"We can no longer wait," declared Polish victims' organizations in a dramatic appeal to German civil society, published on November 5 on the website of the Foundation for Polish–German Reconciliation.
"Around 50,000 survivors of Nazi persecution during the German occupation still live in Poland today. They include former concentration camp and prison inmates, people deported to Germany for forced labor and those subjected to other forms of Nazi repression," wrote the signatories of the appeal.
The open letter pointed out that many of the survivors are over 90 years old, struggling with illness and rising costs, and in need of help in their daily lives. "For many, any further delay in deciding to provide assistance means that help will come too late," said the appeal, which was distributed in German, Polish and English.
While Germany has recognized its moral responsibility toward the remaining survivors of Nazi persecution, the signatories pointed out that a corresponding decision on possible reparations by the German federal government has yet to be made.
"Today, we appeal primarily to German civil society to provide humanitarian support to survivors of Nazi persecution living in Poland," they wrote, addressing businesses, foundations, associations and private citizens. "Every donation matters."
The unresolved issue of war reparations has clouded German-Polish relations for decades.
