Place of Birth: Haifa, Israel

Date of Birth: 25 March, 1972

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Naftali Bennett is an Israeli politician. He has been Minister of Economy, and Minister of Religious Services, from 2013 to 2015, Minister of Diaspora Affairs, from 2013 to 2019, Minister of Education, from 2015 to 2019, and Minister of Defense, from 2019 to 2020. As of 2020, he leads the Yamina party.

Naftali is the son of Myrna Lea (Lefko) and James Steven “Jim” Bennett, who was a real estate broker and real estate entrepreneur. His parents are American Jews, both born in San Francisco, who moved to Israel in 1967. Naftali is a Modern Orthodox Jew. He is married to Gilat Einav, with whom he has four children.

Three of Naftali’s grandparents were of Polish Jewish/Russian Jewish/Belarusian Jewish descent, with his paternal grandfather being the son of immigrants, and maternal grandparents moving to the U.S. c. the 1920s. His paternal grandmother had deeper roots in the U.S., going back to the mid 1850s, and descended from emigrants from Germany and the Netherlands, some of whose ancestors had also lived in Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, and Austria.

Naftali’s roots in the Netherlands can be traced to at least the 1630s.

Naftali’s parents were Modern Orthodox, and during his childhood lived at kibbutz Dafna, then the Ahuza neighborhood of Haifa, as well as spending several years in Montréal, Québec, Canada, and New Jersey, U.S.

Naftali’s paternal grandfather was Samuel Bennett (the son of Stefan Bennett and Frieda Cohn). Samuel was born in New York, to Polish Jewish parents, a father born in Gmina Wieluń, Łódź, and a mother born in Gmina Żerków. Frieda was the daughter of Benjamin Solomon Asher Zelig.

Naftali’s paternal grandmother was Shirley Eve Solmonson (the daughter of Julian Kaskel Solomonson‏‎ and Clara Vivian Hirsch). Shirley was born in San Francisco, California. Julian was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. Julian’s father, Solomon Solomonson‏‎, was the son of Jewish emigrants, his father from Posen, Poznań, and his mother from Sępólno Krajeńskie, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship. Julian’s mother, Naftali’s great-great-grandmother Sarah van Ronkel, was born in Memphis, Tennessee, the daughter of Dutch Jewish parents, Joseph/Jojada van Ronkel, from Groningen, and Eva van Heiligers, from Rotterdam. Naftali’s great-grandmother Clara was born in San Francisco, the daughter of a German Jewish father, Salomon Joseph Hirsch, from Frankfurt, Darmstadt, Hesse,‏‎ and of Nettie J. Bissinger, who was born in Louisville, Kentucky, to German Jewish parents, Henry/Heinrich Bissinger, from Ichenhausen, Bavarian Swabia, and Helena Frank, from Oldenburg, Lower Saxony.

Through his paternal grandmother, Naftali is descended from the Rappaport rabbinic family, and, evidently, medieval Biblical commentator Rashi.

Naftali’s maternal grandfather was named Irvin Lewkowicz/Lefko (the son of Joseph Lewkowicz and Hanna). Irvin was born in Smolensk, Smolensk Oblast, Russia, to parents from Ostrołęka, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland. Joseph was the son of Aharon Lewkowicz.

Naftali’s maternal grandmother was Mildred Sylvia Shaff/Szewc (the daughter of Leiser-Eliezer Borishanski-Szewc and Minnaleah Leah Chertok). Mildred was born in Nielub, Wąbrzeźno County, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland. Leiser was born in Vselyub, Hrodna, Belarus, the son of Michael-Yechiel Szewc-Borishanski/Schaff and Finkel Udellovitz. Minnaleah was born in Nyesotich, Belarus, the daughter of Nachum Zvi Chertok and Sheine Sura Borishanski.

Source: Genealogy of Naftali Bennett – https://www.geni.com

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Siegel in 2016, photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com

Place of Birth: Washington, D.C., U.S.

