[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 96 (Thursday, June 16, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SUPPORTING THE GOAL OF ENSURING ALL HOLOCAUST VICTIMS LIVE WITH 
                     DIGNITY, COMFORT, AND SECURITY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 16, 2016

  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 129, which 
passed the House of Representatives earlier this month. This resolution 
urges the Federal Republic of Germany to reaffirm itself to its goal of 
guaranteeing that all Holocaust victims live with dignity, comfort, and 
security throughout the rest of their lives. The tragedies and 
hardships that Holocaust survivors have endured in their lifetime are 
undeniable and we should do everything in our power to ensure they 
should face no such hardships again. But, despite this, many survivors 
throughout the country and world are living in poverty and require 
assistance and specific services that they cannot afford on their own.
   There are approximately 500,000 remaining Holocaust survivors today, 
and more than 60,000 of them are in need of home care services. The 
Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims 
Conference) has devoted itself to negotiating with the German 
Government to provide payments to assist these survivors. Since its 
first agreement in 1952, $70 billion has been distributed to more than 
800,000 Holocaust survivors and the 60,000 survivors still in need of 
care today means these efforts must continue. That is why I support the 
work of the Claims Conference, why I co-sponsored and voted in favor of 
H. Con. Res. 129, and why I will continue to support such efforts to 
ensure survivors have the support and financial assistance to live out 
their lives with dignity, comfort, and security.

                          ____________________