Joseph Berger is the author of several books, and has been a staff reporter and editor for The New York Times since 1984. Berger was born in the Soviet Union and immigrated to the United States in 1950 after his parents were displaced by the Holocaust and World War II. His family established roots in New York City. His book, Displaced Persons: Growing Up American After the Holocaust, tells the story of his upbringing as a refugee. After working for a few years as an English teacher, Berger began his career in journalism as a reporter for the New York Post, from 1971 to 1978, and a reporter and religion writer for Newsday, from 1978 to 1984. At The New York Times, Berger was a religion correspondent, served as deputy education editor, and worked temporarily as an assistant Metro editor. He is currently a senior staff member there, specializing in New York City metro affairs. 

January 1st, 1945 in Soviet Union (Age 79)