Living Legends: Israel’s Heroic Vets Who Fought the Nazis

Marking 80 years since the end of World War II and the liberation of Auschwitz, the Holocaust Survivors’ Authority has released data honoring the 135, including 21 women, remaining disabled WWII veterans in Israel, including 21 women, aged 90 to 106, who bravely fought against the Nazi war machine. Just a few decades ago, there were approximately 14,000 such veterans in the country, but as time has taken its toll, their numbers have steadily declined.

Most of these heroes immigrated from the former Soviet Union during the 1990s, a nation that fought the Nazis with extraordinary determination, suffering the loss of over 25 million soldiers and civilians, including more than one million Jews.

Some arrived in Israel as early as the 1950s, witnessing the transformation of the nation from the ashes of the Holocaust into a thriving, independent state. Today, cities like Netanya, Ashdod, Haifa, and Ashkelon remain home to these remarkable individuals who exemplify Israel’s enduring strength and spirit.

Celebrating Their Heroism

In recognition of their sacrifices, disabled veterans of the war against the Nazis receive an exclusive monthly stipend based on their level of disability, amounting to thousands of shekels. Additionally, they are entitled to an extensive benefits package, which includes full exemption from co-payments for medications in the health basket, full coverage for medical treatments, equipment, and disability-related aids, annual rehabilitation (often with a therapeutic companion), clothing grants, psychological treatments, social volunteer support, and more.

In gratitude for their sacrifices, these veterans receive generous monthly stipends, full medical coverage, psychological support, rehabilitation programs, and more. These benefits honor their contribution to defeating one of history’s greatest evils.

MK Uri Maklev, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and head of the Holocaust Survivors’ Authority, stated:
“Behind these numbers are people who endured the harshest suffering and challenges. With the passage of time, we can see the incredible difficulties they faced, and their message to future generations is a testament to the power of the human spirit, faith, and their remarkable revival. The Holocaust Survivors’ Rights Authority works tirelessly every day and every hour to provide vital health, personal, welfare, and social services for these esteemed survivors who mean so much to us.”

A Testament of Faith and Revival

Deputy Minister MK Uri Maklev, head of the Holocaust Survivors’ Authority, expressed: “Behind these numbers are people who endured the harshest suffering and challenges. Their message to future generations is a testament to the power of the human spirit, faith, and their remarkable revival.”

As Psalm 126:5 reminds us: “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy.” The sacrifices of these veterans sowed the seeds for the freedom and resilience Israel enjoys today. May their legacy inspire future generations to remember their courage, honor their faith, and stand strong for truth and justice.