New York state will provide $2.6 million in aid and support for survivors of the Holocaust to help them access health care services and community programs. 

About 40% of the 40,000 survivors of the Holocaust who live in New York state live in poverty, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul's office. The youngest survivors are now in their mid-70s, and will likely require more support and care as they age. 

"Survivors of the Holocaust endured tragedy beyond the imaginations of the average person. We owe them a lifetime of care and with this funding, we can ensure they receive just that," Hochul said. "In New York, we will never forget and we will do everything possible to honor the memory of the millions of lives lost, and ensure survivors will always be safe, protected and supported. Today we are reaffirming our commitment to supporting survivors as is our duty, and this funding will serve to widen access to services and lift them out of poverty."

The money, to be administered by the state Office for the Aging, will provide support for mental health services as well as trauma-informed care. Money will also go toward crisis prevention meant to avoid hunger and eviction, as well as legal services and counseling. 

Funding for survivors is also being provided in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has presented physical and mental health challenges for those with trauma. 

"Our Holocaust survivors are our greatest treasure, the crown jewels of our community," said Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein. "They survived the horrors of the past and went on to become outstanding and productive citizens of our society."

Money will also be provided for emergency financial assistance for food, housing, prescriptions, medical and dental care. Hospice and end-of-life care will also be funded. 

The money was approved earlier this month as part of the larger $220 billion state budget. 

"Caring for Holocaust survivors who withstood the most diabolical genocide in civilized history is the moral duty of decent people everywhere," said Sen. Simcha Felder. "As a representative of the largest population of Holocaust survivors in the nation, I consider it a profound honor and responsibility to ensure that those who suffered the worst atrocities live the rest of their lives with dignity and respect."