International Holocaust Remembrance Day: 12,000 survivors passed away this year in Israel
Today, there are roughly 111,000 Holocaust survivors living in Israel, of whom 37% receive allowance from the state • Welfare Minister: 'A staggering figure that highlights the urgency of the moment'
Ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which will be marked on Tuesday, the Ministry of Welfare is publishing updated data on the situation of Holocaust survivors in Israel. According to estimates, there are currently about 111,000 survivors living in Israel, of whom 37% (about 41,800 people) receive services from the Ministry of Welfare.
The Ministry of Welfare also noted that in 2025, about 12,000 Holocaust survivors passed away. The average age of survivors in Israel is 87 years.
Over the past year, the Ministry of Welfare allocated approximately 61 million shekels for social and therapeutic services for the Holocaust survivor community. Among the services provided by the ministry are home visits, social clubs to reduce feelings of loneliness, and clubs that combine social activities with nutritional security.
According to the Director General of the Ministry of Welfare, Yinon Aharoni, some of the ministry's services also include providing a platform for survivors to share their personal stories, in light of the importance of raising global awareness by bringing these testimonies to public attention, as the number of Holocaust survivors in Israel and around the world continues to decline.
In addition, the Ministry of Welfare states that in the past year, a joint initiative began with the "Ezer Mizion" association to fulfill the wishes of Holocaust survivors residing in nursing homes, and that the program's activities are planned to continue in 2026 as well.
Minister of Welfare and Social Affairs, Haim Katz: "We are committed to ensuring that every Holocaust survivor lives a life of dignity. The Ministry of Welfare has in the past carried out proactive campaigns to realize the rights of Holocaust survivors, and even today works to ensure appropriate responses through personal accompaniment and tailored services. We will continue to do our utmost, paying close attention to needs on the ground, so that no survivor is left in loneliness and without support."