Support the Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program

The Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program (HSAP) is an integral and effective public-private partnership administered by Jewish Federations that makes it easier and more cost effective for survivors to receive care. It is the national resource center authorized under the Older Americans Act to support older individuals who have survived major disasters, upheavals, and often persecution—who have trouble accessing critical care services because of their experiences—by providing training and technical assistance to their service providers.

As Holocaust survivors age, many face declining health, social isolation, and re-traumatization. The loss of a spouse or caregiver often resurfaces the extreme stresses of their early lives, further complicating their ability to seek, receive, and fully benefit from essential care, including Medicare and other federally funded services. Most survivors are 85 and older, and many live in isolation, making it even harder to access the support they need. Without appropriate care, the consequences are economically and physically severe.

The rise in antisemitism and the ongoing conflict in Israel underscore the need for HSAP. The increased demand for services is further heightened by the trauma survivors have experienced. In order to meet the increased costs of supporting Holocaust survivors and other aging populations, it is critical that Congress fund HSAP at $10 million for FY26.

Honor Holocaust survivors and fill out the action alert below.

Dear [Lawmaker],

Holocaust survivors are our teachers and heroes, having overcome unimaginable adversity to rebuild their lives. As they age, many face serious health challenges, social isolation, and the loss of caregivers, making it harder to access essential care. The rise in antisemitism further complicates their ability to live with dignity. We must ensure they have the support they need to age well.
The Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program (HSAP) is a public-private partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living. HSAP provides specialized care for survivors, training service providers to meet Holocaust Survivors unique needs. This care improves their physical and mental health, reduces hospitalizations, and cuts healthcare costs, allowing survivors to stay independent and out of costly institutional care.
Investing in HSAP is critical. The average cost of nursing home care is $108,000 annually, while home- and community-based services are a fraction of that (Genworth Cost of Care Survey). Social isolation increases healthcare costs by $1,644 per person annually (National Library of Medicine), and lonely Medicare beneficiaries spend $153 more monthly on healthcare. Without continued funding, the long-term costs of neglecting HSAP will far exceed the investment needed today. Failing to support this program risks higher hospitalizations, escalating care costs, and the loss of survivors’ ability to share their invaluable firsthand testimonies. The ongoing war in Israel and the rise in antisemitism further amplify the growing demand for HSAP services, compounded by the trauma survivors have experienced.
To ensure survivors live as long as possible to share their stories with future generations, it is essential to fully fund HSAP at $10 million in FY 2026. HSAP is a timely, bipartisan, and necessary investment to leverage private support to care for Holocaust survivors and other aging victims of tragedies. Jewish Federations urge you to support this necessary investment in the FY 2026 appropriations.

Sincerely,
______

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