VOLUME 2 NO. 4
Introduction 1 The Claims Conference 1 “I was born twice” 2 “My Story... My Life, The Roller Family” 3 Personal Notices 3 “My Name is Richard Rozen” 5 JHC Calendar of Events 6
SEPTEMBER 2014
Introduction Dear Child Survivors, Welcome to the September edition of Connections. The Claims Conference The official statement from the Claims Conference President detailing the newly created Child Survivor Fund is enclosed with this Newsletter. We have been asked to wait until all the official details are completed and the Fund approved by the Claims Conference and Bundestag. It is envisioned the plan will become operational on 1 January, 2015. JewishCare will then provide us with the all the details regarding application
forms and other requirements, for completing your claim. We will notify all members by email or letter as soon as we have the information. Chag Sameach! We wish “Chag Sameach!“ and well over the fast, to all child survivors. May the New Year be a truly happy, healthy and peaceful year for all. Warmest regards viv.
Claims Conference Reaches Landmark Agreement with Germany to Assist Child Survivors of the Holocaust The Claims Conference has reached a landmark agreement with the German Finance Ministry under which the organization and the German government will together provide assistance to Jewish child survivors of the Holocaust. The Claims Conference negotiating delegation emphasized to the German government that the trauma Jewish children suffered during the Holocaust has overshadowed the rest of their lives. Their experiences included devastating separation from parents, witnessing unimaginable atrocities, malnutrition and a range of physically abusive situations. These early traumas are now resulting in lateonset physical and psychological problems that only now are appearing as concrete symptoms in their old age. “Child survivors” are defined as Nazi victims born on January 1, 1928 or later. Those who were in concentration camps, ghettos or were, for at least six months in Nazioccupied territory or 12 months in Axis countries, in hiding or living under false identity will be eligible to receive a
Jewish Children in the Drancy internment camp, France 1942. Photo: Memorial de la Shoah
one-time payment of €2,500 euros (approximately $3,280). The fund is expected to become operational on January 1, 2015, and details will be made available after approval by the German Bundestag and the Claims Conference. Child Survivor Fund: Frequently Asked Questions The agreement reached by the Claims Conference in negotiations with the German government comes on the heels of the first-ever symposium of Jewish Child survivors