Prefer Jewish News on Google
More Holocaust survivors to receive pension payments from Germany
Claims Conference says the £320 monthly sum was symbolic but ‘provides recognition and restores a piece of dignity’
Thousands of Holocaust survivors including four in Britain are to receive pension payments for the first time as part a new package negotiated with the German government.
The monthly payments will be made to survivors of the Leningrad Siege, those who were in hiding in France, and those who survived persecution in Romania.
The Claims Conference, which represents Jews in negotiating compensation and restitution for victims of Nazi persecution, said around 6,500 survivors will receive pensions for the first time.
Officials said they had identified four recipients in the UK and would continue an outreach programme in the hope of finding others.
Gideon Taylor, the Conference’s president, said the symbolic monthly sum of €375 (£320) helped “provide recognition and restore a piece of the dignity taken from survivors in their youth.”
His deputy Greg Schneider added: “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 require survivors to choose between food, medicine, or rent.”
Child Survivor Fund payments, a symbolic one-time payment of €2,500 (£2,130) will also be paid to those who meet the persecution criteria and were born 1928 or later.
The Conference said that more Jewish Nazi victims would also be eligible for a hardship fund payment in 2021 and 2022.
Schneider added: “at a time when Holocaust survivors globally are facing insurmountable challenges due to COVID and their fragility, we are proud to be able to offer some hope in that roughly $767 million (£565 million) in compensation programmes will be dispersed to survivors around the world.”
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
