Congresswomen urge federal funding for homecare of Shoah survivors in US
Fri, 05 Aug 2011
Holocaust survivors living in the United States would receive federal funds designed to help them age at home, rather than having to move to an institution, according to a new bill drafted by the Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and her Republican counterpart Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. The bipartisan proposal calls for survivors to be added to a list of elderly citizens receiving preferred treatment and to create a grant program helping them with their transportation needs, the ‘Jerusalem Post’ reports.
“As a nation that upholds the values of freedom, liberty and justice, we have a moral obligation to acknowledge the plight and uphold the dignity of Holocaust survivors to ensure their well-being,” Wasserman Schultz was quoted as saying. “Our children’s generation will be the last to know Holocaust survivors and hear their stories firsthand. We must do all we can to honor their struggles and their lives by improving their access to transportation to get them where they need to go, and improve their home-care options so that they can have peace of mind. This bill does just that, and it’s time to make it happen.”
Ros-Lehtinen said survivors of Nazi persecution deserved to be honored in their old age. “The sad reality is that every day, we have fewer Holocaust survivors among us to tell their tragic tales that remind us of the reality of evil,” she said in an email quoted by the Israeli newspaper. “Many of these survivors have pressing medical and housing needs and this bill seeks to address those gaping holes in social services,” she added.
An estimated 127,000 Holocaust survivors live in the United States today. About three quarters of them are over the age of 75, and about two-thirds live alone. Many of the survivors struggle to make ends meet and are in poor health.
We welcome any comments you may have on this article. Comments are moderated and we reserve the right to edit or remove any which are derogatory or offensive. The WJC is not responsible for the content of any comments.
Subscribe to our newsletter
World Jewish Congress and Chelsea F.C. kick off strategic partnership to put a stop to anti-Semitism in sports
The Red Card for Hate initiative will take the form of three specific projects geared toward encouraging supporters, government officials and the public at large to treat anti-Semitism more seriously and to engage in discourse for effective action.
World Jewish Congress stands with British Jews in demanding Labor leader Corbyn turn words into actions to combat anti-Semitism in party
In joint statement, the Jewish Leadership Council and Board of Deputies of British Jews said: "Words in letters and newspaper articles will never be enough. We welcome the fact that Mr Corbyn's words have changed but it is action by which the Jewish community will judge him and the Labour Party."
On visit to Estonia, WJC CEO Robert Singer urges authorities to ‘act swiftly and vigorously’ against all signs of anti-Semitism
Over the course of his three-day visit, Singer met with Prime Minister Jüri Ratas, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mikhelson, Chairman of the Jewish Community of Estonia Alla Jakobson and other senior officials
Lithuanian Jews reject proposed legislation to censor goods deemed to "distort the historical facts of Lithuania"
Lithuanian Jewish Community chairwoman Faina Kukliansky says: "Lithuania must remain open and democratic. Freedom of speech and human rights must be insured in our country just as actively as the calls to fight for the protection of consumer rights through these amendments.”
Ronald S. Lauder: “The Jews Will Never Forget the Bravery of the Bulgarians”
Bulgaria's Magazine 79 interview WJC President Lauder during commemoration events of the 75th anniversary of the rescue of the Bulgarian Jews.
From Sofia: A Lunch With WJC President Ronald S. Lauder
Shalom President Alexander Oscar announces plan to honor Lauder with the Stara Planina Order, which is the highest order Bulgaria has to offer.
Documentary of bid to uncover UN secretary-general's Nazi past wins film prize - Jewish Chronicle
The documentary includes press conferences with heads of the World Jewish Congress, who went all out to uncover the truth about Waldheim, and defensive interviews with Waldheim both in English and German.
Poles and the Holocaust in historical perspective - Tablet
As the controversy surrounding Poland’s new law continues, it’s crucial to keep the facts and the complexities of the subject in mind | By Menachem Z. Rosensaft.
There are no comments
Fill up the form above and be the first one