My Ancestors

My forefathers in Friesland (Netherlands/Germany) were part of a radical Protestant denomination in the sixteenth century, called the Mennonites. Because their theological views had political ramifications (e.g. their belief in voluntary church membership, their rejection of infant baptism, their commitment to pacifism), they were persecuted and fled to Russia, where they were promised religious freedom.

As they lived together in Russia, they intermarried among themselves and kept their own language. Some went to America, where they settled in colonies like the Amish. My forefathers remained in Russia.

My Grandpa in Siberia

Under Stalin's rule, three of my great-grandfathers were imprisoned for their views and were never seen again. Their wives and children (my grandparents) were deported to Siberia, where they remained in exile until 1957