USSR Jews who fled Nazis to be paid

Friday, January 13, 2012 Ynet

By Noah Klieger

Thousands of people who immigrated to Israel from the former Soviet Union, after fleeing areas invaded or eyed by the Nazis during World War II, will receive €2,556 ($3,255) in compensation in the coming months from the German aid fund.

Jews entitled to the grant are those who lived in those areas between June 22, 1941 and January 27, 1944, even if they were only threatened and the Nazi army did not arrive in their residential zone after all.

To be exact, anyone who lived up to 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the German army’s posts will be compensated, including residents of Moscow and Stalingrad.

The German aid fund’s agreement to pay the unusual grant marks a significant achievement for heads of the Claims Conference and its special negotiator in Germany, Stuart Eizenstat.

This is the first time the Germans agree to compensate Jews who were threatened by the Nazis but had no direct contact with them.

The Claims Conference estimates that more than 10,000 Israelis will be entitled to the grant.

For the required forms and additional details, Israelis may contact the Claims Conference office in Tel Aviv (8 Ha’arbaa Street) or visit www.claimscon.org.il