CFO Jimmy Patronis Honors Holocaust Education Week, Highlights Victims Assistance Program
TALLAHASSEE,
Fla. –
In recognition of Holocaust Education Week, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy
Patronis is highlighting the Department of Financial Services’ (DFS) Holocaust
Victims Assistance Program. The program helps all Florida Holocaust
survivors in their recovery of proceeds from insurance policies issued to
Holocaust victims and restitution for Nazi-confiscated bank accounts, art and
property. Holocaust Education Week is observed during the second week of
November, which corresponds with the anniversary of Kristallnacht, a defining
moment in the discrimination and persecution of Jewish families by the Nazis.
CFO
Jimmy Patronis
said, “During Holocaust Education Week, we stand together to recognize the
victims and survivors of the Holocaust. This unthinkable tragedy must never be
forgotten, and we must ensure that all Floridians are educated on this tragic
part of history so we will never relive it. Last year, we assisted survivors
and their families with securing more than $15 million through our Holocaust
Victims Assistance Program, and I hope to see these claims resolved, and
property recovered. Florida is proud to be home to the third largest Jewish
population in the country, and as CFO, I’m always proud to support Florida’s
Jewish community.”
Since
1998, DFS’ Division
of Consumer Services has worked to reunite Florida Holocaust survivors
seeking to recover stolen assets, such as confiscated bank accounts, art and
property, determined by the Holocaust Victims Assistance Act. Since its
inception, the total monetary recoveries and assistance recovered through the
Holocaust Victims Assistance Program is more than $92 million.
Although many of the deadlines have passed for submitting claims to
compensation programs, it may be possible to submit a claim directly with the
financial institution or with remaining open restitution funds. The Florida
Department of Financial Services provides education and assistance to Holocaust
survivors and their heirs regarding restitution programs from Germany, Poland,
the Czech Republic, France, Austria, Hungary and other countries. Information
and assistance is also provided to individuals seeking access to much-needed
home health care services.
Anyone who needs assistance with filing a Holocaust-era financial claim or
assistance in obtaining social welfare services can contact the Holocaust
Victims Assistance Helpline by phone at (800) 388-4069 or via email at HolocaustAssistance@MyFloridaCFO.com.
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About CFO Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and X (@FLDFS).