PAULA EMDINA ABDUL
Syrian Jewish, Ashkenazi Jewish
Quick Facts
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Paula Emdina Abdul — heritage & background
Quick answer: Paula Abdul is Jewish with Syrian Jewish and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. Her father Harry Abdul was a Syrian Jew from Aleppo, and her mother Lorraine is Ashkenazi Jewish from Canada. She represents both Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jewish identity.
Is Paula Abdul Mixed Race?
No — Paula Abdul is not mixed race. Both her parents are Jewish, though from different Jewish traditions. Her father Harry is a Sephardic Jew of Syrian descent, and her mother Lorraine is an Ashkenazi Jew. While they represent different Jewish communities with distinct histories and traditions, they are both Jewish, making Paula Jewish rather than mixed-race in the racial sense.
Paula has identified as Jewish throughout her life and has been involved in Jewish cultural and religious communities.
What Is Paula Abdul's Ethnicity?
Paula Abdul's ethnicity is Jewish, specifically representing both Sephardic (Syrian Jewish) and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. Sephardic Jews and Ashkenazi Jews are distinct Jewish diaspora communities with separate historical, cultural, and linguistic traditions, though both are Jewish.
Paula's father's lineage traces back to Aleppo, Syria, a historic center of Sephardic Jewish culture. Her mother's family emigrated from Eastern Europe (Russia and Ukraine), representing the Ashkenazi Jewish diaspora.
Father's Side: Syrian Jewish Roots
Harry Abdul, Paula's father, was a Syrian Jew from Aleppo who emigrated to Brazil and then to the United States. Aleppo was a major center of Sephardic Jewish culture for centuries before the mid-20th century. Harry represented the Syrian Jewish diaspora community and brought Sephardic traditions to his family.
The name "Abdul" reflects Arabic influence on Jewish surnames in the Middle East.
Mother's Side: Ashkenazi Jewish Heritage
Lorraine Rykiss, Paula's mother, is Ashkenazi Jewish from Saint Boniface, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. All four of her maternal great-grandparents were born in Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and Ukraine, representing the Ashkenazi Jewish diaspora.
The Rykiss surname is Ashkenazi Jewish in origin.
Grandparents: A Complete Picture
Harry's parents: Syrian Jewish, from Aleppo, representing Sephardic Jewish heritage.
Lorraine's parents and grandparents: Ashkenazi Jewish from Russia and Ukraine, representing Eastern European Jewish heritage.
Nationality vs. Ethnicity
Paula Abdul is American by nationality, born in California. However, her ethnicity is Jewish, specifically representing both Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jewish communities.
Is Paula Abdul Alive?
Yes, Paula Abdul is alive as of 2026. She was born on June 19, 1962, making her 63 years old. She continues her work as a dancer, choreographer, singer, and television personality.
Visual Family Tree
Paula Abdul (Syrian Jewish, Ashkenazi Jewish)
Harry Abdul (Syrian Jewish - Aleppo)
Lorraine Rykiss (Ashkenazi Jewish - Russia/Ukraine/Canada)
Sources
Genealogy & Ethnicity Research
Family Background
EthniCelebrity Research Team
Ethnicity & Heritage Writers
Our team specialises in researching and documenting the ethnic backgrounds, nationality, and ancestry of public figures — drawing on genealogical records, interviews, and verified biographical sources.