New Search Engine from The Israel Genealogy Research Association (IGRA)

I noticed that my friend Daniel Horowitz of MyHeritage.com was one of the volunteers who contributed to the All Israel Database of the Israel Genealogy Research Association. This search engine currently features 105,936 records from 85 different databases and was last updated on 24 December 2012. As indicated by their website:

The Israel Genealogy Research Association [IGRA] has set as one of its primary aims the preparation of databases based upon various records, mainly found in Israel, for as wide an audience as possible. The large amount of archives located in Israel dealing with communities in Israel and Jewish communities outside of Israel have records in a variety of languages but mostly in Hebrew and English. Our data come from Archives as well as publications which are on open shelves in libraries. 

We aim to scan the materials, build databases with the pertinent information, and then to link to the original scans, where archival permission has been granted. Surnames and first names will be transliterated from Hebrew to English, and vice versa, depending on the language of the original material. This will enable researchers who are not familiar with the other language to find the families they are searching for.The databases loaded are divided into 3 eras: 

Ottoman Administration (- 1917)British Administration (1917-1948)Israeli Administration (1948- )

You have to be registered and sign in to do a search, but registration is free.

Here is the information sent out in the press release about the new search engine:

The Israel Genealogy Research Association (IGRA) has released a new search engine for their AID (All Israel 

Databases) section www.genealogy.org.il/AID/ .  In July, at the IAJGS International Conference in Paris, IGRA was awarded the Stern Grant with the intent that these monies to be used to develop a bi-lingual search engine to improve our website.  We contracted with Brooke Schreier Ganz and worked closely with her to build what we hope will be a much improved search experience.  Rose Feldman, Carol Hoffman, Daniel Horowitz, Garri Regev and Philip Trauring have each given from their special fields to make this possible. 

We believe we bring you now a balanced assortment of databases – from the Ottoman, British and Israeli Administrations, relating to communities from the north to the south, and in many different fields. 

Some of the databases are in English but most are in Hebrew, with a few additional languages as well.  Each database is presented in the language of the material found.  The search engine, however, is able to understand both English and Hebrew and will bring you matches in both languages even if you only entered the name in one language. There is a virtual keyboard if you do not have a Hebrew keyboard and want to use one. 

You will notice that in addition to entering the names you are searching there are possible filters on the right side of the page to help you fine tune your search.  Try them out!!  Adding more or taking them away is quite simple. 

Our databases and search engine page is available to all registered users of our website (free).  Please be sure to log in.  You will be alerted if you do not have permission to access information.  Due to restrictions from the various archives we have had to layer the accessibility of our databases.  There are databases available to everyone.  Some of our databases allow you to search but not to see all of the details.  Other databases are only for paid IGRA members. The same is true for the images of the databases.  Almost all of the images have been added and more will be added in the coming days.

REGISTER NOW - Webinar, January 13, 2013 (8pm Israel, 1pm EST, 10am PST) - Navigating the All Israel Database Search Engine (English):  https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/180663814