- January 10, 2025
- 12:01 am
- World News
On January 1, 2025, changes came into force in Ukraine that expand the list of beneficiaries.
Now former minor prisoners of concentration camps, ghettos and other places of forced detention created by Nazi Germany and its allies during World War II are included in the list of those who are entitled to social benefits.
This decision was the result resolution No. 1553adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on December 31, 2024, in accordance with the Law of Ukraine “On the State Budget for 2025”.
Ukraine's decision to support former prisoners of concentration camps and ghettos underscores its desire to preserve the memory of past tragedies and protect those who survived the horrors of repression.
However, the modern war unleashed by Russia shows that such crimes can be repeated in new forms.
Modern Russian fascism: crimes against children in Ukraine
Forced deportation and assimilation
Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the world has witnessed new forms of repression directed against the Ukrainian people. One of the most brutal forms was the abduction and forced deportation of children.
According to the UN, since the beginning of the war, more than 16,000 children. These children are separated from their families and placed in Russian regions. The Russian authorities are pursuing a policy of assimilation: children are deprived of Ukrainian identity, forced to accept the culture and ideology of the aggressor.
“We document the systematic actions of the Russian authorities aimed at erasing the Ukrainian identity and national memory of deported children. This is not just a crime, it is genocide.” — said the Prosecutor General of Ukraine Irina Venediktova.
“Re-education” camps: a new tool of repression
Camps are being organized in the temporarily occupied territories and in Russia itself to “re-educate” Ukrainian children. In these institutions, children are taught a curriculum saturated with Russian propaganda. They are forced to believe in the “liberation mission of Russia”, they distort the history of Ukraine and introduce the values of the “Russian world”.
One of these camps was discovered in the Krasnodar region. There were children from Mariupol who were forcibly separated from their parents. During the classes, they were taught that Ukraine was a “failed state,” and their “liberation” became “salvation.”
“They are trying to create a generation loyal to the aggressor by depriving children of their right to know their own culture and language,” — the Commissioner for Human Rights in Ukraine emphasized.
Destruction of Ukrainian identity
Russia's actions against Ukrainian children fit into its broader policy of destroying national identity. In parallel with deportations and assimilation, attacks on Ukrainian cultural heritage continue: the destruction of museums, libraries, theaters and schools where the Ukrainian language and history were studied.
“Such actions are reminiscent of the worst manifestations of fascism during the Second World War. This is the systematic destruction of a nation.” — said the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky.
Parallels between past and present
These crimes resonate with the tragedies that Jews and Ukrainians experienced during World War II. Then Nazi Germany destroyed and drove Jews and Ukrainians into concentration camps and ghettos. Today Russia uses similar methods: forced relocation, deprivation of identity and destruction of national culture.
What benefits are provided?
According to the new rules, former prisoners of concentration camps and ghettos will be able to count on the following benefits:
- Discounts on payment of housing and communal services.
- Financial assistance for the purchase of solid fuel.
- Other types of social support based on total family income.
Benefits are provided provided that the average income per family member for the last six months does not exceed 4240 hryvnia – the amount that gives the right to a social tax benefit.
Memory of the tragedy and responsibility of society
During World War II, millions of Jews and other peoples became victims of the Holocaust and Nazi repression. Ukraine, being one of the most affected territories, is today making efforts to support those who survived these horrors.
“These benefits are not just financial assistance. This is an act of recognition and respect for people whose lives were destroyed by war and occupation.” – the representative emphasized Pension Fund of Ukraine.
The importance of this decision for the Israelis
For Israeli Jews, many of whom have roots in Ukraine, this decision has special significance. Support for Holocaust survivors highlights the shared historical memory and ties between our peoples.
On our website NAnews – Israel News We regularly cover topics related to Holocaust remembrance and support for victims. This is an example of how history unites the Jewish and Ukrainian peoples.
How will this affect relations between Israel and Ukraine?
Expanding social support for victims in Ukraine emphasizes the state’s responsibility for historical justice. This decision could become the basis for further cooperation between Ukraine and Israel, especially in matters of preserving the memory of the Holocaust and protecting the rights of victims.
On the website NAnews – Israel News you can find more materials about the interaction between Israel and Ukraine on issues of memory and justice.
Conclusion
Ukraine has taken an important step by providing benefits to former prisoners of concentration camps and ghettos. This is not only an act of social justice, but also a reminder of the importance of memory and responsibility for the past.
Read more about events and initiatives connecting Israel and Ukraine on the website NAnews – Israel News.
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