New Data Reveals Approximately 196,600 Jewish Holocaust Survivors Worldwide Ahead of Remembrance Events

New Claims Conference Data on Holocaust Survivors

As we approach International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the commemoration of the 81st anniversary of the Auschwitz-Birkenau liberation, the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, commonly known as the Claims Conference, has released significant data regarding Jewish Holocaust survivors worldwide. This update provides insight into the current state of this dwindling population, comprising around 196,600 individuals, which marks a notable decrease from the estimated 220,000 survivors reported in January 2025.

The data highlights that these survivors reside in more than 90 countries, with the largest concentrations found in Israel and North America. Approximately 50% of all Holocaust survivors live in Israel, while 18% are in North America, with a specific breakdown indicating that 16% of survivors currently reside in the United States. Additionally, the report shows that 17% are in Western Europe and 11% are situated in the former Soviet Union (FSU) countries.

Demographics of Holocaust Survivors

A closer look into the demographics reveals essential aspects of this group. The median age of Jewish Holocaust survivors is currently 87 years, and their ages range from 79 to over 100 years. While just over 1% of the survivors are centenarians, around 30% are aged 90 or more. Notably, an overwhelming majority of these individuals—about 97%—are categorized as "child survivors," meaning they were born between 1928 and 1946.

When it comes to gender distribution, women constitute the majority of this population, making up approximately 62%, while men account for 38%. These statistics reflect the broader trends observed in the aging survivor community, emphasizing the urgent need for continued support, care, and commemoration as time progresses.

Economic Support and Welfare Needs

The Claims Conference also sheds light on the economic circumstances surrounding Holocaust survivors. Approximately 68,000 individuals, equating to 34% of the total survivors, benefit from monthly pension payments negotiated by the Claims Conference. The remaining survivors are eligible for alternative financial support, either through one-time payments or annual compensations.

Moreover, around 71% of survivors—an estimated 139,000 individuals—have either received or are currently receiving social welfare services over the past year, supported by over 300 agencies funded through grants from the Claims Conference. Crucially, nearly 67,600 survivors are eligible for additional assistance through the Claims Conference's Basic Needs Fund, designed specifically to address food security for the most economically vulnerable Holocaust survivors who are not enrolled in any monthly pension programs.

Conclusion

The data released by the Claims Conference serves as an essential resource for journalists and advocates working to raise awareness and provide support for this aging population ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. With ongoing efforts to secure compensation and welfare needs for Holocaust survivors remaining vital, it is imperative to continue nurturing memory and recognition for the legacy of these individuals. As the world increasingly witnesses the passage of this final generation of eyewitnesses to the Holocaust, engaging with their stories and acknowledging their struggles becomes ever more critical.

For further insights and information, you can access the detailed data at www.claimscon.org/Holocaust-survivor-data-2026.

About the Claims Conference

Founded in 1951, the Claims Conference is dedicated to securing material compensation for Holocaust survivors around the globe. With offices located in New York, Israel, Germany, and Austria, the organization negotiates for and distributes funds to individuals and organizations that assist survivors. To date, it has facilitated over $95 billion in compensation from the German government, aimed at addressing the trauma and losses incurred during the Holocaust. In 2025 alone, approximately $530 million was distributed for survivor compensation and an additional $960 million for welfare needs, illustrating the continued commitment to support this vulnerable community.