Claims Conference Company Profile

Background

The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference) is a nonprofit organization established in 1951 by representatives from 23 major international Jewish organizations. Its primary mission is to secure material compensation and restitution for Jewish victims of Nazi persecution and their heirs. The organization operates offices in New York, Israel, and Germany, and has been instrumental in negotiating with the German government to obtain indemnification for suffering and losses resulting from Nazi persecution. Since its inception, the Claims Conference has facilitated the payment of approximately $90 billion in compensation to individuals.

Key Strategic Focus

The Claims Conference focuses on several core objectives:

• Negotiation and Compensation: Engaging in ongoing negotiations with the German government to secure compensation for Holocaust survivors and their families.

• Restitution of Property: Seeking the return of Jewish property stolen during the Holocaust.

• Social Welfare Services: Allocating funds to social service agencies worldwide to provide essential services such as home care, food, and medical assistance to Holocaust survivors.

• Holocaust Education and Documentation: Supporting initiatives that preserve the memory and lessons of the Holocaust through research, education, and documentation.

Financials and Funding

The Claims Conference has a history of substantial financial allocations:

• Compensation Payments: In 2024, the organization distributed approximately $535 million in direct compensation to over 115,000 survivors across 84 countries.

• Grants for Social Services: Approximately $888 million was allocated in 2024 to over 300 social service agencies worldwide, providing vital services to Holocaust survivors.

• Revenue and Funding: Estimates of the organization's annual revenue vary, with figures ranging from $28.5 million to $35 million.

Pipeline Development

The Claims Conference administers several compensation programs:

• Article 2 Fund: Provides monthly pensions to Holocaust survivors who meet specific criteria.

• Hardship Fund: Offers one-time payments to survivors who did not receive previous compensation.

• Child Survivor Fund: Acknowledges the suffering of those who were children during the Holocaust with one-time payments.

• Spouse of Holocaust Survivor Fund: Provides payments to the spouses of deceased recipients of the Claims Conference's pension funds.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The Claims Conference utilizes various technological platforms to enhance its operations:

• ClearCompany: An applicant tracking system for managing human resources.

• Avaya: Communications technology to facilitate internal and external communications.

• Salesforce: Customer relationship management software to manage interactions with survivors and partner organizations.

• ADP Workforce Now: Human capital management for payroll and employee benefits.

• ServiceNow: Miscellaneous services to streamline operations.

• Google and iOS: Miscellaneous technologies for various operational needs.

• Facebook: Widgets for social media engagement.

Leadership Team

The Claims Conference is led by a team of experienced professionals:

• Gideon Taylor: President, overseeing the organization's strategic direction and operations.

• Greg Schneider: Executive Vice President, responsible for managing day-to-day activities and implementing policies.

• Michael Elkin: Chief Operating Officer, overseeing operational functions.

• David Reich: Chief Information Officer, managing information technology systems.

• Jonathan Segal: Chief Financial Officer, responsible for financial planning and management.

• Chen Yurista: Chief Experience Officer, focusing on enhancing stakeholder engagement.

• Brooke Fish: Chief Human Resources Officer, managing human resources and organizational development.

Leadership Changes

As of the latest available information, there have been no recent significant changes or appointments within the Claims Conference's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The Claims Conference operates within the nonprofit sector, focusing on Holocaust survivor compensation and related services. The market includes various organizations dedicated to similar causes, each contributing to the broader mission of supporting Holocaust survivors and preserving Holocaust memory.

Competitor Analysis

Key organizations in this sector include:

• Anti-Defamation League: Focuses on combating anti-Semitism and other forms of hate.

• Simon Wiesenthal Center: Engages in Holocaust research and education.

• World Jewish Congress: Represents Jewish communities globally on issues of concern.

• World Jewish Restitution Organization: Works on restitution of Jewish property in Europe.

• B'nai B'rith International: Provides various services to the Jewish community.

• World ORT: Focuses on education and vocational training for Jewish communities.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The Claims Conference has established significant partnerships to enhance its mission:

• Joint Distribution Committee (JDC): Collaborates to provide care for Holocaust survivors, especially in the former Soviet Union.

• United Hatzalah: Partnered to ensure homebound Holocaust survivors in Israel received COVID-19 vaccinations.

• Facebook: Teamed up for the #ItStartedWithWords campaign to raise awareness about the Holocaust.

Operational Insights

The Claims Conference's strategic considerations include:

• Global Reach: Operating in multiple countries to address the needs of Holocaust survivors worldwide.

• Comprehensive Services: Offering a range of compensation programs and social services to meet diverse needs.

• Advocacy and Negotiation: Engaging in continuous negotiations with governments to secure funding and support for survivors.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The Claims Conference aims to:

• Expand Compensation Programs: Continue negotiating for additional funds to support survivors.

• Enhance Social Services: Increase allocations to social service agencies to provide comprehensive care.

• Promote Holocaust Education: Support initiatives that educate future generations about the Holocaust to prevent history from repeating.

Contact Information

For more information, visit the Claims Conference's official website: www.claimscon.org