A bill defining who is officially recognized as a “victim of National Socialism” and therefore entitled to certain benefits, notably to a small monthly pension if otherwise without income, has been adopted by the West Berlin city government. It must still be approved by the municipal council.
The new law extends “victims of National Socialism” status to certain borderline, cases not heretofore covered by it. Jews will now be granted “victims of Nazism” status if they were compelled to use the Nazi-imposed first names of “Israel” and “Sara” for at least six months, or if they led an illegal underground existence for the same period. Also recognized as victims are Berlin residents who fought against Hitlerism for political, religious, racial or ethical reasons and were in consequence deprived of liberty for more than six months.
As the Year Turns, Support the Journalism You Trust. JTA covers the stories shaping Jewish life around the world — with the depth this moment calls for. As you reflect on the year ahead, consider a gift that keeps independent Jewish journalism strong.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
