The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany on Wednesday settled with Germany’s Finance Ministry a $1.08 billion increase in home-care funding for Holocaust survivors for 2026, the largest budget for survivor home care in the organization’s history.

The supplemental payments will go to more than 127,000 Holocaust survivors around the world, according to the Claims Conference.

With the average age of survivors increasing from 86 in 2018 to 88.5 in 2024, the health needs of the survivors have become greater, with increased costs.

“This historic increase to home-care funding reflects the complex and growing needs of Holocaust survivors worldwide. While we are losing survivors at a rapid pace each year, those who remain are older, frailer and in greater need than ever before. This budget is critical in providing each of them the opportunity to age in place, a dignity that was stolen from them in their youth,” said Claims Conference President Gideon Taylor in a press release.

Special negotiator for the Claims Conference Ambassador Stuart E. Eizenstat remarked: “This funding increase is occurring against a backdrop of challenging fiscal policy. Germany is facing higher energy expenses and an enormous increase in military spending.

“Despite very real budgetary constraints, the German government remains steadfast in its support for Holocaust survivors and Holocaust education,” he added.

Additionally, the German government has extended its support for Holocaust education through 2029, for a total commitment of $205 million.

“It is imperative that we invest in the future of Holocaust education while we still have living witnesses who can share their first-hand testimonies of survival. Building strong curricula, forging new partnerships and employing cutting-edge technology to preserve and share survivor testimonies will ensure the lessons of the Shoah are not forgotten,” said Greg Schneider, executive VP of the Claims Conference.

The Claims Conference is a nonprofit organization with offices in New York, Israel, Germany and Austria. Founded in 1951 by representatives of 23 major international Jewish organizations, it secures material compensation for Holocaust survivors around the world.

It moreover seeks the return of Jewish property stolen during the Holocaust.

Since 1952, the German government has paid more than $95 billion in indemnification to individuals for suffering and losses resulting from persecution by the Nazis.

The post Germany to pay over $1 billion for Holocaust survivors appeared first on JNS.org.