Ella's Story

I was born in Beverly Hills, California. My ancestress lived in Russia and immigrated to Ellis island in the 1800s. My family is Jewish and we celebrate Hanukkah and Passover and Yom Kippur. We are a quarter Russian and I speak a part of Spanish

Arsinoe's Story

I am a Filipino immigrant. Back where I live when I was younger it was very violent. I am not Jewish, however, but my middle name is Hebrew as Hadassah. Hadassah means myrtle tree. But in other ways, it means “Esther” as in Queen Esther who saved the Jewish people in the Bible.

Pia's Story

My mother immigrated from Germany to the US in 1958. My father’s family immigrated from Poland in the 1800s and I’m a fourth generation CA on his side. My children’s paternal grandfather immigrated from Palestine. Our family is an amalgamation of Jews and non-Jews from Eastern Europe and Israel.

Abi's Story

I am 9, and I live in California, I came to Los Angeles to see this museum with my family and my friends. Both of my parents are immigrants. I like to read and play games. My grandpa and grandma are also immigrants. 

Danielle's Story

My father is an immigrant from Germany because after world war 2 they didn’t have a home to go to so they lived in a displacement camp and then they moved to the United States.

Sasha's Story

I arrived to the US after war in Ukraine started. I’ve found love here, kept working creative jobs and feel useful more than ever. My brother was able to escape war as well and found his place so close to me and sister, I can’t be grateful more.

Bruno's Story

I am almost 7 years old. I was born in NY and moved to LA when I was 3. On my mom’s side, I am the first to be born in the US. She was born in Belgium and moved to the US at my age. 

Pamela's Story

I was born in Boston, Massachusetts but was raised in Hawaii. I came to California to attend college and never left. Got my undergraduate degree and Masters at the University of San Diego and Doctorate at USC. Was an Elementary Principal for 40 years. Got married and have one daughter in the entertainment industry. Today I am retired and spend my days volunteering and giving back to my community that did so much for me.

DSY's Story

My parents raised me to be open to all cultures and belief systems while formulating my own. I think that this might be because they came from culturally diverse families themselves.

Elizabeth's Story

My maternal grandparents came from Mexico and settled in central California before they met in high school and got married and moved to Ventura. They had four children who went on to have kids of their own.

Dani's Story

My parents and sister immigrated to Los Angeles from Colombia. Before immigrating, violence and the fear of my sister being kidnapped was the only thing on their minds. Learning English, building a new life in a foreign country are only some of their small accomplishments. They taught me how to persevere and how love can heal all wounds. I’m proud everyday to come from a family of immigrants. 

Sabrina's Story

I was born in L.A. and am Mexican. In my culture we celebrate Jesus and how he created the world. We go to church every Sunday to celebrate him and his life. My family and I celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus and Easter as the resurrection of Jesus. We eat Tacos, Posolie (chicken soup) , Rice, Beans, Tostadas, Meat, and Albondigas ( Veggie Soup). 

Bill's Story

On my mother’s side, we came to Los Angeles to sell clothes to Gold Rushers in 1855. On my father’s side, we came from Poland to Los Angeles around 1910. 

Maria's Story

My maternal grandmother was born in Mexico, and my maternal grandfather was born in the Philippines, and has French & German ancestry. On my father’s side, my great-grandparents were born in Sweden, and my grandmother’s family hails from Scotland and England. I am deeply proud of this diverse heritage. Born in Long Beach, California, I am a true American.

Maggie's Story

My great grandmother arrived to California from Mexico while pregnant to meet with her husband. I often wonder at her bravery to come to a country with a new language, hoping to be met while caring for her young children. There is much hope that had to have been nestled in her heart.

Anna's Story

Born in D.P. Camp in Germany after World War II. Beloved parents “of blessed memory” were Holocaust Survivors. Waited 4 years in D.P. Camps … before received visas to immigrate to U.S. Forever grateful ….