- March 26, 2025
- 3:45 pm
- Ukraine
Justice Through the Decades: A New Wave of Holocaust Compensation
In March 2025, Ukraine officially launched a new stage of an international compensation program for individuals who survived the horrors of the Holocaust. These payments are carried out by PrivatBank in cooperation with the Claims Conference — the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
The initiative is implemented under the mandate of the German Federal Government, and Ukraine actively participates in ensuring justice for Holocaust survivors.
Since 2014, PrivatBank has been the only bank in Ukraine authorized to conduct such payments. In 2025, the campaign continues and includes all individuals who meet international participation criteria.
Who Is Eligible for Compensation?
Only those who personally suffered during World War II are eligible for compensation. This includes:
- Survivors of Nazi concentration camps, ghettos, or forced labor camps;
- Individuals who lived under Nazi occupation in Ukraine;
- Those who were forcibly deported to Germany for labor;
- Other individuals who meet the Claims Conference program criteria.
Applications from relatives, legal representatives, or by proxy are not accepted. Compensation is issued only to the survivor upon personal application.
How to Receive a Payment: Step-by-Step
- Visit your nearest PrivatBank branch;
- Present your Ukrainian passport;
- Receive the payment — all operations are conducted without commission or additional fees.
The process is quick and requires no additional documents. Identity verification is the key step.
What Is the Claims Conference and Why Is It Important?
The Claims Conference (Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany) is an international organization founded in 1951. Its mission is to secure compensation, restitution, and support for Holocaust survivors. Today, it is the world’s leading compensation administrator for Nazi victims.
As of 2024, the Claims Conference has:
- Distributed over $90 billion in compensation to Holocaust survivors;
- Funded 300+ survivor assistance organizations in 83 countries;
- Supported educational and memorial programs dedicated to Holocaust remembrance;
- Represented Jewish communities in negotiations with governments.
Official website: www.claimscon.org
What Does PrivatBank Say?
According to a statement from Dmitry Musienko, member of PrivatBank’s Management Board for Retail Business:
“We are proud to contribute and support people who have survived the tragedy of the past. PrivatBank ensures a transparent, convenient, and safe compensation process for all recipients.”
Why Is This Important for the Jewish Community in Israel?
Many Israelis have family roots in Ukraine — their relatives suffered under Nazi occupation. For them, these payments are not just financial support, but a symbol of respect, acknowledgment of suffering, and commitment to historical truth.
The website NAnews — News from Israel highlights: initiatives like this strengthen the bond between the Jewish and Ukrainian peoples, creating space for remembrance, cooperation, and reconciliation.
Why PrivatBank?
Since it began cooperation with the Claims Conference in 2014, PrivatBank has proven itself a reliable partner. Its key advantages include:
- The only authorized bank in Ukraine for Claims Conference payments;
- A wide network of branches nationwide;
- No commissions or hidden fees for recipients;
- High levels of transparency and public trust.
Key Information at a Glance
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Organizer | Claims Conference |
| Bank Operator | PrivatBank |
| Start of Payments | 2014 |
| New Stage | March 2025 |
| Who Is Eligible | Holocaust survivors meeting program criteria |
| Required Documents | Ukrainian passport |
| Commission | None |
| More Information | claimscon.org and PrivatBank branches |
Historical Context: The Holocaust in Ukraine
During World War II, Ukraine was one of the main sites of Nazi atrocities against the Jewish people. According to various estimates, between 1.2 and 1.5 million Jews were murdered on Ukrainian soil — making up a significant portion of all Holocaust victims in Eastern Europe.
Places like Babi Yar in Kyiv, Pechora in Vinnytsia region, and Janowska camp in Lviv became symbols of genocide. Mass shootings, ghettos, deportations, and extermination camps were part of daily terror for hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian Jews.
Today’s compensation payments are not just about money. They are about remembrance, justice, and recognition. In an era of historical revisionism and denial, it is more important than ever to preserve these memories and support the living witnesses.
Conclusion: Memory and Recognition
The compensation program is more than financial aid. It is a testament that the world has not forgotten the tragedy of the Holocaust. Everyone who survived those horrors deserves not only support but formal acknowledgment. PrivatBank, the Claims Conference, and the German government are showing how historical justice can — and must — work.
Deadlines and Key Details: Don’t Miss the Opportunity
This compensation program is not indefinite. Although the end date of the current stage has not been announced, representatives from the Claims Conference and PrivatBank strongly urge eligible individuals not to delay their applications. The sooner you apply, the faster you will receive support.
Also important: Even if you have never received compensation before, you may still be eligible under this new wave. You can check your status at the official website www.claimscon.org or by visiting any PrivatBank branch.
This is a chance for survivors — many of whom have waited decades without assistance — to finally feel remembered. Don’t miss it.
NAnews — News from Israel continues to cover this important topic. Follow us for updates on new initiatives supporting Jewish communities and Ukraine–Israel cooperation.
