Holocaust survivors from Romania are to be given more financial support under new legislation passed by the country’s parliament.

Monthly payments of up to $97,98 per month for each year of deportation or detention will be available for those who were persecuted in the Eastern European country between 1940 and 1945. Individuals who no longer live in Romania and do not carry citizenship are eligible for the funds, as are bereaved spouses of survivors.

Prior to the Second World War, Romania was home to around 700,000 Jews. Official records show that between 280,000 and 380,000 Jews were murdered or died during the Holocaust in Romania and territories under its control.

The new bill, which will come into effect in July, was initiated by MP Silviu Vexler on behalf of the Federation of the Jewish Communities in Romania.

He said: “This law is a symbolic gesture to further recognize the terrifying suffering of people who have been through the darkest of moments.