Remembering the Holocaust, Forgetting the Survivors

This Friday, the world will observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a day to remember the millions murdered at the hands of the Nazis. But remembering those who died is only the beginning of our moral responsibility, Rabbi Eckstein writes at The Algemeiner. We must also continue to help those who survived this dark chapter of history:

Today, many of the world’s remaining 500,000 Holocaust survivors are living out their final years in poverty. Most of those who are suffering either live in Israel, across the former Soviet Union or in greater New York City.

Of the 189,000 Holocaust survivors in Israel, 25 percent live below the poverty line. Of the 60,000 survivors throughout the former Soviet Union (FSU), poverty is endemic – approaching 85-90%. Even in New York City, home to another 60,000 survivors, about half live below the poverty line.

This is nothing short of a humanitarian crisis. But worse, it speaks of a moral failure, because those who suffered the unimaginable are now suffering once again through general ignorance or neglect. And the clock is ticking for us to respond. Every day, 40 survivors die. Within about a decade, few who experienced the Holocaust first-hand will remain…

You can help provide for these elderly Holocaust survivors who have nothing and no one to turn to. Please give today.

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