The Knesset Lobby for Holocaust Survivors convened a special hearing on Monday afternoon, in honor of Holocaust Memorial Day. The goal: to discuss important issues regarding the Israeli government services for survivors – and to give Holocaust survivors a platform and a voice.

During the meeting, the Caucus vowed to continue working closely with other Knesset committees and ministries to ensure not only that the survivors can live with dignity, but that Holocaust education in Israel advances and thrives. Representatives stressed that the goal is make sure that not a single survivor living in Israel is left without the ability to live life to the fullest.  Both survivors and attending MKs said the past year has been crucial for improving Holocaust survivors’ lives.

MK Dov Khenin during a rally in Tel-Aviv for the rights of the Nazi-fascist Holocaust survivors, Sunday, April 27, 2014 (Photo: Zo Haderech)

Caucus co-chairman MK Dov Khenin (Hadash) noted that despite great gains in the state’s services to survivors, there is always room for improvement. “I have a lot of respect for Holocaust survivors, but sometimes feel ashamed about the state’s attitude towards them,” he stated. “The Knesset Caucus still has much to do, but this year we also saw progress, which we welcome.”

“I am pleased that the government has accepted our proposal regarding the rights of survivors who arrived to Israel after 1953 and increasing eligibility for benefits,” he continued. “But there are pressing challenges still ahead: the issue of Holocaust refugees, easing the bureaucratic burden on survivors [. . .] and creating a uniform list of Holocaust survivors and one address for them to get information and answers about their rights.”  According to MK Khenin: “the goal is make sure that not a single survivor living in Israel is left without the ability to live life to the fullest.”