Date of Birth: November 22, 2000

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish, possibly other

Sloane Morgan Siegel is an American actor. He stars in the title role of the show Dwight in Shining Armor.

He was raised on an animal rescue farm/horse farm in Falling Waters, West Virginia.

While Sloane sometimes appear to have a Eurasian look, he is not of Asian ancestry.

His father is from an Ashkenazi Jewish family. His mother is also caucasian, though her specific ancestry is not publicly known. A picture of Sloane with his father can be seen here, and with his mother, here.

Sloane’s paternal grandfather was Sol Siegel (the son of Max Siegel and Bessie Silverman). Sol was born in Anderson, South Carolina, to Russian Jewish parents.

Sloane’s paternal grandmother was Frances Libbey/Libby Moore (the daughter of Harry H. Moore and Dora Minnie Clein). Frances was born in Georgia. Harry was born in New York, the son of Hungarian Jewish parents, Sam/Simon Moore/Mehr and Sally/Zolly/Sarah Spielberger, who had roots in Krásna, Košice, Slovakia. Sloane’s great-grandmother Dora was a Jewish emigrant, who was born in Akmenė, Šiauliai, Lithuania, the daughter of Moses Zelig Clein and Fannie Libby.

Sources: Sloane’s paternal grandfather, Sol Siegel, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Sloane’s paternal grandmother, Frances Libbey/Libby Moore, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Death record of Sloane’s paternal great-grandfather, Harry H. Moore – https://www.familysearch.org

Genealogy of Sloane’s paternal great-great-grandmother, Sally/Zolly/Sarah Spielberger – https://www.geni.com

Genealogy of Sloane’s paternal great-grandmother, Dora Minnie Clein (focusing on her father’s side) – https://www.geni.com

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Birth Name: Hannah Marie Einbinder

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States

Date of Birth: May 21, 1995

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Hannah Einbinder is an American comedian, actress, and writer. She stars on the show Hacks. She is the daughter of comedian, actress, voice artist, and writer Laraine Newman and actor, writer, and director Chad Einbinder. Her parents are both Jewish. Her aunt is writer and producer Tracy Newman.

Hannah’s paternal grandfather was named Henry Einbinder.

Hannah’s paternal grandmother was Edna Jean Swerdloff (the daughter of Bernard Swerdloff and Sylvia Waxler). Edna was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Bernard was the son of Julius Swerdloff, who was born in Lepiel, Vitebsk province, Belarus, and of Fannie Litwack.

Hannah’s maternal grandfather was Arnold Howard Newman (the son of Harry Newman and Lena Siegel). Arnold was born in California. Harry was a Russian Jewish immigrant, and was the son of Abraham Newman. Lena was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents, Simon Siegel and Sarah Baser/Varshav.

Hannah’s maternal grandmother was Margy Gail Neff (the daughter of Alexander S. Neff and Anna Rose/Rosowsky). Margy was born in Ohio. Alexander was a Polish Jewish emigrant, who was born in Busko County, Swietokrzyskie, and was the son of Carl Neff. Anna was born in Ohio, to Polish Jewish parents, Motke Velvl “Max” Rosowsky/Rasofsky/Tishkoff and Ida Shapiro/Axelrod.

Sources: Genealogy of Hannah’s paternal grandmother, Edna Jean Swerdloff (focusing on her own father’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Obituary of Hannah’s paternal grandmother, Edna Jean (Swerdloff) – https://www.dignitymemorial.com

Genealogy of Hannah Einbinder (focusing on her mother’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Hannah’s maternal grandfather, Arnold Howard Newman, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Hannah’s maternal great-grandparents, Harry Newman and Lena Siegel, on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Hannah’s maternal grandmother, Margy Gail Neff, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

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Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish, possibly other

Gabriel LaBelle, also known as Gabe LaBelle, is an American actor. He will star as a young Steven Spielberg in Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film about his childhood.

