The Gamaraal foundation has set up a telephone hotline in Switzerland to provide support to Holocaust survivors during the coronavirus crisis.
“The corona pandemic can evoke threatening memories among Holocaust survivors. Some are currently experiencing renewed trauma President of the Gamaraal Foundation, Anita Winter. “The loneliness and isolation which they face due to the corona crisis is particularly difficult for them to endure due to their past,” she added.
Callers are all over 80 years old and therefore belong to a main risk group. Nevertheless, many Holocaust survivors show incredible resilience in the current situation. Currently, 43 young people are volunteering at the hotline day and night, many of them students and young professionals, the majority of whom are Jewish. “The solidarity between the generations is immense, it is deeply touching,” Ms. Winter said.
Volunteers also assist survivors with buying food or medicine. With demand for assistance on the rise, the volunteer team will be expanded in the coming days.
