Eighteen years ago, I was just an ordinary guy. My awareness of the Holocaust was limited to one solemn day a year: Holocaust Memorial Day. I lived under the comforting illusion that my family was the luckiest Ashkenazi family in the world. After all, all four of my grandparents had already made their way to Israel by October 1939, and it seemed to me the Holocaust had completely "skipped" us.
That all changed during a fateful courtsy visit to my grandfather in 2007. While there, I stumbled upon this old family portrait. Intrigued, I began to ask my grandfather about the relatives in the photo - relatives I had never knew of before. It was then that I realized that, decades after fleeing Europe alone at just 17 years old, he could barely remember the names of close family members who were dear to him. For the 18 individuals captured in that poignant image, he recalled only fragments: a first name here, a surname there, a nickname perhaps. I could see the sorrow in his eyes, and he openly lamented the impending loss of family memories that would soon fade away when he eventually passes away.
On a whim, I decided it would be a waste not to use my then-job as a flight attendant to track down my grandfather's cousins. The thought of uncovering who was genetically connected to us sparked a profound curiosity - if I wouldn’t take advantage of my free flights, I doubted I ever would be able to.
Little did I know that this random decision would alter the course of my life. Over the next two years, I poured my energy into locating and visiting these long-lost relatives. Much like the main charracter in the film “Forrest Gump”, I discovered that each of my grandfather’s cousins from the Frank family from Palárikovo, Slovakia, was intertwined with significant events - not just within our family but in the historical tapestry of the 20th century.
As I listened to their tales, it felt like being a character in my favorite children’s book, "Talks with a Tiger" by Donald Bisset, where the Tiger loves eating words and keeps wanting to hear more fascinating stories. I savored each memory and vowed to preserve them for the future - perhaps in a book or a film, something that would honor the memory of our lineage.
In my professional journey as a historian and genealogist, I’ve shared some of these stories on facebook, and plan to start sharing more of them on this Blog. Each narrative collected from the older generation of my extended family provided a wealth of details. While some stories were vivid, many had faded into the haze of time after seventy years. Determined, I accepted the challenge to delve deeper, to decipher these mysteries.
This quest led me to mastering the handling of databases, archives, and even the quest for forgotten Jewish cemeteries, where gravestones often hide under overgrown vegetation or lay crumbled - silent witnesses to lives once lived, often containing information not available anywhere else.
Through this process, I discovered how sheltered I had been for 28 years, unaware of the profound connections my family had to the Holocaust. I realized that those who venture forth to discover family histories inside Pandora’s Box must also confront the demons that emerge. I became aware that within the vast Frank family, I stood as the last Jewish descendant poised to carry on the family name - a name my parents had deserted for a new Hebrew name. Without children of my own, I understood that if I didn’t act to preserve the story of the Frank lineage, it could easily vanish.
Determined to give voice to the stories untold, I revisited my roots. I retraced my steps, seeking not only the narratives of my family but also those of all the families intertwined with ours over centuries and across nations and continents. I soon uncovered branches of the family tree that had been forgotten over time. My research skills flourished, allowing me to connect fragmented information, resulting in the creation of what I affectionately call my “genealogy jungle”.
In the past 17 years, I have developed a vast database, comprising over 71,000 individuals - a vibrant tapestry of intersecting families. My journey led me to earn a bachelor’s degree in film, television, and new media to refine my storytelling abilities; and a master’s degree in Jewish history, to deepen my understanding of how individual lives are woven into the grand narrative of human history.
Today, my greatest satisfaction comes from documenting those who were once forgotten. I see the joy on the faces of family members when I connect them to their roots - reminding them that, in this digital age, forging connections is easier than ever. Imagine - people you share a history with, yet remain unaware of their existence.
Along my journey, I’ve met distant cousins who had been strangers, but turned into integral parts of my life.
So, I invite you to pause and reflect. If you find yourself uncertain about your family’s Jewish history in Central Europe, don’t resign yourself to fate. You may have distant relatives you’re unaware of, or perhaps undiscovered details could lead you to foreign citizenship or hidden inheritances - just as it happened to me.
Now, with my relevant education and extensive research experience, both personally and professionally, I am thrilled to offer my services to families in need of guidance. My journey into the depths of Jewish genealogy has equipped me with the tools to uncover stories that might otherwise remain hidden. I understand the complexities and emotional weight of preserving one's heritage, and I am committed to helping others navigate this path.
Whether you are looking to explore your ancestry, discover long-lost relatives, or simply understand the broader historical context of your family’s journey, I am here to assist. My approach is tailored and compassionate, ensuring that every story is treated with the respect and dignity it deserves.
Imagine sitting down with your children or grandchildren one day, sharing stories of your ancestors, and passing down the rich tapestry of your family history. Together, we can unlock the past and bring your family’s legacy to light, ensuring it lives on for generations to come.
Ready to embark on your own journey of discovery? Contact me today and let’s begin this exciting adventure together! Whether you have a few details or a complete blank slate, every piece of information is a step toward unearthing the incredible stories that await. Together, we can navigate the complexities of Jewish genealogy and shed light on the rich history of your family, ensuring that their narrative remains vibrant for years to come.
Let’s connect and start uncovering the hidden tales of your ancestors, because every family history deserves to be told!
Yours,
Mattan Segev-Frank
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