Gabriel is the son of actor Rob LaBelle. Rob was born in Minnesota. He has appeared in many Canadian, as well as American productions.

Gabriel’s paternal grandfather was Leonard Frank LaBelle (the son of Charles/Charley LaBelle and Mollie/Molly Werner). Leonard was born in Minnesota. Charles was born in Minnesota, to Romanian Jewish parents. Mollie was a Russian Jewish immigrant.

Gabriel’s paternal grandmother was Natalie Golub (the daughter of Louis Golub and Ida Rabinowitz). Natalie was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents.

Sources: Gabriel’s paternal grandfather, Leonard Frank LaBelle, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Obituary of Gabriel’s paternal grandfather, Leonard Frank LaBelle – https://www.startribune.com

Gabriel’s paternal grandmother, Natalie Golub, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

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Date of Birth: c. 2003

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish, possibly other

Theo Taplitz is an American actor and filmmaker. He starred in the film Little Men (2016). He is the son of Iona Brindle, an author, and Daniel Taplitz, a writer and director. His brother is actor and production assistant Nicholas Taplitz.

Theo’s paternal grandfather was Richard David “Dick” Taplitz (the son of Rudolph Taplitz/Teplitzky and Frieda Candler). Richard was born in New York, to a Jewish family. Rudolph was born in Chisinau, Moldova, the son of Israel Taplitzky and Khana Esther Gilman, who was born in Bender. Frieda was born in New York, to an Austrian-born father, Abraham Candler, and a Czechoslovakian-born mother, Rebecca.

Theo’s paternal grandmother is artist Phyllis Taplitz (born Phyllis Ann Lerner, the daughter of Aaron Lerner and Esther Andrew/Andrievsky). Phyllis was born in Massachusetts, to Russian Jewish parents. Aaron was the son of Alter Lerner and Rebecca Goldman. Esther was the daughter of Louis Andrievsky and Bessie Sheimerman.

Sources: Genealogy of Theo’s father (focusing on his own father’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Obituary of Theo’s paternal grandfather, Richard David “Dick” Taplitz – https://www.findagrave.com

Marriage record of Theo’s paternal great-grandparents, Aaron Lerner and Esther Andrew/Andrievsky – https://www.familysearch.org

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Birth Name: Jeremy Barrington Neumark Jones

Place of Birth: Enfield, London, England, U.K.

Date of Birth: c. November 1989

Ethnicity:
*Welsh, Irish (father)
*Ashkenazi Jewish (mother)

Jeremy Neumark Jones is a British actor. His brother is actor Robert Neumark Jones.

His father was born in Wales, and was of Welsh and Irish Catholic descent. His mother, who was born in England, is Jewish, and Jeremy was raised Jewish.

Jeremy’s maternal grandfather was named Ernst Neumark. Ernst was born in Fürth, Germany, and was a German Jew. He moved to England because of the Nazi regime, where he was an “alien internee” for a time, like many German Jews. In 2020, Jeremy took on German citizenship, as part of the German Citizenship Project.

Jeremy’s maternal grandmother was named Irene C. Turner (whose mother’s surname likely was Feldman). Irene was born in London, to a family of Eastern European Jewish descent.

Sources: https://www.telegraph.co.uk
https://twitter.com
https://www.jewishrenaissance.org.uk

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Birth Name: Arnold Julius Tager

Date of Birth: June 30, 1934

Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Death: February 28, 2019

Place of Death: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Aron Tager was an American actor, poet, artist, and sculptor. He is particularly known for his role on Are You Afraid of the Dark?, often as Dr. Vink. He lived in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, for much of his life.

His parents, Mildred (Liberman) and Alexander Tager, were Russian Jewish immigrants. He was married to actress Ann Page, until his death.

Aron’s paternal grandfather was named Hyman Tager.

Aron’s paternal grandmother was named Mary.

