Join the Sutro Library for a free live webinar on Palestinian American genealogy on Thursday, July 10th at 5 pm!

Palestinians in the United States and the diaspora often maintain strong ties to their family's town or village of origin. Yet over generations, many families have lost touch with parts of their story. Even those who know some of their history may want to explore lesser-known branches or confirm long-held oral traditions. In this session, Reem Awad-Rashmawi will guide us through how to research Palestinian ancestry using records available in the U.S. and abroad, tracing lineages from today back through the British Mandate and Ottoman periods. She will also briefly discuss how DNA/genetic genealogy can help uncover connections when documentation is limited.

Reem Awad-Rashmawi, JD is a professional genealogist and community historian who has been researching her own family for over 30 years. She is also an immigration attorney with over 27 years of experience representing clients in U.S. immigration matters.

Reem specializes in Arab and Arab American genealogical and historical research, as well as U.S. records research, oral history, DNA analysis, adoptee and unknown parentage cases, and dual citizenship documentation. She is the founder of Photographs and Memories by Reem, through which she provides professional genealogical services, and the National Society for Arab and Arab American Genealogy (NSAB), where she currently serves as president. She also serves on the board of the National Genealogical Society (NGS).

Reem holds degrees in International Relations and Sociology from UC Davis, a JD with a focus in international law, and a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University. She has completed advanced genealogical training and lectures nationally, including recent presentations on Arab genealogy at RootsTech 2024 & 2025, the Arab American Public History Conference, and the Oral History Association Annual Meeting.