Jewish Federations of North America commend the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee for proposing $10 million in funding for the Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program, an increase from the current $8.5 million level. 

 

The announcement comes as communities across the country mark Holocaust Survivor Day, a time to honor the resilience of Holocaust survivors and recommit ourselves to ensuring they can live their later years with dignity, security, and support. 

  

The Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program is a unique public-private partnership among the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, Jewish Federations of North America, and community-based health and supportive service providers. The program helps address the complex and often unique needs of the nation’s aging Holocaust survivor population. 

  

Through this initiative, communities have pioneered person-centered, trauma-informed (PCTI) care for Holocaust survivors and their family caregivers. The model has demonstrated how trauma-informed approaches can improve outcomes not only for survivors, but also for other older adults who have experienced significant trauma throughout their lives. 

  

“On Holocaust Survivor Day, we recognize the extraordinary resilience of Holocaust survivors and reaffirm our responsibility to care for them,” said Eric D. Fingerhut, President and CEO of Jewish Federations of North America. “We commend the House for proposing $10 million for the Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program. This increased investment will help ensure that survivors, many of whom continue to face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges, receive the specialized care and support they deserve.” 

  

Jewish Federations urge the full House and Senate to support the proposed $10 million funding level as the appropriations process moves forward. 

  

The announcement comes just two days after our Center on Aging, Trauma, and Holocaust Survivor Care hosted its first-ever Aging & Trauma Showcase, bringing together experts from across the nation to share best practices and demonstrate how the PCTI approach has impacted lives in their communities. 

  

Today, over one-third of Holocaust survivors in the United States are estimated to be living in poverty. Many face elevated risks of depression, social isolation, and other adverse health outcomes if they do not receive appropriate care and support. 

  

The lessons learned through the Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program have broader relevance as well. Nearly 90 percent of older adults in the United States have experienced at least one traumatic event, including veterans, first responders, survivors of violence and abuse, and those affected by natural and man-made disasters. By advancing trauma-informed care, the program helps build a stronger model for serving vulnerable older adults across the country.