Aron’s maternal grandfather was named A. Liberman.

Aron’s maternal grandmother was named Eva.

Sources: Aron Tager on the 1940 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Marriage record of Aron’s parents – https://www.familysearch.org

Genealogy of Aron’s father – https://www.geni.com

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McGraw in 2019, photo by kathclick/www.bigstockphoto.com

Place of Birth: California, U.S.

Date of Birth: April 22, 2011

Ethnicity: Irish, Italian, Ashkenazi Jewish, possibly German

Violet McGraw is an American actress. She is the sister of actors Jack McGraw, Aidan McGraw, and Madeleine McGraw.

Violet’s paternal grandfather is Dennis Michael Mcgraw (the son of William H. McGraw and Jeanne P. Bunny). William was the son of Edward Joseph McGraw and Emma Caroline McGill, and was likely of mostly Irish descent. Jeanne was the daughter of Edwin J. Bunny, whose grandparents were all Irish, and of Camille P. Mack/Miller/MacMkiewicz, whose parents were from Germany or Russia.

Violet’s paternal grandmother is named Merilla. Her surname likely was Rizza.

Violet’s maternal grandparents or great-grandparents were likely Jack Silverstein and Violet Louise Caruso. Jack was born in Michigan, the son of Russian Jewish parents, Nathan Silverstein and Celia Kravitz. Violet was born in California, the daughter of Italian parents, John/Giovanni Pasquale Caruso and Clorinda Molino.

Source: Obituary of Violet’s paternal great-grandmother, Jeanne P. (Bunny) McGraw – https://www.legacy.com

Violet’s paternal great-great-grandmother, Camille P. Mack/Miller/MacMkiewicz, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org
Camille P. Mack/Miller/MacMkiewicz on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Genealogy of Violet Louise Caruso – https://www.findagrave.com

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Richard Donner – 41st Annual AFI Life Achievement Award Honoring Mel Brooks – Arrivals – Dolby Theatre – Hollywood, CA, USA, 2013 – Photo Credit: Andrew Evans / PR Photos

Birth Name: Richard Donald Schwartzberg

Date of Birth: April 24, 1930

Place of Birth: The Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Death: July 5, 2021

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Richard Donner was an American television and film director and producer. He directed the films Superman (1978), Lethal Weapon, The Goonies, Ladyhawke, and The Omen, among many others.

Richard was the son of Hattie (Horowitz) and Fred M. Schwartzberg. His father was a Russian Jewish immigrant. His mother was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents. He was a cousin of actor Steve Kahan. Richard was married to film producer Lauren Shuler Donner, until his death.

Richard’s paternal grandfather was named Harry Schwartzberg.

Richard’s paternal grandmother was named Minnie.

Richard’s maternal grandfather was surnamed Horowitz.

Richard’s maternal grandmother was surnamed Epstein.

Sources: Richard Donner on the 1940 U.S. Census – http://www.familysearch.org

Richard’s father on the 1910 U.S. Census – http://www.familysearch.org

Death record of Richard’s mother – http://www.familysearch.org

The post Richard Donner RIP appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Place of Birth: Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.

Date of Birth: August 11, 1976

Ethnicity: Irish, Ashkenazi Jewish, German, other

Will Friedle is an American actor, comedian, and writer. He is known for his role on the series Boy Meets World.

He was raised in Avon, Connecticut. He is married to Susan Martens.

Will’s paternal grandfather was George Allen Friedle (the son of Sam/Samuel Friedle and Margaret Reydel/Routher/Reister). George was born in New York. Sam was born in Russia, the son of Jewish parents, Bernard Friedle and Victoria Ginisburg, who are listed as Yiddish-speakers on the 1920 U.S. Census. Will’s great-grandmother Margaret was born in Germany, and was likely from a Lutheran family.

