Albany, NY – Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows) and Assembly Majority colleagues announce $250,000 in funding in this year’s budget to provide services and programming for Holocaust survivors. The funding would be directed toward programming and services most needed by Holocaust survivors, including help with medical bills, enhanced case management, home care, benefits assistance, social gatherings and celebrations, caregiver support, and proper mental health resources.

“New York’s state budget commits to caring for those who need it most – Holocaust survivors. It is our responsibility to ensure that they have access all the necessary services to live with the comfort and dignity they deserve,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. “I am grateful to my Assembly colleagues for their partnership in securing this integral funding.”

“The horrors and atrocities of the Holocaust continue to have long-lasting effects on survivors, even now, some 70 years later,” said Assemblywoman Helene E. Weinstein, Chair of Ways and Means. “As survivors age, assistance shouldn't be something they need worry over. This funding will ensure that the organizations they've come to rely on will continue to provide these vital services in an even greater capacity.”

“The support of our aging population should be a top priority. More importantly, we must support the survivors of the horrible atrocities that occurred in the Holocaust,” said Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol. “Survivors, many of whom live in my district, need additional social services and financial support given their circumstances. I am happy to stand with Assemblywoman Rozic and our Assembly colleagues to support this great cause. We hope that these additional funds will make their lives a bit easier.”

“We must never forget the evils of the Holocaust and ensure that they will never be repeated especially as acts of Anti-Semitism and other forms of hate continue to increase in our Country. New York is home to so many who escaped persecution abroad which is why I am grateful that the Assembly has included $250,000 in their budget proposal to help support aging Holocaust survivors in our State,” said Assemblyman David I. Weprin. “I want to thank Assemblymember Nily Rozic for her unwavering advocacy on this issue. This allocation will ensure that New York continues to serve as a beacon of freedom against Anti-Semitism and hate no matter the time.”

“It is a sad truth that over half of New York City's Holocaust survivors are at or below the federal poverty line,” said Assemblymember Daniel Rosenthal. “This allocation is essential to securing our vulnerable population with access to the unique care they need and deserve. I am proud to stand by the efforts of Assemblywoman Rozic and my colleagues to ensure that our survivors are able to live with dignity.”

“Holocaust survivors are our most important citizens. The stories of their struggle and sacrifice must be passed on to future generations,” said Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein. “I thank Speaker Heastie and our Assembly Majority colleagues for allocating an additional $250,000 towards social services for Holocaust survivors.”

Louisa Chafee, Senior Vice President, External Relations and Public Policy, UJA-Federation of New York said: “UJA is grateful to Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and her colleagues in the legislature for supporting the unique needs of Holocaust survivors living in poverty in their SFY 2019-2020 Budget proposal. Many of UJA’s partner organizations provide critical services for survivors, including case management; legal assistance; trauma-informed care; end of life care and more to meet the needs of this vulnerable population. However, caring for this population often requires a set of special services that are unique to Holocaust survivors. Due to the nature of their trauma, these services can be costly for providers. UJA is committed to ensuring that our remaining survivors receive the care and support they need to live their lives with the dignity and respect they deserve. We urge the state to provide funding for this program in the final budget.”

Sandy Myers, Vice President, External Affairs and Communications, Selfhelp Community Services said: “Funding and support from government is key to enabling Holocaust survivors to age with the independence and dignity they deserve, especially those struggling with poverty and deteriorating health conditions. As the largest provider of services to Holocaust survivors in North America, Selfhelp Community Services thanks Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and her colleagues in the legislature for including funding for survivors in the budget. We look forward to working with the legislature to secure this funding in the final budget.”

David Greenfield, CEO of Met Council said: “Met Council is deeply grateful to Assemblywoman Rozic and all those who stand in support of the Holocaust survivors among us. Survivors have endured the unimaginable and Met Council is proud to work with New York City and State to ensure each is cared for and supported with the comfort and dignity they so deserve.”

“At a time when vicious, anti-Semitic attacks against Jewish New Yorkers is becoming a daily occurrence and students across the country display swastikas with pride, this legislation is especially important,” said Orthodox Union Executive Vice President Allen Fagin. “It is crucial that our government recognizes and supports the elderly citizens of New York who carry the scars of unimaginable horror and abuse at the hands of the Nazis. We thank Assemblywoman Rozic and the entire Assembly for this important funding.”

Masha Pearl, Executive Director of The Blue Card, said: “Thank you to Assembly Members Joe Lentol and Nily Rozic for their tremendous efforts to allocate $250,000 for Holocaust Survivors in the Assembly’s budget! This will make a major impact on those who count on us every day. As one of the organizations on the front lines working to make sure that Holocaust survivors are able to live their remaining years in dignity, The Blue Card sees the needs for assistance grow year after year after year – this crucial support will ensure that needy Holocaust survivors will receive the care and support they so desperately need and deserve.”

Dr. Irwin Shindler, CEO of Pesach Tikvah - Door of Hope said: "The Holocaust survivors we serve have suffered so much in their lives. This funding makes it possible to offer them succor and support, enabling them to age with dignity and respect. Thank you to Assembly Members Joe Lentol and Nily Rozic for leading the charge on this critical funding for our most vulnerable population."

As survivors age and navigate expected challenges, they need additional support for issues that stem directly from experiences in the Holocaust. Studies have found that survivors face a higher incidence of cancer, heart disease, PTSD, and depression. More than 50% of survivors living in New York City can be classified as ‘very poor’ or ‘near poor’ under federal guidelines.