JCPA Memorandum

Jewish Council for Public Affairs

August 7, 2001

To:       CRC Directors

From:  Ethan Felson, Assistant Executive Director
            Reva Price, Washington Representative

Re:      Holocaust Asset Restitution Payments

As you may recall, the U.S. Congress passed and the President signed into law a provision in this year’s tax bill that would exempt from federal taxation any restitution or compensation payments received by Holocaust survivors.   In 1994, a law was passed that exempted such settlements and payments from being factored into eligibility for federally funded means tested benefits.  In other words, survivors who would otherwise qualify for federal programs such as housing or other social services cannot be denied because they receive restitution payments.

We have become aware that several survivors were turned away from programs for which they were eligible because the individuals assigned to their cases were unaware of this important exemption.

Please help us spread the word about this situation by taking a moment to forward this email to the appropriate people in your community who work with the survivor community.  Jewish Family Service agencies, nursing homes, survivors and second generation groups should all be notified.

If you have any questions, please call Reva at 202-293-1649 or Ethan at 212-684-6950.

Thank you.