WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)—The Jewish Federations of North America
lauded the introduction of a Congressional bill to provide support for agencies
serving Holocaust survivors as they age in place in communities across the
country. This bill is a result of meetings and discussions that Reps. Debbie Wasserman
Schultz and Iliana Ros-Lehtinen conducted with Holocaust survivors and social workers.
These discussions were organized by The Jewish Federations of North America, the
Jewish Federation of Broward County, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Jewish
Family Service of Broward County, and Jewish Community Services of South
Florida.
The bipartisan bill strengthens agencies that support
Holocaust survivors who wish to age in place rather than move into
institutionalized care, which can often lead to retraumatization for these
victims of terror and torture. While assisted-living is an excellent option for
many seniors, moving into nursing homes can re-introduce painful and traumatic
memories for Holocaust survivors. This bill adds Holocaust survivors to the
list of groups that receive preference for services under the Older Americans
Act and designates a person within the Administration on Aging to have
responsibility for implementing services to Holocaust survivors. Additionally,
the bill creates a grant program to increase and improve transportation
services, which is one of the greatest needs among older adults.
“We thank Reps. Wasserman Schultz and Ros-Lehtinen for
introducing this bill, which takes the necessary step of recognizing and
addressing the unique situation of Holocaust survivors who have contributed
greatly to this country since the Second World War,” said Cheryl Fishbein, chair
of The Jewish Federations of North America Domestic Affairs Cabinet. “When
passed, this bill will provide the support local agencies need to ensure that
survivors are able to live their lives with comfort, security and dignity.”
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, transportation and healthcare. This special population,
which has contributed greatly to our country, often relies on the assistance of
local agencies that enable them to age in place and live with dignity and
security.
“As a nation that upholds the values of freedom, liberty, and
justice, we have a moral obligation to acknowledge the plight and uphold the
dignity of Holocaust survivors to ensure their well-being,” said Congresswoman
Wasserman Schultz. “Our children’s generation will be the last to know Holocaust
survivors and hear their stories first hand. We must do all we can to honor
their struggles and their lives by improving their access to transportation to
get them where they need to go, and improve their home-care options so that they
can have peace of mind. This bill does just that, and it’s time to make it
happen.”
“The sad reality is that every day, we have fewer Holocaust
survivors among us to tell their tragic tales that remind us of the reality of
evil,” said Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. “Many of these survivors have
pressing medical and housing needs and this bill seeks to address those gaping
holes in social services.”
The bill comes on the heels of a resolution passed in
December that recognizes the needs of aging Holocaust survivors and the work of
agencies that support them. Taking the next step to provide the support these
agencies need, this new bill represents progress toward ensuring these heroes
are able to age with the proper assistance.
“Passage of this important legislation will strengthen
agencies that support Holocaust survivors, allowing them to ‘age in place’
rather than move into institutionalized care, which can reintroduce sights,
sounds, smells, emotions, and routines which can induce panic, anxiety, and
retraumatization for this very special population of heroes,” said William
Daroff, Vice President for Public Policy and Director of the Washington Office
of The Jewish Federations of North America.
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Preceding provided by Jewish Federations of North America