Holocaust survivors march in Israel for more money

JERUSALEM, Aug 6 (Reuters) Hundreds of survivors of the Nazi Holocaust marched to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's office to protest against the government's offer of an extra monthly stipend of 20 dollars, which they say is an insult.

Some protesters wore yellow Stars of David like those Jews were forced to wear by the Nazis. Some held up placards that read ''sorry for surviving''.

The proposed addition to aid and reparations already received by many Holocaust survivors has been rejected by the groups that represent them as an insult to the memory of the six million Jews killed by the Nazis during World War Two.

Most survivors get between 240 dollar and 1,390 dollar a month from the Israeli government as well as money from other sources such as the German government and other organisations.

The number of survivors living in Israel is estimated at 250,000, some of whom live in poverty and are unable to pay for their basic medical needs, electricity, and food.

Shmuel Reinish, a Holocaust survivor who spoke during the rally, said yesterday: ''We did not come to beg for donations and not for favours. We only want... the money to be returned to us during our old age when we need it so much.'' Prime Minister Olmert said during the weekly cabinet meeting that the protest was ''politically motivated'' and that various elements have dragged the discussion down ''to an unacceptable level''.

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