Each of 93 Righteous Gentiles who saved Jews during the Holocaust is slated to receive a $3,500 payment from the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous this Christmas season, or a combined $325,000.
The holiday payment to the heroes, who live in 11 countries, is the largest that the nonprofit has given in its 30-year history, stated the foundation based in West Orange, N.J.
The disbursement is on top of $1,200 quarterly awards that the righteous gentiles receive. Since its founding, the foundation has given $44 million to about 2,500 rescuers who live in more than 34 countries, it stated.
“Each of these Righteous Gentiles is a hero who confronted their own mortality in order to save their Jewish neighbors from Nazi persecution,” stated Stanlee Stahl, executive vice president of the foundation.
“We want this holiday season to be memorable for them, as in their old age, many are facing hardship and isolation,” she added. “This financial assistance to help them buy food, medicine and pay the heating bills is just one of the many ways we can repay our boundless gratitude for all that they did in risking their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust.”
