Despite the scores of years that have passed since the Holocaust, amongst us still live thousands of Holocaust survivors. Despite all the good intentions, for decades the funds that were earmarked to help survivors, were entangled in a bureaucratic maze. In recent years, the process of recognizing Holocaust survivors has become more efficient, while significantly increasing the aid made available. Thus, it is our recommendation that any person who survived the Holocaust, even if not in the heart of the flames, make an effort to ascertain their rights.
The funds available are distributed through several bodies, under different criteria. Thus, we recommend that any person who survived the Holocaust, in any place in the world, contact as soon as possible the Aviv for Holocaust Survivors, a non-profit organization (link is on the left). It is our experience that this association has professionals who are quite fluent in the range of rights of Holocaust survivors, who graciously and efficiently respond to those who contact them.
We also recommend using the model developed by the LSE – Association of Law in the Service of the Elderly (link is on the left) to ascertain the rights and benefits of Holocaust survivors.
In summary, before approaching a lawyer, and paying the requisite legal fees, we recommend to first get an idea of what rights you may have by using the LSE model and then contacting Aviv for Holocaust Survivors. You can always retain legal services, if necessary, afterwards.