UJA-Federation of New York Lauds Congressional Support for Holocaust Survivors

UJA-Federation of New York commends Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) for their resolution seeking to ensure Holocaust survivors live with dignity, comfort and security

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) December 1, 2010 — UJA-Federation of New York applauded the passage of a Congressional resolution Wednesday 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.

“UJA-Federation of New York worked hard to advocate for passage of this important legislation,” said Louise B. Greilsheimer. “However we could not have done it without the leadership and support of the New York delegation. This bill will help recognize the needs of 38,000 holocaust survivors in New York, and so many more across the country and the world.”

The entire New York delegation voted in favor of this resolution; the New York co-sponsors of this legislation are Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Timothy Bishop (D-NY), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Steve Israel (D-NY), Peter King (R-NY), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Charles Rangel (D-NY), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Anthony Weiner (D-NY). 

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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.

"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.”

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.

UJA-Federation of New York 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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About UJA-Federation of New York
The world’s largest local philanthropy, UJA-Federation of New York cares for those in need, rescues those in harm’s way, and renews and strengthens the Jewish people in New York, in Israel, and around the world. Funds raised by UJA-Federation sustain the activities of 100 health, human-service, educational, and community agencies. Every day, these community-based organizations provide a multitude of services that improve and enhance people’s lives. For more information, visit UJA-Federation’s website at www.ujafedny.org.

About Jewish Federations of North America
The Jewish Federation movement is the largest Jewish philanthropy collective in the world and The Jewish Federations of North America is dedicated to promoting awareness and involvement among the Jewish community in the United States and Canada.