Jerusalem, 29 May, 2025 (TPS-IL) — In June 1941, the Farhud (Arabic for violent dispossession) was perpetrated – a pogrom committed against the Jews of Baghdad on the Shavuot holiday by Nazi supporters in Iraq. Now, 84 years later, there are 13,022 Farhud survivors living in Israel recognized by the Authority for the Rights of Holocaust Survivors in the Prime Minister’s Office.
(Shavuot this year begins Sunday night.)
Their average age is about 88. About 70% are in their 80s; about 29% are in their 90s; and 1% are over 100.
Approximately 93% of the Farhud victims immigrated to Israel in 1950-1951, the years of Operation Ezra and Nehemiah to bring the Jews of Iraq to the country.
Victims of the Farhud events are entitled to an annual grant of 7,502 Shekels ($2,153), full exemption from payment for prescription drugs in the health basket, a social volunteer who visits once a week, and an additional 9 hours of weekly nursing care for victims at higher levels of nursing care or a monthly payment at lower levels of nursing care. In addition, they are entitled to take part in activities supported by the authority, including housing accessibility, social clubs, therapeutic groups, and individual social support.