Kiev authorities will increase city pensions for the righteous of Babi Yar.
The leaders of the Kiev city administration made the announcement last week at a reception for the Righteous of Babi Yar, non-Jews who assisted Jews in escaping the mass murder of about 33,700 Jews over several days in September 1941.
Those eligible will receive a larger bonus in addition to their pensions. An initiative of Mayor Leonid Chernovetsky, the bonus will take effect next year.
“But the amount of the bonus is not fixed yet and will be discussed in November-December during the budget building process for 2009,†Chernovetsky said. Since 2006, each Righteous of Babi Yar has received quarterly aid of $40, a representative of the Kiev city-state administration told JTA.
President Victor Yuschenko has bestowed state awards on 100 Righteous of Babi Yar.
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