

Your DNA results belong to you; the company you test with will send results directly to your registered email address, not to The Holocaust Reunion Project. The Holocaust Reunion Project will provide general education and resources on how people can use their DNA results to learn more about their family history, and to support people in their attempts to trace relatives’ fates. We can also offer three hours of complimentary consultations for all test takers; if the case is more complex (e.g., unknown parentage), we will devote additional time on a case by case basis at our discretion. Should it be necessary to get access to your DNA results in order to answer a specific research query, we will require your informed consent and provide further directions. But we do not automatically see your results.

Can you use DNA from toothbrushes, hair brushes or other artifacts?

No, unfortunately we cannot. We are only using saliva-based tests taken by living people.

I heard that women can’t do DNA testing, or it’s preferable to have a male relative do it. Can a woman get info about her father’s family from DNA testing? Can a man get info about his mother’s?

The tests we use look at your autosomal DNA, which you inherited equally from both parents. Anyone can take them, and the results will reflect genetic contributions from both parents. Whether you match with more maternal or paternal relatives is entirely dependent on who else related to you has already tested.

When will I get my results?

Results usually come back within four to eight weeks.

Do I need to pay for an Ancestry subscription?

In order to get your DNA results, you just need to set up a free account linked to your email address. If you are interested in doing more research on your own, you are welcome to purchase a subscription.

Should I be concerned about privacy?

There are a lot of misunderstandings about what commercial DNA testing companies can and cannot do with your DNA sample. We feel confident with the level of privacy afforded by the companies we are using, keeping in mind that you shed DNA daily as you go about your day to day life. We ask that you read the terms of service for the company whose kit we provide. If you are at all uncomfortable with the terms, do not proceed with testing. If you prefer, you can test under a pseudonym or initials to remain anonymous.

Will my DNA be used to identify criminals?

The primary companies whose kits we provide do not voluntarily allow law enforcement access to their databases. If we need to use a company that does voluntarily allow access, we will let you know. Please read the terms of service for the company whose kit we provide if you have additional questions on this matter.

Will this give me information about my health, like my genetic predisposition for diseases?

The tests we use do not provide users with any health information. You are welcome to investigate those on your own.