Germany to grant $1.4B compensation to Holocaust survivors in 2024 News
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Germany to grant $1.4B compensation to Holocaust survivors in 2024

The Conference on Jewish Materials Claims Against Germany announced on Thursday that it successfully negotiated a deal with the German Federal Ministry of Finance on behalf of Holocaust survivors around the world. The deal means approximately $1.4 billion worth of compensation will be paid in various forms to Jewish survivors of German persecutions in World War II in the coming year.

The claims conference represents Jews all over the world in negotiating for compensation and restitution for victims of Nazi Germany’s persecution and their descendants. Under the Luxembourg Agreement, signed between the government of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the claims conference, the organization is authorized to receive financial compensation from the German government for losses in Jewish livelihood and property resulting from Nazi persecutions during World War II.

The result of the negotiation with the German government announced on Thursday includes a multitude of financial support for Holocaust survivors. In 2024, $888.9 million will be allocated for home care programs, including an additional $105.2 million devoted to satisfying increased needs of survivors. Over 128,000 eligible Jews will be given an annual lump sum payment of €1,250, subject to a yearly increase in an increment of €50 from 2024 to 2027 through the Hardship Fund Supplemental Payment. The fund was initially established during the pandemic and was set to expire this year. In addition, Germany will extend financial support for Holocaust education for an additional two years, which amounts to €38 million and €41 million for 2026 and 2027, respectively.

Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat, Special Negotiator for the Claims Conference Negotiations Delegation said:

It has been nearly 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz and the need to negotiate for survivor care and compensation is more urgent than ever. Every negotiation is a near-last opportunity to ensure survivors of the Holocaust are receiving some measure of justice and a chance at the dignity that was taken from them in their youth. It will never be enough until the last survivor has taken their last breath.

The total amount of direct compensation for survivors, which comprises one-time payments and monthly pensions, is estimated to be $535 million next year, alone. 

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