Dustin Hoffman's parents chose to make a clean break with their Jewish heritage, raising him without knowledge of either Judaism or his ancestors. When Hoffman found out he was Jewish at age 10, he "went to the delicatessen and ordered bagels, and draped them around the holiday tree.”
Hoffman's Jewish identity came to the fore this month, when the PBS genealogy series, “Finding Your Roots,” unearthed some incredible history about Hoffman's Jewish ancestors that brought the 78-year-old Oscar-winning actor to tears.
The background:
In 1917, Hoffman's grandfather, Frank Hoffman, was killed during the Soviet Civil War, when he risked a trip into Ukraine to rescue his parents from anti-Semitic pogroms. Though Frank's father was also killed, the mother – Liba Hoffman – was arrested and sent to a hard-labor camp.
As People magazine reported:
Liba Hoffman, who was already middle aged by 1921, managed to survive the hard labor and harsh conditions of the Soviet concentration camp. Almost a decade later, she arranged to leave the USSR for Argentina. After some time in South America, she managed to obtain an immigration visa for the US, where she arrived in the early 1930s at the age of 64.
Liba Hoffman went to live with relatives in Chicago and presumably never met her great-grandson who was by then living with his parents in Los Angeles.
Dustin Hoffman broke down upon seeing the photograph of his great-grandmother on her Argentinian visa application and reading the medical report of US immigration authorities stating that she had dementia, extremely poor vision, and a prosthetic arm due to an amputation.
The actor called his great-grandmother a “hero” for her resilience in the face of the anti-Semitic violence perpetrated against her and her family. He also expressed regret that it is only now, as he nears 80, that he is finally learning about the brave and persistent people who have passed their genes on to him. His tears were clearly coming from not only sadness, but also deep disappointment for having been robbed of this heritage for his entire life.
When asked how this genealogical journey had changed him, Hoffman answered:
“I am a Jew. Wear that on your sleeve."
Watch the very moving moment in the video below:
“What are you? I’m a Jew.”
Like Dustin Hoffman, we are all here today because of family heroes who fought to preserve our Jewish identity, as the next link in this remarkable chain stretching back thousands of years.
(30) Lester Taub, February 10, 2020 12:49 AM
It was wonderful
I loved it
(29) Anonymous, February 8, 2020 5:59 PM
At least he did not change his name!
A hero from Kramer vs. Kramer and of course, Mrs. Doubtfire. A real actor and contributor to American culture. Nice to see he found his roots before his grand
children did. He performed a huge service for them, as did of course, this program!
(28) Johnny L Payne, June 11, 2019 3:45 PM
Jewish
Wish I could afford the test to see if I have any Jewish heritage. I do love Hashem and the Torah.
(27) Chana-Rochel Eller, August 9, 2018 8:07 PM
You're going to love it.
Mr. Hoffman, if you find out what it is--this Judaism that your strong and brave ancestors passed on to you--you will be thrilled beyond measure. As you search for the truth of what is yours, it's guaranteed. With the help of G-d, may you find the wonder of Judaism and thrive as a Jew.
(26) Anonymous, November 6, 2017 1:16 AM
How could they?
What kind of parents could so callously prevent their child from knowing who he is.
I have always regarded it as an honour to have been born Jewish, and they took that honour away from their son and left him in limbo for so long. Had he known and practiced his religion perhaps he would not have made such egregious mistakes in loyalty.
(25) Wishiwas a Jew, October 3, 2016 3:57 AM
I never knew Dustin Hoffman was Jewish.Now Iim even more.
I never knew Dustin Hoffman was Jewish.Now I like him even more.
(24) Henriette Moed Roth, April 21, 2016 4:35 AM
Dustin Hoffman discovers and is proud of his Jewish family.
This was a most touching interview. I admire Dustin Hoffman for publicly acknowledging his family background.
(23) drbill, March 21, 2016 7:59 PM
A decent man
Years ago before I was a psychologist, I considered acting and studied at the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute. When Dustin Hoffman spoke to us one day more than 40 years ago, he was very generous with his time and in taking questions. There was a decency I perceived in him that I had not seen in others who had spoken to us. Later, I was grateful when I learned that his wife, Lisa is Jewish. It would be wonderful if Rabbi Simmons contacted him and invited him and his family to Aish Jerusalem for him to have, like Kirk Douglas, a better-late-than-never Bar Mitzvah.
