My name is Mark McGuire. My great-grandfather Joseph Israel (1892-1970) left Rhodes on the SS Patris on June 1, 1909, at age 16. He eventually settled in Los Angeles and married Sadie Angel, also from Rhodes. Joseph's parents were Eli Israel and Regina Levy. His older brothers David Bohor Israel (1874-1944) and Rahamim Israel (1880-1944) stayed behind in Rhodes. Both were deported on July 23, 1944, and died at Auschwitz—David on August 27th, Rahamim on August 3rd. I've been researching our family history and recently discovered the ship manifest confirming Joseph's 1909 departure. Finding this website and seeing the work you've done preserving these records has been deeply meaningful. If you have any documentation on the Eli Israel / Regina Levy family—1938 registrations, deportation records, or anything else—I would be grateful to receive copies. Joseph's decision to board that ship at 16 is the reason my brother and I exist today. We carry the memory of David Bohor and Rahamim with us. Thank you for maintaining this memorial.

Hello, I will be in Rhodes from 22nd to 24th October, 2025. I've already requested a synagogue tour. I wonder if it would be possible to meet with a member of the BENVENISTE family. Some time ago, I did the mtDNA (mitochondrial) analysis, it turns out that not only my maternal grandfather, but also my maternal grandmother had jewish roots. In addition, the test results also include list of living relatives, notably in Turkey and Rhodes: the Benveniste.

My Papoo had a cousin who lived in Montgomery Al. His name was Harry Benatar. I met him as a young boy. We used to fish in lake Washington. Any relation to you?

My uncle was Issac Shemaria (Guadalajara) one of his brothers was my father, Marco Shemaria, NY and Fla. His other siblings (deceased) were Jack S, Francine Abrevaya, Leonora Eisenstadt , Stella and And another sister in California, Straya.