1 year war in Ukraine: Aid network for survivors of Nazi persecution is looking for donation sponsors

Since the extension of the Russian war of aggression to the whole of Ukraine, the »Aid Network for Survivors of Nazi Persecution in Ukraine« has supported more than 1700 survivors of Nazi persecution with financial emergency aid or relief supplies and is looking for new donation sponsors.

Since September last year, the aid network has already provided regular support for survivors with donation sponsorships, shortly before the Russian attacks on critical infrastructure further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Around 100 survivors currently receive 40 euros per month through the sponsorships for the essentials of life, such as spending on food or medicine.

» It is now particularly important to ensure the long-term support of the people on the ground. Many survivors are in precarious situations and now need regular support. That’s why we hope that more people will take on sponsorships and thus guarantee the monthly payments,” explains Ragna Vogel, coordinator of the aid network.

» We could not even dream that we would have to go through another war. «

Olga P. M. (born 1939) was deported with her parents and four sisters from Kherson to Austria in 1943, where her parents had to perform forced labor. Olga P. M. now lives in Rivne and is happy about the sponsorship that was taken over for her from Germany. » We could not even dream that we would have to go through another war. This has undermined our health, because we are all elderly, our health is no longer good. «

The survivors of Nazi persecution affected by the war in Ukraine need intensive support. In addition to their old age, many of them are health-impaired, bedridden and dependent on care. They can no longer or do not want to flee. 46 people alone, who were sponsored by the aid network, live in the frontline region of Mykolaiv.

Partners in Ukraine ensure everyday life in the war

Lyudmila Sukovata has been working for the Foundation for Understanding and Tolerance for 23 years, which supports survivors of Nazi persecution in Ukraine. She is a partner of the aid network and is in regular contact with the survivors. Her phone rings several times a day, because people’s need for conversation has increased, and many traumatic experiences come up again. Joint meetings with the survivors in Rivne, west of Kyiv, provide a little everyday life in the midst of the war: “This helps everyone to survive and to show them that they are cared for and not left alone. «

The »Aid Network for Survivors of Nazi Persecution in Ukraine« was founded on 9 March 2022 on the initiative of the Berlin association KONTAKTE-KOHTAKTbI and now consists of 50 members. The aim is to support the survivors of Nazi persecution in Ukraine, their families and colleagues from Ukraine affected by the war in an unbureaucratic and effective manner. About 40,000 Nazi survivors live in Ukraine or have fled their home country in recent months.

Ragna Vogel, coordinator of the aid network, is happy to talk to you. We are also happy to arrange interviews with partners in Ukraine and experts from the aid network.

The coordination of the network is supported by the Foundation Remembrance, Responsibility and Future (EVZ).