Kaminsky, Rozic and Colleagues Successfully Double State Aid for Holocaust Survivors

(Albany, New York) — Senator Todd Kaminsky, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and their colleagues in the State Legislature made Holocaust survivors a priority in this year’s state budget, securing $400,000 in funding to assist them. This record allocation marks an 100% increase in funding from last year’s budget.

“After living through the greatest tragedy in the history of mankind, we owe it to our Holocaust survivors to provide them with the respect, care and resources they deserve,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky. “From mental health counseling, to cash assistance, to sensitive end-of-life care, this historic allocation will go a long way toward empowering survivors to live out the rest of their lives with dignity.”

“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 and Senate colleagues for their partnership in securing this integral funding.”

“UJA is grateful to Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, Senator Todd Kaminsky and their colleagues in the legislature for supporting the unique needs of Holocaust survivors living in poverty in their SFY 2019-2020 Budget,” said Louisa Chafee, Senior Vice President, External Relations and Public Policy, UJA-Federation of New York. “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 thank the state for providing funding for this program in the final budget.”

The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC is proud to provide vital life-sustaining services to Nazi Victims, offering them professional counseling and stimulating programming and allowing them to age in place and die in dignity,” said Cathy Byrne, Associate Executive Director of the Gural JCC. “We are very grateful to the ongoing support of Senator Todd Kaminsky and his recognition of our award winning initiatives with Holocaust survivors. His generous gift will allow us to further our essential work in the community with this fragile and esteemed population.”

“Met Council is deeply grateful to Assemblywoman Rozic, Senator Kaminsky, and all those who stand in support of the Holocaust survivors among us,” said David Greenfield, CEO of Met Council. “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.”

“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, State Senator Kaminsky, and my colleagues to ensure that our survivors are able to live with dignity.”

“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, Senator Kaminsky and our colleagues to support this great cause. We hope that these additional funds will make their lives a bit easier.”

The funding approved in this year’s state budget for Holocaust survivors residing in New York State will provide financial assistance, mental health care, legal services, transportation and sensitive end-of-life care.