Jerusalem, 13 April, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Ahead of this week’s Holocaust Remembrance Day observance in Israel, the Ministry of Welfare and Social Security reported that, according to estimates, there are approximately 19,000 Holocaust Survivors living in Israel today, and approximately 12,000 survivors have died in the past year.
Almost 40% of the survivors – 40,370 people – are registered with social services and receive support and guidance from local authorities and the Ministry of Social Affairs. The rate of those eligible for long-term care benefits from the National Insurance Institute is approximately 74% of all survivors, and rises to approximately 84% among those registered with social services.
The average age of Holocaust survivors receiving social services is eighty-seven.
During the war with Iran, the Ministry of Social Affairs operated a dedicated support system for senior citizens in general, and Holocaust survivors in particular. Five activity centers were established in hotels to which senior citizens whose homes were damaged were evacuated, and they provide social support, recreational activities, and assistance in exercising rights.
Additionally, over 500 senior citizens were transferred to nursing homes after they were unable to remain in their homes, and moved to a protected environment.