Israel Research Tips and Strategies

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Purpose of Research Tips and Strategies Wiki Page

The Israel Research Tips and Strategies page consists of links to specific research strategies for Israel. It also contains general tips and other resources for finding your ancestors in this locality.

Israel Research Strategies


Israel Research Tips

Understand Important Historical Events

  • Until the end of World War I in 1918, Israel was a part of the Ottoman Empire. During this period the country was divided into different administrative districts known as sanjaks and was sometimes considered a part of Greater Syria. For more information on Ottoman Palestine, see Israel History and Palestine History.
  • From 1920 to 1948, Israel was administered as part of the British mandate and was called Palestine.
  • The State of Israel was created on May 14, 1948. As a result of the creation of the state of Israel, significant changes occurred leading to the establishment of new towns and the renaming of existing ones. This transformation also impacted genealogical records, as many documents were relocated or reclassified, making it essential for genealogists to consider both pre- and post-1948 records when tracing family histories.
  • See also Israel History.

Where to Start Finding Records

Connect with Societies

  • Israel Societies - Organizations and societies focused on genealogical research relevant to Israel, Ottoman Palestine, and the Levant. Connecting with societies and genealogy research groups can be extremely helpful for asking questions, exchanging ideas, and learning new strategies.
  • Arab Genealogy Community - Online research forum for Arab genealogy.