Will’s paternal grandmother was Edna Maud Alethia Curtin (the daughter of Valarie/Violet). Edna was born in Crossroads, Saint Andrew, Jamaica, and moved to New York as a child. She was listed as “white” on U.S. Censuses. Violet was the daughter of Emily.

Will’s maternal grandfather’s surname was Leary.

Sources: Will’s paternal grandfather, George Allen Friedle, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Obituary of Will’s paternal grandfather, George Allen Friedle – https://www.newspapers.com

Death record of Will’s paternal great-grandfather, Sam/Samuel Friedle – https://www.familysearch.org

Birth record of Will’s paternal grandmother, Edna Maud Alethia Curtin – https://www.familysearch.org

Will’s paternal grandmother, Edna Maud Alethia Curtin, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

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Johansson in 2005, cinemafestival / Shutterstock.com

Birth Name: Scarlett Ingrid Johansson

Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Birth: November 22, 1984

Ethnicity:
*Danish, some Swedish (father)
*Ashkenazi Jewish (mother)

Scarlett Johansson is an American actress, singer, model, and director. She is known for starring in the films Lost in Translation, Match Point, and Lucy, among many others. She plays Natasha / Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Scarlett was born in New York City, the daughter of Karsten Olaf Johansson, an architect, and Melanie Sloan, a producer. Scarlett’s father is Danish, from Copenhagen, and is of Danish and Swedish descent. Scarlett’s mother, who is American-born, is Jewish (of Polish Jewish, Belarusian Jewish, and Russian Jewish descent). Scarlett has described herself as Jewish. She celebrates Christmas and Hanukkah. She also holds both American and Danish citizenship. Her sister is actress Vanessa Johansson. A childhood picture of Scarlett, her parents, and three of her siblings can be seen here.

Scarlett is married to comedian, actor, and writer Colin Jost. She has a daughter with her former husband Romain Dauriac.

A DNA test whose results were displayed on the show Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (2020) stated that Scarlett’s genetic ancestry is:

*49.1% Ashkenazi Jewish
*26.4% Scandinavian
*19.4% French & German
*3.1% Broadly Northwestern European
*1.4% Eastern European
*0.5% Broadly European
*0.1% Unassigned

Genetically, she was found to have a common ancestor with show host and producer Andy Cohen, through her mother’s side.

Scarlett’s paternal grandfather was Ejner Johansson (Ejner Bainkamp Johansson, the son of Axel Robert Johansson and Margrethe/Margaret Hansine Hansen). Ejner was born in Copenhagen, and was a screenwriter, film director, and cultural personality. Axel was born in Furuby, Kronoberg County, Sweden, the son of Johan Magnus Magnusson, who was from Tjureda, Kronobergs län, Småland, and of Carolina/Karalina/Karolina Charlotta Johansdotter, who was from Furuby. Scarlett’s great-grandmother Margrethe was Danish, from Skibby, the daughter of Jens Hansen, who was from Nakkedam, Ferslev, and of Louise Georgine Amalie Beinkamp, who was from Amtmandens Hus, Sorø, Sjælland.

Scarlett’s paternal grandmother was Ingrid Margrethe Jørgensen (the daughter of Oluf Christian Jørgensen and Ingeborg Kirstine Sølver). Ingrid was born in Helsingør. Oluf was the son of Ole Jørgensen and Marie Christine Hansen. Ingeborg was the daughter of Waldemar Theodor Sølver and Ane Kirstine Jensdatter.

Scarlett’s maternal grandfather was Meyer “Michael” Schlamberg (the son of Shloime/Sol Szlamberg/Schlamberg and Mollie Sussman). The surname Szlamberg/Schlamberg was changed to Sloan. Scarlett’s grandfather Meyer was born in New York, to Polish Jewish parents, with family from Warsaw, and Grójec, Grójec County, Masovian Voivodeship. Shloime was the son of Leib Schlamberg and Zlata Schuemonitz. Shloime’s brother, Scarlett’s great-great-uncle Mosze Szlamberg, was killed in the Holocaust in Poland, along with at least two of his children, Zlata and Mandlit.

