More Holocaust survivors are finally getting increased stipends

Survivors receiving one-time payments of NIS 6,500 to NIS 9,500 each, as well as increased monthly payments of NIS 370 to NIS 760.

By ETGAR LEFKOVITS
holocaust survivors 248 88 aj (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
holocaust survivors 248 88 aj
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
Tens of thousands of Holocaust survivors are starting to receive improved state stipends, the umbrella group of Holocaust survivors in Israel said Thursday. The increased state assistance will affect 43,000 survivors who had not benefited from a recent government decision to boost the stipends of Holocaust survivors in Israel. The survivors are receiving one-time payments of NIS 6,500 to NIS 9,500 each, as well as increased monthly payments of NIS 370 to NIS 760 each depending on the percentage of their disability. The total cost to the state budget is estimated at NIS 230 million this year. The funding came from recently approved cutbacks to government ministries. "This is another step that will solve an injustice whereby Holocaust survivors living in Israel received less assistance than those living in Germany or the United States," said Uri Arazi, a spokesman for the umbrella organization.