Our Services

More than 50 years after World War II, the pain of family separation still weighs heavily in many hearts. The Nazi regime tore families apart as it conscripted millions of men, women and children into forced labor or shipped them to concentration camps. Throughout Europe, few families were unaffected by the long nightmare. Ever since, survivors have endured the anguish of not knowing the fate of loved ones.

If you are one of these survivors, the American Red Cross can help. We have the resources to find answers to questions you've asked for more than half a century.

A resource of hope, the Red Cross has worked to trace and, if possible, reunite family members separated by every major war. With access to World War II records, it is now possible to determine the fate of many more victims of Nazi persecution. The Red Cross can often assist in securing the documentation of forced labor or internment in a concentration camp, which is required when survivors submit claims for reparations or pensions from the German governments.

Each year, thousands of people turn to their local Red Cross chapter to request an international search for unforgotten family members.

For many survivors, the search brings the solace of learning--after years of uncertainty--what happened to loved ones.

For some, it brings the miracle of a reunion.

Searches Begin at Your Local Red Cross

Your search will begin when you contact your local Red Cross chapter, or by calling the American Red Cross Holocaust and War Victims Tracing Center at
(410) 624-2090.

Then, the Red Cross, through it's tracing center, accesses the extensive resources of the International Red Cross Movement, including the International Tracing Service, Red Cross societies throughout the world, Magen David Adom in Israel and hundreds of archives and museums.

Recently, additional war-era records have become available. Someone may be looking for you! If you submitted an inquiry before September 1990 about family missing during World War II in Europe or the former Soviet Union, please resubmit your tracing inquiry at your local Red Cross chapter.

Because of the complexity of the search and the enormous volume of requests being received, efforts may take a year or more. In about half of all cases some information is found, such as documentary confirmation of death or deportation. Almost miraculously, nearly 1,200 tracing requests have led to joyous reunions with loved ones located after half a century of separation.

There Is No Charge for This Service

All Red Cross programs are made possible by the voluntary services and financial support of the public.

Hundreds of dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to find the information that will bring resolution to each case and peace of mind to the waiting inquirer.

Whatever the results, you can depend on your local chapter caseworker to keep you informed of progress being made. Your search will be treated with the respect and compassion it deserves.

"Every Answer is a Gift."

For information about Red Cross services, contact you local Red Cross chapter.