Scarlett’s great-uncle, Phil Schlamberg, was the last known combat death of World War II. He was the wingman of WWII fighter pilot, Captain Jerry Yellin (who was also Jewish).

Scarlett’s maternal grandmother was Dorothy Chodosh (the daughter of Isadore/Yitzhok Chodosh and Chana/Anna Weinstein). Dorothy was born in New York, to Jewish emigrants from Minsk, Belarus. Isadore’s father was Boruch Chodosh. Chana’s parents were Gavriel/Gavril Weinstein and Leah Ginenski.

Sources: Genealogy of Scarlett Johansson – http://www.geni.com

Genealogy of Scarlett Johansson (focusing on her father’s side) – http://family.nose.dk

Scarlett’s maternal grandfather, Meyer “Michael” Schlamberg, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Scarlett’s maternal grandmother, Dorothy Chodosh, on the 1940 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

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Birth Name: Robert Elias, Jr.

Date of Birth: June 24, 1936

Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Death: July 7, 2021

Place of Death: New York City, New York, U.S.

Ethnicity:
*75% Ashkenazi Jewish
*25% Irish

Robert Downey, Sr. was an American actor, director, producer, writer, and cinematographer. He was known for his film Putney Swope.

Robert was the son of Elizabeth Jesse “Betty” (McLoughlin/McLauchlen), a model, Robert R. Elias. His father and maternal grandmother were Ashkenazi Jewish. His maternal grandfather had Irish ancestry.

Robert took the surname of his stepfather James Downey.

He was married to Rosemary Rogers, until his death. He had two children, including actor, musician, and producer Robert Downey, Jr., with his former wife, actress Elsie Ann (Ford).

Robert’s paternal grandfather was Yosef/Joseph/Iosel W. Elias/Eliashovich (the son of Meyer Eliasovitz/Elias/Eliashovich and Bealia/Beylia Cohen). Yosef was a Jewish emigrant, from Jonava, Kaunas, Lithuania. Meyer was the son of Itzko Eliashovich.

Robert’s paternal grandmother was Golda/Gussie/Augusta Goldberg (the daughter of Moses Chies “Morris” Goldberg and Khala/Khaia/Chala Gitel “Ida” Algaze/Algazy). Golda was a Jewish emigrant, from Prienai/Pren, Kaunas, Lithuania. Khaia was the daughter of Hyrom Alyiza and Libbie.

Robert’s maternal grandfather was James Robert McLauchlen (the son of John Robert McLauchlen and Jessie Murray). James was born in Massachusetts, to parents from Canada, and had Irish ancestry. John was from New Brunswick, the son of James McLauchlen and Sarah. Jessie was from Nova Scotia, the daughter of John Murray and Mary.

Robert’s maternal grandmother was Ellenore/Eleanor “Ella” Ormay (the daughter of Rudolph Ormay and Ilke/Ilka Helen Stern). Ellenore was a Hungarian Jewish emigrant. Rudolph was the son of Herman Ormay and Elizabeth Heiman. Ilke was the daughter of Rudolf Stern and Ilke Rosisatier.

Source: Genealogy of Robert Downey, Sr. – https://www.geni.com

Family history of Robert’s father – http://www.248ancestors.com

Robert’s father on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Robert’s mother on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Death record of Robert’s maternal great-grandfather, Rudolph Ormay – https://www.familysearch.org

Death record of Robert’s maternal great-grandmother, Ilke/Ilka Helen (Stern) Ormay – https://www.familysearch.org

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Birth Name: Rochelle Paula Bersoff

Place of Birth: Peabody, Massachusetts, U.S.

Date of Birth: April 5, 1969

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Rochelle Walensky is an American physician-scientist. She has been Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, since January 20, 2021. She is known for her role in the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rochelle is the daughter of Carol and Edward H. Bersoff, a chief executive. She is married to physician-scientist Loren D. Walensky, with whom she has three children.

