According to the latest data from April 2026 (published ahead of Holocaust Remembrance Day), approximately 111,000 Holocaust survivors (victims of the Holocaust and antisemitic persecution) are living in Israel today.
Key demographic data (as of early 2026):
- Gender: 63% women, 37% men.
- Age: All are at least 80 years old; 28% are over 90. The average age is approximately 88.
- Place of birth: Around 60.5% were born in Europe (mainly the former USSR, Romania, and Poland). A significant group also comes from North African and Middle Eastern countries (Morocco, Iraq, Tunisia, etc.).
- Immigration: About one-third arrived since the 1990s (mainly from the former USSR). Earlier waves came immediately after the war and during the 1950s.
- Distribution: 95% live in cities, around 42% in the largest urban centers such as Jerusalem, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Haifa, Ashdod, and Netanya.
In January 2025, the number was approximately 123,000.
The most financially vulnerable Holocaust survivors in Israel are primarily those with low pensions, late immigrants, and people living alone. According to the latest data (2025–2026), approximately 25–36% of the roughly 110,000–111,000 survivors live below or near the poverty line, depending on the study.
Key high-risk groups:
- Late immigrants from the former USSR (1990s and later)
They have the highest poverty rates. Many receive lower pensions due to incomplete Israeli pension contributions, suffer from poorer health, and have limited savings. - People living alone (around 65–70% of all survivors)
More than 70,000 survivors live alone, increasing the risk of poverty, loneliness, and neglect. Many rely on food assistance: 36% depend on donations for essential groceries, while 27% skip meals due to financial or mobility challenges. - The oldest survivors (over 90 years old — 28% of the population)
They face the greatest caregiving needs, higher medical costs, and reduced mobility. Many survive on minimal benefits. - Survivors from North African and Middle Eastern countries (Morocco, Iraq, Tunisia, etc.)
They often receive lower or one-time grant support instead of full monthly pensions, and historically received less recognition compared to European survivors. - People without full pensions or with very low National Insurance (Bituach Leumi) benefits
Around one-third receive monthly pensions from the Holocaust Survivors’ Rights Authority, while many others receive only annual grants or supplemental assistance. Thousands are still waiting for public housing.
Scale of the problem:
- Globally, around 40% of Holocaust survivors live in poverty.
- In Israel, the situation is somewhat better, but it still affects 25–36% of survivors.
- Many survivors depend on a combination of minimal pensions, welfare benefits, and assistance from organizations such as Latet and Aviv for Holocaust Survivors.
- Needs increased significantly in 2025–2026 due to inflation, war, and rising healthcare costs.
The most vulnerable survivors are often those facing several challenges simultaneously — for example, a 90+ year-old person from the former USSR living alone, with poor health and a very small pension. Organizations prioritize these individuals with additional home care hours, food support, apartment modifications, and psychological assistance.
Systemic challenges remain:
- many survivors live alone,
- some still suffer from poverty,
- bureaucratic procedures can be difficult,
- not everyone is aware of the benefits available to them.
After October 7, 2023, the situation worsened for some survivors:
- some had to evacuate again,
- the cost of living increased,
- many experienced renewed psychological trauma caused by war and rocket alarms.
In Israel, this issue carries enormous emotional significance. There is a widespread belief that the last generation of Holocaust witnesses should live in dignity, yet social organizations continue to warn that the system still does not fully meet all existing needs.