Every Survivor Receives an Increase
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Ensuring Holocaust survivors around the world are cared for and have access to the resources they need to live their lives in dignity continues to be the Claims Conference’s number one priority. We are pleased to announce substantial increases in our compensation programs. This year, there are two important realities: (1) Every Holocaust survivor is entitled to some form of compensation—either a one-time payment for 2024 or a pension payment; and (2) the amount of that payment is higher in 2024 than it was last year.
These increases have impacted all of our compensation programs around the world and will impact 176,000 Holocaust survivors in more than 80 countries.
In the last two weeks, the Claims Conference has distributed approximately $290 million to nearly 200,000 Holocaust survivors worldwide.
Last week, the Claims Conference paid 133,048 Holocaust survivors the Hardship Fund Supplemental payment. The payment amount increased to €1,250 (approx. USD $1,350) by €50 (approx. USD $54) from last year’s payment. In total, that is a distribution to this population of €166.3 million (approx. USD $180 million).
30,550 survivors receive the Article 2 Fund pension payments which is increasing to €667 (approx. USD $719 subject to exchange rate) per month from €600.
7,650 survivors receive the Central and Eastern European Fund pension, those monthly payments will see the same increase.
For the 4,884 Holocaust survivors who receive the RSP Fund pension, the monthly payment amount is increasing to €417 (approx. USD $450 subject to exchange rate) from €375.
Just from these four funds, the Claims Conference has made payments over the past two weeks to more than 176,000 Holocaust survivors worldwide.
Additionally, we recently announced the Solidarity for Israel Fund. This one-time, emergency payment from the German government was secured by the Claims Conference, together with the Israeli government under the direction of Uri Maklev, deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, specifically for Holocaust survivors living in Israel during the ongoing conflict. Each survivor is receiving a payment of €220 (approx. USD $238). This comes on the heels of the Iron Sword Fund (€2,400 per survivor) that was established in December 2023 for survivors who were subject to mandatory evacuations from the southern Negev bordering Gaza and northern border of Israel.
While these increases and payments can never account for the horrors survivors suffered, they provide a measure of justice and accountability, even more-so in these uncertain times. Further, we continue to press for additional payments and increased payment amounts. Unfortunately, many survivors find themselves in conflict zones around the world which can retraumatize them. Our thoughts are with them and their families. It is imperative that they know they are not alone – the Claims Conference will continue to negotiate on their behalf, monitor their needs and work to ensure their dignity.