Rochelle’s paternal grandfather was Brigadier General Irving Bersoff (the son of Solomon Bersoff and Celia). Irving was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents.

Rochelle’s paternal grandmother is the daughter of Itsik Cohen and Pearl Kagan Greenwald. Itsik was the son of Mendel Cohen and Diana Dinka.

Rochelle’s maternal grandfather’s surname was Mayerson.

Source: Genealogy of Rochelle Walensky (focusing on her father’s side) – https://www.geni.com

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Birth Name: Alan Mark Grayson

Place of Birth: The Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Birth: March 13, 1958

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Alan Grayson is an American politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he was a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida, from January 3, 2009 to January 3, 2011, and again, from January 3, 2013 to January 3, 2017.

Alan is the son of Dorothy and Daniel Gurchinsky/Grayson. He is married to medical doctor Dena Grayson. He was previously married to Lolita, and has five children.

Alan’s paternal grandfather was Isaac Gurchinsky (the son of Soloman Gurchinsky and Feige Ketler). Isaac was born in Poland.

Alan’s paternal grandmother was Minnie Gelb (the daughter of Meyer Josef Gelb and Dina Leder). Meyer was the son of Schmuel Gelb and Bella.

Alan’s maternal grandfather was named Abraham Sabin.

Alan’s maternal grandmother was named Rose.

Sources: Genealogy of Alan Grayson – https://www.geni.com

Genealogy of Alan Grayson (focusing on his mother’s side) – https://web.archive.org

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Birth Name: Jolyon James P. Rubinstein

Place of Birth: Islington, London, England, U.K.

Date of Birth: 22 April, 1981

Ethnicity: Irish, English, Ashkenazi Jewish

Jolyon Rubinstein is a British actor, writer, producer, and director. He has performed on the BBC programs The Revolution Will Be Televised and Ministry of Justice, among others, on which he also worked behind the scenes.

Jolyon’s grandfather Richard Rubinstein was a British Army officer, who earned the Military Cross and the Croix de Guerre for organising guerrilla resistance in France and Burma.

Jolyon’s ancestry includes Irish, English, and Ashkenazi Jewish. It appears that Jolyon is of one eighth Ashkenazi descent. His grandfather was the son of a Jewish-born father and a mother who converted to Judaism. He (the grandfather) later joined the Church of England. Jolyon does not identify as Jewish.

Jolyon’s paternal grandfather was Richard Arthur Rubinstein (the son of Arthur Bernard Rubinstein and Florence/Florris Newport). Richard was born in Marylebone, London, England. Jolyon’s great-grandfather Arthur was born in Marylebone, to a Jewish family, the son of Bernard J. Rubinstein, who was born in Latvia/Russia, and of Julia Lazarus, who was born in England, to a family from Poland. Jolyon’s great-grandmother Florence was the daughter of Benjamin John Newport and Charlotte Pollett Ashford. Florence converted to Judaism when marrying Jolyon’s great-grandfather.

Jolyon’s paternal grandmother was Gabrielle G. Garnsey (the daughter of Louis Alfred Garnsey and Hilda Emily Hern). Gabrielle was born in Richmond, Surrey, England, to a Church of England family. Louis was the son of William Samuel Garnsey. Hilda was the daughter of John Hill Hern.

Jolyon’s maternal grandfather’s surname was Driscoll. He had Irish heritage.

Sources: “Actor Jolyon Rubinstein details racial [anti-Jewish] abuse at Euro 2020 final” – https://www.independent.ie

Biographical information about Jolyon’s paternal grandfather, Richard Arthur Rubinstein – https://books.google.ca
http://www.hampsteadparishchurch.org.uk

Jolyon’s paternal great-grandfather, Arthur Bernard Rubinstein, on the 1891 England and Wales Census – https://www.familysearch.org
Arthur Bernard Rubinstein on the 1901 England and Wales Census – https://www.familysearch.org

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Birth Name: Konstantin Alexandrovich Gessen

Place of Birth: Moscow, USSR (now Russia)

Date of Birth: 9 January, 1975

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Keith Gessen is an American novelist, journalist, and literary translator. He co-founded the literary magazine n+1.