(22) Kressel, March 16, 2016 1:34 PM
Another story about Dustin Hoffman's Jewish identity
Another story I like about Dustin Hoffman is that when he played Watergate journalist Carl Bernstein in "All the President's Men," the real Carl Bernstein invited him to his family Passover seder, and he attended.
(21) Chaya Mushka, March 13, 2016 6:43 PM
And that's the blessing of HaShem, that, even if one comes close to his Jewish life as late as 80 or 90 years old, or even the last day of his life, he finds complete fulfillment instantly, within each Mitzvah, within each minute of learning Torah with his Rabbi. For such is the love and delight of HaShem for each and every one of His deeply beloved, precious children. One who returns is counted instantly as one who has always been there.
(20) elf, March 13, 2016 6:19 PM
We can inspire ourselves
No one can live in the past forever, If we do we will short change the future. We must stay positive and learn from the past and never forget it. If we forget the past we are doomed to it. Life is such a challenge but its how we use our good spirits that overcomes all the bad.
(19) Rafael, March 12, 2016 10:21 PM
Dustin was probably robbed of many Heritages
With a name like Hoffman , Dustin should consider looking into his Rhineland heritage .
(18) Henie, March 12, 2016 7:55 PM
Dustin Hoffman is more Jewish than a lot of other Hollywood Jews
Hoffman has been married to a Jewish woman for 32 years. They have 4 children with Jewish names, and sent them to a local Jewish school. So although the specific information on his forebearer may be new to him, his Jewishness is not.
Anonymous, March 14, 2016 2:45 PM
He knew. He denied
I agree. All he has to do is look in the mirror.
(17) Feigele, March 11, 2016 6:28 PM
Clarification
When I said I had similar background I only meant in Holocaust matter, where we lost most of our families, not in Jewish education, I was raised in a Jewish home and went to Hebrew schools. So my point was about his parents refusing to face the facts of the Holocaust and what being Jewish encompasses with all the persecutions, which is something you can never ever forget and should warn your children about it. As for Mr. Hoffman, he must have known that his parents were Jewish, how can you not know, even if they didn’t practice.
(16) Anonymous, March 11, 2016 10:47 AM
How long ago did Dustin find out he is a Jew.
I read the comments of Dustin Hoffman who I consider one of the finest actors alive. What about Dustin's family,are they Jewish or do they hide it? Until the Gentile and the People who are of the Jewish religion realize that calling themselves Jews only means a religion . I suggest that all of these so called people that talk about BDS Israel, go live in the Middle East countries for 3 months and then talk about their experiences.its all about their family background that causes all the wars and killings throughout the world.why don't they talk about the Chrustians been slaughtered. As an older person,I worry about my Grandchildrens future,and others in this crazy mixed up World.
(15) Sylvia, March 11, 2016 5:55 AM
Beautiful
Thank you so much for sharing this. It is so beautiful and amazing to see Dustin learn about who he truly is and it is touching to see his heart poured out as he realizes how his whole life was made a reality because of the heroes in his family that went on before him. I have read the comments of others criticizing him, but each of us at times of our lives come to the realization of what others have given to make it possible for us to be here on this earth and often up until that point we all can be guilty of taking certain things for granted. But when Hashem has opened our eyes and touched our hearts by what we had never seen before, Hashem doesn't desire for us to tear someone else down, but He wants us to build each other up as we, too, remember our own shortcomings within our lives. Rabbi, I am so grateful you shared this article. It is truly amazing!!
(14) Helene, March 11, 2016 4:29 AM
We Jews have a long wonderful history to be proud of, it's a pity so many know nothing of it. Maybe if we had some knowledge we would support the tiny Jewish state the only democracy in the Middle East and America's best friend. Maybe we would not look elsewhere for faith if we knew what we had. Wake up American Jews
(13) Jerry Meents, March 11, 2016 1:46 AM
Great
I am so happy that Distin discovered he is Jewis.
(12) Anonymous, March 10, 2016 8:15 PM
Reminds me of others who pretended not to know their Judaism
Sec of State Madeleine Albright pretended she didn't know she was Jewish when a reporter brought it up to her. Yet, her Jewish grandparents lived with hers, as did a Jewish cousin, while in Europe. What balogney. It's easier to be a Christian instead of a Jew. Her Jewish cousin who lived with her went to one of her speeches and Albright ignored her. Ditto Angelina Jolie and others. I boycott all celebrities and businesses who participate in BDS, like Penelope Cruz and others. I haven't heard one of the BDS movement people cry over beheaded Christians
(11) Rafael Garza, March 10, 2016 6:35 PM
We are all Jews
My father was born in Cerralvo Mexico. It was a town founded by Jewish settlers. I don't know why, but I have always felt love and admiration for Israel and the Jewish people. Kudos for Dustin Hoffman. We are all Jews in one way.
