World War Ⅱ ended 76 years ago, but survivors of the Holocaust continue to experience negative health consequences as a result of the devastating persecution of Jewish people in Europe. The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, also referred to as the Claims Conference, has announced the expansion of reparations to include individuals who survived the World War II siege of Leningrad as well as those who lived in hiding during the Nazi’s reign and 1,200 Jewish survivors from Romania.
Since 1952, Germany has distributed $90 billion to individuals harmed by persecution by the Nazis. These new groups, totaling 6,500 people, will join others receiving a lifelong, monthly pension of 375 euros ($435) starting in July 2022.
In 2021, the Claims Conference will distribute $625 million in direct compensation to over 260,000 Holocaust survivors in 83 countries. It will also allocate $640 million in grants to over 300 organizations worldwide that provide services for survivors.
“These accomplishments are deeply important symbols of Germany’s recognition of suffering, and for many of these survivors the funds will also relieve crushing poverty which requires survivors to choose between food, medicine, or rent,” said Greg Schneider, executive vice president of the conference.
