TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In recognition of Holocaust Education Week, Florida is highlighting its Holocaust Victims Assistance Program.
According to a new release from the Florida Department of Financial Services, the program helps all Florida Holocaust survivors in their recovery of proceeds from insurance policies issued to Holocaust victims and restitution for Nazi-confiscated bank accounts, art and property.
Holocaust Education Week takes place during the second week of November, which corresponds with the anniversary of Kristallnacht, a defining moment in the discrimination and persecution of Jewish families by the Nazis.
Read: Subtropical Storm Nicole expected to continue to strengthen; see updated track
“During Holocaust Education Week, we stand together to recognize the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. This unthinkable tragedy must never be forgotten, and we must ensure that all Floridians are educated on this tragic part of history so we will never relive it,” said Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis. “Last year, we assisted survivors and their families with securing more than $15 million through our Holocaust Victims Assistance Program, and I hope to see these claims resolved, and property recovered. Florida is proud to be home to the third largest Jewish population in the country, and as CFO, I’m always proud to support Florida’s Jewish community.”
Read: Florida offers new program for military families to guard against scams targeting them
Since 1998, Florida has worked to reunite Florida Holocaust survivors seeking to recover stolen assets, such as confiscated bank accounts, art and property, determined by the Holocaust Victims Assistance Act.
Since it began, the program has recovered more than $92 million.
Read: Subtropical Storm Nicole: Here’s where you can get sandbags in Central Florida
The Florida Department of Financial Services provides education and assistance to Holocaust survivors and their heirs regarding restitution programs from Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, France, Austria, Hungary and other countries.
If you need assistance with filing a Holocaust-era financial claim or assistance in obtaining social welfare services can contact the Holocaust Victims Assistance Helpline by phone at (800) 388-4069 or via email at HolocaustAssistance@MyFloridaCFO.com.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.