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The inaugural program
of work is concentrated, in the first instance, on groups of individuals
who suffered from forced and slave labor during World War II. This
aging population represents a diverse group of people who were
forced to serve the war effort in horrific and inhumane ways.
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Why Now?
The elderly population HAF is assisting is found throughout the United States
- in private homes and nursing homes, in hospitals and assisted living facilities.
These men and women are still engaged in a daily battle - to overcome the wounds
from long ago, to pay their medical bills and cover other basic needs. Time
is running out to offer assistance to the approximately 120,000 living
survivors
alive today.
Many survivors have searched in vain for answers, compensation and justice.
HAF was created with a focus on offering immediate aid to these men and women.
With
help from HAF and generous contributions from individuals and organizations,
the service organizations receiving these funds are working to brighten the
last years of these people's lives.
Many survivors have spent their lives, since the end of WWII, exhausting every
possible opportunity to have their suffering remedied. While some individuals
have received some assistance or recognition, many have not.
Japan
Attempts in the U.S. Congress and before the U.S. Supreme Court to provide remedies
that would ease the way for prisoners of war to seek compensation have not been
successful. A key factor in this regard is the treaty that was the cornerstone
of U.S. security arrangements and rebuilding efforts in the Asia-Pacific region.
This treaty waived all legal rights to compensation from Japan or its nationals.
In addition, many victims missed filing deadlines or thought they were ineligible
for compensation from the U.S. government.
Europe
Unlike their counterparts who suffered in Japan, the European victims of atrocities
in WWII have been beneficiaries of several settlements that seek to shift funds
from the German government and other responsible parties to those who suffered
at the hands of the Nazis. However, these settlements do not always include the
immediate needs of many individuals in the United States.
Potential Beneficiaries of Funds:
 U.S.
Prisoners of War who were prisoners of war under Japanese captivity
U.S.
Civilians who were interred as forced and slave laborers in Japan
European
survivors of the Holocaust who served as forced and slave laborers
Click
Here To Read About Our Current Grantees
P.O. Box 466 | Williamston, MI 48895
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