Israeli Holocaust survivors in need

B"H

Today there are about 260,000 Holocaust survivors living in Israel and many of them live below the poverty line. Their pension is just not enough to cover all expenses, let alone leading a good life. Instead, many survivors can hardly pay for rent and food.

Last April on Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), people were demonstrating in front of the Knesset and the government promised to solve the problem. Long discussions took place and politicians came to the conclusion that most survivors who do live below the poverty line are new immigrants from Eastern European countries, especially from Russia. And those Russians already receive a higher pension than others. So, why raise the pension of Holocaust survivors at all ?

A week ago, the Knesset decided that every survivor is getting an additional 100 Shekels (25 US Dollar) per month. The survivors say that this sum is ridiculous and again see themselves as victims. They do not really have a lobby in Israel and sometimes feel completely forgotten.

Today, demonstrations are taking place in front of Prime Minister Olmert's office in Jerusalem, Kaplan Street. At 4.30pm (Jerusalem time) the survivors are going to start a "March of the Living" in the Rose Garden in Sacher Park, right across the government offices and the Knesset.