Survivor Services

The Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, in partnership with the Jewish Family Services (JFS), offers a range of programs and services to benefit local Holocaust survivors.

A JFS Claims Conference Program Coordinator is onsite at the VHEC one day a week to assist in assessing and meeting the needs of local survivors, including:

  • Restitution and compensation assistance
  • Financial aid for those who meet the income guidelines
  • Group support
  • Referrals for professional counselling
  • Housing and health care advocacy
  • Home support
  • Social and educational activities

Contact JFS (604-558-5701, rshinkar@jfsvancouver.ca) for more information about these services, or visit their website for more information: www.jfsvancouver.ca/services/seniors/holocaust-survivors.

The VHEC is working in partnership with JFS to deliver socialization programs for the survivor community. The Child Survivor and Russian Survivor groups meet regularly, and special events for the larger survivor community take place throughout the year.

Child Survivor Group

Child survivors and hidden children meet weekly to tell stories and discuss a variety of topics of common interest such as aging, health issues, relationships, reparations, family and Judaism. They produce the No Longer Alone section in Zachor and hold special events throughout the year.

Russian Survivor Group

Russian-speaking Holocaust survivors gather regularly to maintain connection, friendship and mutual support.

Second Generation Group

Children of Holocaust survivors share their experiences among peers in the Second Generation Group.

Holocaust Restitution Information

Through our partnership with JFS, current information is available on a variety of restitution and compensation funds. Survivors can request assistance in filling out restitution and compensation claim forms. Forms may be used to apply for compensation including pensions and one-time payments and social welfare services.

Download claims forms from the Claims Conference website.

Contact JFS (604-558-5701, rshinkar@jfsvancouver.ca) for more information.