The Lasting Legacy of the Holocaust: Assisting Survivors in Their Golden Years

The Holocaust stands as an indelible scar on human history, showcasing a time of unparalleled cruelty and loss. As we move forward, the harrowing memories of the survivors remain fresh. With less than 148,000 living survivors in Israel, 47 survivors take their final breath each passing day, totaling 17,000 annually. Their dwindling numbers bring urgency to the mission of The Foundation for the Welfare of Holocaust Victims: to provide care, comfort, and dignity in their twilight years.

A Legacy Rooted in Compassion and Understanding

Established by Holocaust survivors for Holocaust survivors in 1994, The Foundation for the Welfare of Holocaust Victims has a rich history of serving those who were saved from the horrors of the war but faced struggles in rebuilding their lives. Many are now in their advanced years, grappling with issues that challenge independent living. These problems often root back to their traumatic experiences during the Holocaust, manifesting as emotional distress, anxiety, health concerns, and most heartbreakingly, loneliness and a lack of familial and social support.

The Foundation’s mission is unwavering: to enhance the quality of life for Holocaust survivors in Israel, offering them a range of activities that respect their dignity and acknowledge their unique needs. Their vision is bolstered by diverse funding sources, including the Israeli Holocaust Survivors’ Rights Authority, the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (the "Claims Conference"), and various governmental, corporate, and private donors both domestically and internationally.

A Multifaceted Approach to Care

Diverse as the survivors' experiences, so are their needs in their later years. Addressing these manifold challenges requires a holistic approach. The Foundation has established comprehensive programs that touch upon many aspects of their well-being.

Nursing Care - The Foundation’s commitment ensures that survivors have access to additional medical care at home. This program is a safety net for over 60,000 Holocaust survivors annually, making their golden years comfortable and secure. Funding for nursing hours is provided by both the Holocaust Survivors’ Rights Authority in the State of Israel and the Claims Conference.

Survivors' Call Center - In a world replete with rights, benefits, and intricate systems, understanding one's entitlements can be daunting. The Call Center, therefore, stands as a beacon, guiding survivors through the maze of their rights. The dedicated professionals field around 70,000 inquiries each year, assisting survivors with critical information.

Living in Dignity - Many survivors reside in spaces that haven't kept up with their evolving physical needs. The Foundation's intervention transforms houses into homes – places of safety, comfort, and convenience. The commitment to providing such living conditions highlights the profound respect the Foundation holds for these individuals.

Digital Empowerment through different programs - which addresses the need to stay connected by providing Holocaust survivors with customized tablets, catering to their unique needs. Volunteers, specially trained for this initiative, guide survivors through the digital realm, from basic operations to app installations. This not only bridges the digital gap but also enhances their sense of independence and integration into today's interconnected world, proving that it's never too late to embrace the digital era.

Social Service Care - Guided by the principle, “Cast me not off in the time of old age; when my strength fails, forsake me not” (Psalms 71:9), the Social Service Care program stands as a beacon of support for lonely Holocaust survivors. Established in 2009, it aims to provide comprehensive long-term assistance, focusing on both emotional and financial spheres. Through this initiative, about 1,000 survivors have enhanced their emotional and economic status, experiencing a newfound sense of self-worth and confidence. Social workers tailor support plans, helping survivors navigate their rights, access Foundation and community services, and secure both financial and emotional aid. This program collaborates extensively with entities such as the Holocaust Survivors’ Rights Authority in Israel, the Claims Conference, local welfare departments, KUPOT HOLIM, and a spectrum of NGOs, ensuring a robust framework for survivors' welfare.

Building Connections - The program is a heartfelt endeavor to diminish the solitude many Holocaust survivors feel. Through this initiative, survivors are paired with dedicated volunteers who offer companionship and a listening ear, bridging the generational divide. These bonds, fostered over shared stories and discussions, provide survivors a renewed sense of community and belonging. Recognizing and addressing any additional needs, volunteers serve as an extended support system. Funded by global donors and operational since 2003, the program has brought comfort and resilience to countless survivors.

These programs and others represent just a fraction of the comprehensive assistance the Foundation provides. In their unwavering commitment to the well-being of Holocaust survivors, they also offer short-term nursing care, panic buttons for emergency situations, dental treatments, immediate assistance funds, eye care, and several other services tailored to address the myriad challenges survivors may face. Each initiative underscores the Foundation's holistic approach to care, ensuring no need goes unmet.

Guided by Survivors, For the Survivors

The Foundation is steered by a dedicated Board of Directors who serve on a voluntary basis. In a touching representation of its essence, half of this board comprises Holocaust survivors, while the remainder are children of survivors. This intimate connection ensures that the Foundation's programs remain relevant, empathetic, and tailor-made to address the evolving needs of the survivors. Additionally, an academic advisory committee, which consists of professionals in relevant fields such as gerontology, social work, medicine, and more, accompanies the Foundation's activities.

Today’s Stark Reality

While the Foundation's efforts are commendable, challenges persist. Shockingly, 33% of Holocaust survivors in Israel grapple with poverty. The ever-increasing cost of living exacerbates their plight, with many making sacrifices on essentials. Heart-wrenching tales of forgoing fresh produce and medical care is just a glimpse into the myriad stories of hardship and sacrifice.

Inflation rates further intensify the challenges. Essentials like eggs, bread, and fresh produce have seen price hikes. Add to this the rising costs of utilities, and the enormity of the crisis becomes evident. The Foundation, the largest nonprofit of its kind in Israel, shoulders the responsibility of supporting 81,000 survivors annually. However, donations have dwindled due to economic shifts and reforms.

A Clarion Call to Action

Current efforts include distributing 1,200 food baskets to survivors for upcoming holidays. Each food basket, costing about $100, symbolizes the tangible impact of every donation. Survey insights reveal the depth of the need: 60% of survivors seek additional financial assistance, and over half require more food. Nearly half struggle with basic expenses and 22% can't afford essentials like furniture and medical supplies. Every contribution, regardless of size, makes a difference. Click here to donate to The Foundation for the Welfare of Holocaust Victims.

Partnered with the Foundation for the Welfare of Holocaust Victims