A meeting was held place this evening at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem between Government representatives and representatives of the Center for Holocaust Survivors' Organizations regarding the timetable for implementation of understandings anchored in the Government's decisions from November 2007 and this morning.

Prime Minister's Office Director-General Ra'anan Dinur briefed Center representatives that a special allocation to ghetto and concentration camp survivors, who until now did not receive any stipend, will be distributed from March 2008, retroactive from October 2007.  Of this group, those receiving income supplements will receive the stipend in two weeks.  These are among the neediest of the elderly.

In the discussion, which was attended by the Directors-General of the Social Welfare and Social Services, Finance and Justice ministries, differences of opinions were clarified and an understanding was reached regarding a comprehensive timetable for implementing the Government's decision.  Government and Center representatives agreed in the future to raise all discrepancies in the framework of the standing committee.   Dir.-Gen. Dinur noted that the Government has fulfilled all of the obligations it has taken upon itself.  Center representatives expressed their appreciation to the Government team and for the great effort being made by the Government ministries to implement the agreements.

Center for Holocaust Survivors' Organizations Chairman Noah Flug, said that, "From the start we said that we were not working from opposing sides of the table and that's how we felt.   We appreciate the cooperation and we think that it is fitting and correct to continue thus."  Dir.-Gen. Dinur said, "We are talking about one of the most complicated processes the Government has carried out, to which the Government devoted itself completely.  We are carrying out the decisions according to the timetable and we will continue to do so despite the many difficulties."

Tomorrow a Finance Ministry committee will discuss the support transfer for a basket of services to Holocaust survivors.  Additionally, this morning, the Government authorized Finance Minister Ronnie Bar-On to sign an agreement on paying the stipends to the ghetto and concentration camp survivors in the quickest possible manner, even before the Knesset approval.

Pensioners Affairs Ministry Director-General Avi Bitzur reported that his office has completed the support criteria for the Center for Holocaust Survivors' Organizations, which will allow an advanced payment of NIS 6.6 million to be transferred as planned, as part of the support that will be given to NGOs for Holocaust survivors in 2008.