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Download
the HAF Fact Sheet Here [PDF]
The Humanitarian Aid Foundation (HAF) was founded
in 2002 on the principle that society has a responsibility to assist
people who have suffered from atrocities, including crimes against humanity
and natural disasters.
While the overall mission of HAF is broad, the initial program of work focuses
on forced and slave labor survivors who served in Japan and Europe during WWII.
HAF is committed to providing-before it is too late-some level of justice to
these courageous men and women, who were treated so horrifically.
Beginning with a generous contribution from the Ford Motor Company, HAF has started
collecting funds from corporations, individuals, private organizations and foundations.
HAF will immediately begin distributing these funds to local service organizations
that provide direct aid in the communities where these survivors reside. These
organizations may include veterans', family health and community service organizations.
HAF asks that people take the time to gain an understanding of these terrible
events. By preserving the memory of these atrocities and learning lessons from
them, we give these survivors a measure of justice for which they have waited
so many years.
The Role of HAF
HAF encourages major U.S. and Japanese companies in the United States to contribute
funds that will immediately be distributed to appropriate U.S. service organizations
to support those in need. HAF hopes that companies will contribute as a way of
righting a terrible wrong, regardless of whether they had a role in these events.
Having identified the critical needs of these elderly survivors and the service
organizations in their area, HAF is poised to assist these groups of survivors.
HAF funds organizations that provide direct services and does not accept unsolicited
grant requests. HAF is managed by a board of trustees that serves as the final
authority on grant making decisions.
Protecting Human Dignity
HAF not only provides services to these survivors, but also it raises awareness
and opens the door to sharing their stories with current and future generations.
The dignity inherent in knowing that one did not suffer in vain or in obscurity
often can mean as much as financial compensation or an apology.
By assisting these men and women, we acknowledge their suffering, we honor their
courage and we affirm our own abiding commitment to human rights. There can be
no truer test for any society than how well it respects the dignity of the individual.
The work of the HAF helps us to meet that test.
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