Student Profile: Rywka Helfand

I searched the database under the exact setting for the first name and last name, and it returned a single match for a Rywka Helfand. Her date of birth is July 1, 1931 which falls into the appropriate age range for School #9A. She had two addresses listed (Holz and Tanenberg) in her notes, as well as a deportation date of September 10, 1942.

I do agree you have found the student who signed the book! Thanks for leaving a note in the research notes field letting us know how you decided this is the person who signed the album.

While searching the database under the exact setting for the last name "Helfand", I was able to find 3 individuals that shared the same address as Rywka. Godel (born 19.10.1901) was the oldest male listed at the residence, and I believe that he was Rywka's father.  Estera (born 14.08.1892) was the oldest female living at the residence, and I believe that she was Rywka's mother. Idel (born 04.12.1926) was the only other child listed at the residence, and I believe that he was Rywka's brother.To find out further information about possible transports, I searched jewishgen.org Lodz Ghetto List. I was able to find that Godel perished within the Ghetto on 07.11.1941. Estera, Rywka, and Idel all share a transport date of 10.09.1942. According to Secondary SOurces, this date is indicative of a transport to Chelmno. I believe that the remaining members of the Helfand family perished in the gas vans at Chelmno. I was unable to find any further information about any family memebers past this date.

I agree with your conclusions. September 10, 1942 fell within the Gehsperre Aktion, during which the oldest and youngest residents of the ghetto were deported to Chelmno. You may now add Chelmno as her place of death as well. Thank you for helping to complete Rywka's record.