Yediot Ahronot - YNet - Nana                          

19 April 2007

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International organizations eager in helping Holocaust survivors in Israel.

What Israel won't do for itself, organizations around the world will do.  And they’ll do this by sending food packs to Holocaust survivors in need.  Says Dr. Ronald Robertson, a member of a worldwide organization:  “It cannot be that in 2007 a Holocaust survivor must chose between medicine and food due to lack of finances." 

What Israel won't do for itself, the international organizations will do: decision to deliver to Israel 20,000 food packs have been brought yesterday (Wednesday). First parcels start to be delivered tonight and tomorrow to Holocaust survivors in need. The initiative came from international organizations after being exposed to the deep crisis in which a third of the Holocaust survivors find themselves living in today in Israel. The Helping Hand Coalition is an organization that works worldwide heeding to many different humanitarian missions. It is also the leading movement in this initiative.

"It cannot be that in 2007 a Holocaust survivor must choose between medicine and food due to lack of finances", says Dr. Ronald Robertson, the International Executive Coordinator of the Helping Hand Coalition.  According to him, "These holy survivors should be treated as angels.  I would have never imagined that in Israel today these survivors would be on the verge of starvation."

After being informed of the desperate need of the Holocaust survivors in Israel for the first time last month (March), Dr. Ronald Robertson's organization felt compelled to come to their air and distribute food packs to those in need during the coming month.

"We have established a representation in Israel and we intend to aid in every required field: food, medical help, accommodation, money.  We are committed to offering aid in every area and every volume for as long as is needed." he says.

Dr. Robertson adds that thus far his organization has dealt with aiding those Holocaust survivors in need mainly from Poland and the former Soviet Union. "Until now, we were unaware of the situation of the Holocaust survivors in Israel and since learning about it, we have decided on quick and immediate action."

Dr. Ronald Robertson, the International Executive Coordinator of the Helping Hand Coalition

There are approximately 70,000 Holocaust survivors living under the poverty level in Israel today. At different medical clinics, many of them are treated with disrespect and shame as they have to prove that their disabilities or invalidism were caused as a result of Nazi persecution.  In addition, the State of Israel is not living up to the "Holocaust survivor law", and preventing help from reaching the Holocaust survivors.

Any Holocaust survivor in need and anyone who knows about a Holocaust survivor in need is welcome to call the Helping Hands Coalition at: 03-5752199.  The organization is also turning to volunteers who are willing to aid and help with the situation.