Keith was born in Moscow, to a Jewish family. His father is a computer scientist and his mother is a literary critic. His sister is journalist, author, translator, and activist Masha Gessen. When he was six, his family moved to the U.S., settling in the Boston area, in Brighton, Brookline, and Newton. Keith is married to author, novelist, and blogger Emily Gould.

Keith’s paternal grandfather was named Boris Gessen.

Keith’s paternal grandmother was named Ester Goldberg Gessen (the daughter of Jakub Goldberg and Bella). Esther was born in Bialystok, Poland, and was a translator for a foreign literary magazine.

Keith’s maternal grandfather was surnamed Minkin.

Keith’s maternal grandmother was named Ruzya/Rozalia Solodovnik. Rozalia was born in Pereslavl-Zalessky, Yaroslavl, and was a Soviet government censor of dispatches filed by foreign reporters.

Source: Genealogy of Keith Gessen – https://www.geni.com

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Birth Name: Justine Elinor Frischmann

Place of Birth: Kensington, London, England, U.K.

Date of Birth: 16 September, 1969

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Justine Frischmann is a British artist/painter and musician. She was the lead singer of the Britpop band Elastica, and formed the band Suede.

Her father, Wilem Frischmann, was born to a Jewish family, in Ungvar, then in Czechoslovakia, now known as Uzhhorod, and in the Ukraine. Her father survived the Holocaust, and came to England c. 1946. Wilem is a leading engineer, and was chairman of the internationally recognised firm of consulting engineers Pell Frischmann. Justine’s mother is Russian Jewish.

Justine is married to climate scientist Ian Faloona. She lives in the U.S.

Justine’s maternal grandfather’s surname is Levvey.

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Birth Name: Thomas Loren Friedman

Place of Birth: St. Louis Park, Hennepin, Minnesota, United States

Date of Birth: July 20, 1953

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Thomas Friedman is an American political commentator and author. He writes weekly in the New York Times. His commentary covers foreign affairs, particularly the Middle East, environmentalism, and global trade.

Thomas is the son of Margaret, who served in the U.S. Navy, and Harold Friedman, who was vice president of a ball bearing company, United Bearing. His mother was also a Senior Life Master duplicate bridge player.

Thomas attended Hebrew school in his youth, and spent his high school summers working on kibbutzim in Israel. Thomas is married to Ann Bucksbaum, with whom he has two children.

Thomas’ maternal grandfather was Benjamin Phillips (the son of Moses David Phillips and Leah Lieb). Benjamin was a Russian Jewish immigrant.

Thomas’ maternal grandmother was named Rose Kapitznakoff. Rose was a Russian Jewish immigrant.

Source: Genealogy of Thomas Friedman (focusing on his mother’s side) – https://www.geni.com

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Date of Birth: February 2, 1906

Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Death: July 11, 1978

Place of Death: Springs, New York, U.S.

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Harold Rosenberg was an American writer, educator, philosopher, and art critic. He was known for his art criticism, as well as coining the term “Action Painting” for what later came to be known as abstract expressionism. He was The New Yorker’s art critic.

Harold was the son of Fanny and Abraham Rosenberg. His parents were Russian Jewish immigrants.

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Thomas in 2014, photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com

Birth Name: Larry Tomashoff

Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Birth: October 27, 1956

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Larry Thomas is an American actor. He is known for his role as the “Soup Nazi” on the show Seinfeld.

His mother’s name was Dorine. He is of Russian Jewish and Romanian Jewish descent.

Source: Interview with Larry Thomas – https://jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com

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