The American Red Cross helps vulnerable people around the world to prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters, complex humanitarian emergencies, and life-threatening health conditions.
Restoring Family Links: Tracing and Messaging Services
Using the vast resources of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Red Cross network (www.ifrc.org), we connect families separated by war, civil disturbance, natural disasters or changing world conditions. Through the strength of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the work of tracing volunteers at national societies around the world, Red Cross tracing and messaging services help families locate each other and send communications.
For more information, or to locate a family member, contact our International Services department at 215.299.4889, phi@redcross-philly.org.
Note: If your family member is an American citizen living or traveling abroad in non-U.S. territories, please call American Citizen Services, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C., at (888) 407-4747.
Holocaust Tracing
The American Red Cross Holocaust and War Victims Tracing Center accepts tracing requests concerning European civilians separated from their family due to the events of World War II and its aftermath, 1933-1957.
What we will need to know to be able to help:
About you:
- Your full name and address
- Your relationship to the person sought
- The reason for loss of contact
- The reason for your inquiry
About the person you are trying to trace:
- Full name
- Date and place of birth
- Nationality
- Last known address
- Date and circumstances of last news
The American Red Cross cannot accept requests when there is insufficient information to conduct a search; or when it is for genealogical research; or tracing regarding legal matters such as wills, child custody etc.; or the tracing of birth parents or third party requests.
To begin a search, call 215.299.4889, phi@redcross-philly.org.
Educational Presentations and Courses
The American Red Cross educates the American public about the historical roots and modern role of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement as well as the guiding principles of International Humanitarian Law, as set forth by the Geneva Conventions of 1949.
Presentations are offered regularly to the public and can be tailored to meet specific needs and scheduled on request. Two courses – Orientation to International Services and Dissemination to International Humanitarian Law – provide a more in depth look into the Movement. Both presentations and courses are offered free of charge.
For more information call 215.299.4077, map@redcross-philly.org.
