The birth of the first computer program for genealogy occurred at IBM just over 25 years ago. To learn how IBM (and the ENGEL family) got involved with genealogy software, click here to read Jan Engel's presentation at a recent meeting of the IBM PC Club. Jan (SR.72) retired from IBM in 1984 (after over 26 years service) and is the son of the late Adam Engel (SR.70).

Our cousin, Philip Solomon Angel (SR.845), from Charleston W.VA, left recently for his first aliyah to Israel. Those of us who had known him personally have been aware for some time of Philip's extraordinary talents as a poet. Thus, it was no great surprise to me, and I hope of great interest to you, to see how well he uses his gifts with the use of words, to record his initial impressions of this great country. His periodic messages are published here in two parts. Part I includes messages posted through December 1999. Part II contains messages posted in 2000. Click here for Part I and click here for Part II. Philip Solomon is the eldest son of Philip (SR.439) and the late Florette (SR.440), Angel, and the grandson of the late Philip (SR.437) and Frances (SR.438), Angel. Philip and Frances Angel were the charming hosts of our last two family reunions.

My father, Adam Engel (SR.70), was a modest man. I don't remember him ever telling me of the good things he did for others. Since he passed away, I have learned from, at least, two cousins that he paid their college expenses. While visiting family in Israel, several cousins told me that they obtained unsolicited financial assistance from my father, when they first arrived as refugees. There is one story he did tell me about the first time a Jew was permitted to open an business in Moscow. As a young boy in Danzig, it made a lasting impression on me. Click here to read about it.

Early last year, a book was published by Haworth Press, entitled Jewish Mothers Tell Their Stories, Acts of Love and Courage. One of the chapters: How Modern-Day Austria Made Me a Modern Jewish Mother, was authored by my daughter, Karen Engel (SR.74). Modesty prevents me from commenting any further, but it is reproduced on this website with permission of the publisher. Just click here to view it.

As most of you know, our family suffered terrible losses during the Holocaust. The unusual survival stories of some members, in spite of all the persecutions and hardships, should be preserved. For the inspiring story of two young boys, click here.

During the current (2002) horrible attrocities in Israel, unfortunately our family has again not been spared. Last February, our cousin Ginette (SR.187) lost her eldest daughter after a senseless suicide bombing. Please read her passionate letter addressed to us all, by clicking here.