WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)—The Jewish Federations of North America applauded the unanimous passage of a Congressional resolution Wednesday, Dec. 1, to support programs that meet the distinct needs of aging Holocaust survivors.
Spurred by information gathered by The Jewish Federations of North America and Jewish Family Service agencies, Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Frank Wolf (R-VA) introduced the resolution (H. Con. Res. 323), which gained 105 bipartisan cosponsors, calling attention to the tens of thousands of Holocaust survivors who need support to age in place.
“Holocaust survivors embraced the American dream and have greatly enriched our country,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. “As this special community ages, we have a moral obligation to ensure their dignity by empowering them to live out their lives in peace and safety. I am pleased that my colleagues in the House of Representatives overwhelmingly expressed their support today for this important goal.”
Of the approximately 127,000 Holocaust survivors living in the United States today, three-quarters are over the age of 75 and about two-thirds live alone. Many of these survivors struggle to afford basic needs, such as adequate food and healthcare; more than half of them fall below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, meaning they earn less than $21,660 annually. As they age, these victims of Nazi terror and torture risk being placed in institutionalized care. For many seniors institutional care is an excellent option, but for these survivors, institutional care could raise painful memories.
“This resolution recognizes the unique needs of Holocaust survivors in communities across the United States,” said William Daroff, Vice President for Public Policy and Director of the Washington Office of The Jewish Federations of North America. “Enabling Holocaust survivors to age in place is beneficial to their health, comfort and security and brings dignity to this vulnerable population.”
The resolution urges the Administration and Department of Health and Human Services to provide survivors with much-needed social services through existing programs. It also highlights the ongoing work of agencies and nonprofits that work in conjunction with Jewish Federations to honor and assist Holocaust survivors. According to Cheryl Fishbein, chair of The Jewish Federations of North America Domestic Affairs Cabinet, “the resolution is an important step forward in ensuring that Holocaust survivors are able to age in place in comfortable and familiar surroundings that promote their dignity, value, and quality of life.”
“Although the number of Holocaust survivors is decreasing, the needs of this last generation are growing in scope and intensity due to advanced age and frailty. Compounding the problem is the fact that atrocities during the Holocaust have caused so many to survive alone – with no other family members,” said Stuart C. Kaplan, CEO of Selfhelp Community Services in New York, the largest provider of care to Holocaust survivors in North America. “It is up to organizations such as ours to step up and serve as the last surviving relative for any survivor in need of care. This is our pledge.”
“South Florida is home to the second largest population of Holocaust survivors in the United States, so we are particularly grateful to Rep. Wasserman Schultz and Rep. Wolf for recognizing the unique needs of these heroic survivors and supporting the critical goal of enabling them to age with dignity, comfort and security,” said Danielle Hartman, President & CEO of Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service of South Palm Beach County. “We are committed to working with our Congressional leaders to make sure this community receives proper attention and support.”
Rep. Wolf praised the passage of the resolution, saying he is dedicated to continuing to support the community. “We have a moral obligation to ensure that all members of our community are able to age with dignity. I will continue to work with Rep. Wasserman Schultz and members of both political parties to raise awareness of this important issue,” he said.
The Jewish Federations of North America is dedicated to working with Congress, the Administration and nonprofit organizations to ensure that Holocaust survivors get the support and care they need to live in their communities with comfort and security.
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Preceding provided by Jewish Federations of North America