Lizbeth, March 10, 2016 7:28 PM
About Your Town
Loved reading your comment. Am a history lover and from years of research, I might guess your town may have been founded by Jews escaping Inquisition in Spain. Do you know what year Cerralvo was founded?
(10) Anonymous, March 10, 2016 5:36 PM
Being Grateful
My husband's family came to the US from Poland and Russia at the turn of the last century. My family came from Romania. There were many of my relatives who remained in Europe. Most of them died in the Holocaust. My husband and I frequently spoke about how grateful we were that our grandparents were brave enough to leave their oppressive lives. Had they stayed, we would not exist. Sadly, one aunt and her husband did survive Auschwitz and came to Israel. The uncle died, but my aunt was murdered here in Jerusalem by Arabs in 1976. Imagine.
(9) Chaim, March 10, 2016 5:24 PM
We are all refugees of history
We don't act alone. We owe it to them to make their sacrifices count.
There is a famous story about Ben Gurion asking his colleague Yitzhak Tabenkin for advice about the UN Partition Plan. Tabenkin asked for time to consult two people. The next day he gave his advice and Ben Gurion asked him "from whom did you seek advice?" "From two people," answered Tabenkin. "From my grandfather and from my grandson. From my grand-father who died ten years ago, and from my grandson who is not yet born."
Ann Canada, March 23, 2016 5:34 PM
Chaim, thank you for this amazing quote from Yitzak Tabenkin, "From my grandfather and from my grandson. From my grand-father who died ten years ago, and from my grandson who is not yet born." So very, very wise--and true.
(8) Feigele, March 10, 2016 4:58 PM
It’s in the Genes!
This is what getting old does to you. You start thinking backwards going down to history and maybe your own history. Having similar background, I can understand his parents trying to put their stories in the back burner. Too much pain restricts your ability to go on but as life teaches you, you can run but you can’t hide and eventually it catches up with either you or your family, as it does to Dustin Hoffman. Being Jewish must also be in the genes as he is expressing such a Jewish soul being deprived of a Jewish education.
Anonymous, March 10, 2016 7:32 PM
Our Roots
Seems a few of us have such a history. Although I knew I was Jewish, I had no clue what that meant as I had no Jewish education at all. My mother even said when I was in my 50s, "You don't look American." Now I have a strong background in Hebrew. I lived in Israel. I found it all on my own. Perhaps one cannot deny DNA. Wonder what Professor GAtes would think of that.
(7) Rho, March 10, 2016 4:35 PM
I watched it.
I know him. We have the same birthday. He had an office in the building I worked in, in Manhattan. So very nice, and I am so happy he found his roots.
(6) Wolkowicz, March 10, 2016 4:32 PM
It is fantastiek hat he is prot te Be a JEW
(5) Michael Lerman, March 10, 2016 4:12 PM
Proudly Jewish
To belong to The Jewish People, to belong to the beginning to human civilization
(4) Anonymous, March 10, 2016 4:11 PM
It's about time
I don't believe he didn't know he was Jewish. He was surrounded by Jewish relatives. But worse, not too long ago he denounced Israel for its policies and alleged occupation against Palestinians. I have boycotted his movies ever since. Someone should remind him that Palestinians are trying to wipe out Jews just like the Nazis and Soviets.
(3) tova saul, March 10, 2016 4:06 PM
just amazing
This needs to be done with all Jewish Hollywood people while they are still young.
(2) Anonymous, March 10, 2016 4:01 PM
He is very deep. This is what makes him a great actor!!
I remember being in high school in LA, San Fernando Valley,1973. My boyfriend was good friends with his now wife, and brother. We took Dustin skiing to Mammouth. I was not observant at the time, but remember we all were making jokes and Jewish comments. He was VERY comfortable with us. Shy and intense. Profound article.
(1) Bob, March 10, 2016 1:32 PM
Daniel Pearl
The reminds me of Daniel Pearl, the Wall Street Journal reporter who was kidnapped by jihadists and brutally murdered on videotape. Pearl declared: "My name is Daniel Pearl. I am a Jew."
Maurice H, March 10, 2016 4:32 PM
The difference is that Pearl knew he was a Jew all his life and supported Israel. Dustin has all too often come out supporting the Palestinians. I do not respect those Jews on the Left who don't practice and think a good Jew is one who marched in Selma rather than support Israel.