Back in 2014, I began my journey of becoming a Professional Genealogist. It took 3 years but I proudly completed the Canadian Records Certifiate Program earning my PLCGS credentials.
That was around the time that I wanted to name my genealogy business after my great-aunt whom I'm named after. I decided on Paula's Footsteps, so that I can walk in her footsteps and carry on her legacy. Paula was deported from Vienna Austria to Auschwitz Concentration Camp where she perished at the young age of 13 in 1942. She's been my constant motivation for getting into the field and wanting to know more about my roots.
When I began my journey, there was no encouragement. Everyone believed that there would be no Jewish records available as everything has been destroyed. This would be information that has been passed down from my grandparents generation to my parents generation. I decided that I would prove everyone in my family wrong, and it has brought me a lot of satisfaction in doing so. Tracing Jewish roots isn't the easiest, but when you find a record it brings such joy.
With the research that I have done, I've had the opportunity to travel to Europe and walk the same streets as my family. Visiting the building my grandfather few up in before leaving Vienna on the Kindertransport, going to the Gestapo office, visiting concentration camps such as Auschwitz, Mauthausen and Bergen Belsen.
For 20 years now Paula continues to be my motivation, and I will continue to carry on her legacy through my work.
Comments
A Beautiful Tribute. Bringing beauty out of ashes. The Jewish Legacy lives on and will never be extinguished. Thank you for picking up her story and carrying it forward. She will always be remembered.
Thank you so much that truly means everything to me