Claims Conference Awards JFS $181,299 Grant for Area Holocaust Survivors

Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties (JFS) received a $181,299 grant from the Claims Conference to assist the nearly 25 Holocaust survivors who live in this region. The funds were part of a $720 million allocation to more than 300 social service organizations worldwide. JFS provides programs and services to Survivors and seniors including home care, case management, Kosher Meals on Wheels, transportation and virtual socialization programs.

“At JFS, we are honored and humbled to take care of Holocaust survivors in our county,” said Andrea Steinberg, JFS Chief Executive Officer. “By providing essential support, we can immeasurably add to their quality of life as they age with grace and dignity.”

As Gideon Taylor, President of the Claims Conference, said, “We are proud to announce this significant allocation at a time when these funds are critical, due to the age, poverty and increasing disability of our waning survivor population, and as they also continue to face the ongoing uncertainty and threat of COVID-19. We know these funds provide vital support during these difficult times.”

Founded in 1951 by representatives of 23 major international Jewish organizations the Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference) negotiates for compensation and restitution for Jewish survivors of the Holocaust and their heirs. In 2021, the Claims Conference distributed $653 million USD in grants to over 300 social service agencies worldwide. This year, through grants and partner organizations, the funds will support approximately 120,000 Holocaust survivors worldwide.

“Funds negotiated by the Claims Conference and allocated to social welfare agencies are used to finance life-sustaining social services for needy survivors of the Shoah around the globe, implemented by accomplished and dedicated social agencies. In my home country of Poland, for example, I was able to see for myself the lasting impact these services had for survivors during the past two years, especially under the conditions of the rampant pandemic,” said Marian Turski, Auschwitz survivor and Negotiations Delegation member.

In addition to Claims Conference support, JFS partners with KAVOD Shef to meet emergency needs of Survivors throughout the year. This year, JFS, along with the Jewish Federation of Atlantic & Cape May Counties, aims to raise an additional $18,000 to ensure all Survivor needs are met. For more information on making a pledge or to discuss how your contribution will make a difference in the lives of Holocaust survivors, contact Beth Joseph at 609.822.7409 or bjoseph@jfsatlantic.org.

For more about the Claims Conference, visit www.claimscon.org.