Lawyers Donating Services to Holocaust Survivors

In Los Angeles and beyond, you can find countless charities, organizations and philanthropy efforts, and I have volunteered my time time and resources to many. As I was introduced to Bet Tzedek this year, I was blown away by their commitment to upholding justice for Holocaust survivors and their families since 1974. This organization was founded by many community leaders who sought to “bring justice” and provide care for survivors of one of the most horrific ordeals know to man.(www.bettzedek.org)

Everyone knows the importance of lawyers, to uphold our rights and the law, and in Los Angeles, there are and endless supply. But imagine if over 2,600 attorneys and 1,000 volunteers organized together to respond to the greatest problems confronting Los Angeles today. You don’t have to live in LA to know the massive problems we face here, including poverty, lack of health care, state tax increases, homelessness, human suffering and increased unemployment on the rise. Imagine that these thousands of attorneys spent years in law school, with the goal to uphold the law and help justice prevail for their clients and the citizens of this country. Now imagine they choose to offer their legal services free of charge for tens of thousands in need every year, including countless members of our society who were survivors of the Holocaust. Sound impossible?

Well, it’s very alive and real, and Bet Tzedek has been changing lives for over three decades. Their portfolio of projects include more than legal representation, also supporting advocacy and eduction in many diverse communities. As you can see after a visit to their influencial website: “They have created an impressive model for all Pro Bono Programs, by becoming internationally known for assisting Holocaust survivors in seeking reparation payments from the German government. This act was so influential, they were awarded with the 2009 ABA Pro Bono Publico Award, which is the highest honor for pro bono legal work in the entire United States.” (http://www.bettzedek.org/hsjn_award.html)

“As a result of these efforts, Justice Network volunteers have met with and interviewed about 5,000 survivors, filing an estimated 3,000 claims, worth approximately $8 million in potential reparation payments, “according to Mitchell A. Kamin, Bet Tzedek’s president and chief executive officer. “Their efforts have resulted in more than $1,250,000 in payments to low-income survivors.” (www.betzedek.org) To see these accomplishments and more, please visit: (http://www.bettzedek.org/hsjn_award.html)

How can you get involved in this awe-inspiring organization? One of the ways is through donations and volunteering, and participating in local fundraising events, like the “Justice Ball.” This highly successful annual event includes thousands of young professionals and philanthropists, who join in volunteering, donating their time and resources to Bet Tzedek, and making a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands in need. This LA-based event has attracted such stars as Macy Gray, the B-52′s, Billy Idol and Sugar Ray and DJ AM to perform live in venues all over the city to raise awareness. The most recent was on July 25th, and I got to see first-handedly what an amazing tournout this organization can bring together every year. In a time of recession, job loss and raised taxes and unemployment sky-high, it was refreshing to see thousands of young professionals opening up their hearts and wallets for people in need. From the silent auction with endless priceless sports and entertainment memorabilia, to continuous donations, it was the most successful fundraiser I have ever been to, and I have been going to countless charities and fundraising events for years. Check out amazing pictures from the past Justice Ball events: http://www.bettzedek.org/thejusticeball.html.

Bet Tzedek’s core program offers more than legal representation, it also involves extensive outreach and legislative advocacy. There are a list of many programs offered. Here is an extensive list, as stated on the Bet Tzedek website: (www.bettzedek.org) “The Housing Unit Housing provides safe and affordable housing and provides constant counseling to those struck by the housing crisis. The Public Benefits Unit ensures that many in need receive all the government benefits to which they are entitled. The Elder law Unit provides daily senior and caregiver services, including conservatorships, nursing and home health care services, and in-depth elder abuse intervention. The Employment Rights Unit, helps low-income workers and trafficked laborers avoid any exploitation, establish fair wages, and secure the safest working conditions. The Holocaust Services Unit, seeks to ensure that no Holocaust survivor is forced to live in poverty. And the Outreach and Education Unit provides continuous advice, counsel and educational services throughout all of these programs.” (www.betzedek.org)

If you are a Holocaust survivor seeking legal assistance, or you know of anyone who is, please search this website to find assistance near you: http://www.holocaustsurvivorsprobono.org/.

We cannot look the other way in times like these, and when the need seems overwhelming, that is when the communities start organizing together in harmony, just like we did in the 2008 election. Bet Tzedek is endlessly inspiring, and needs our attention, resources and outreach to continue for many decades to come. In 2009, let’s reach out to those who have walked the toughest paths, lived through the darkest of times and help provide for their bright future through justice! With Bet Tzedek, the possibilities are truly endless!

Join the Justice Ball Facebook Group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=168635800720

Check out some amazing videos featuring Bet Tzedek’s work:
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=29459495402
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=29458245402

You can also find the videos on the YouTube page:
www.youtube.com/bettzedek

-Keely Field

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