Michael Plit, a Holocaust survivor born in a concentration camp in Germany, is facing an uphill battle to keep his home in Staten Island. Plit's poignant story is one of resilience and survival, but now he needs the support of the community to overcome this latest challenge.
Plit's early life was marked by unimaginable horrors. As a baby, he endured medical experiments at the hands of the Nazis, including forced sterilization. Although he and his parents were eventually liberated, they had lost numerous family members, including Plit's older brother. After liberation, they returned to Moldova, hoping to rebuild their shattered lives.
Years later, Plit made his way to the United States, where he married and purchased a home in Staten Island. Tragically, the medical experiments he had suffered as an infant left him unable to have children, and his wife passed away several years ago. Today, his sole source of income consists of limited social security benefits.
Faced with financial difficulties, Plit had no choice but to take out a reverse mortgage on his home. However, the terms of the mortgage required him to pay all real estate taxes, a financial burden he could not bear due to his low income. As a result, the reverse mortgage bank initiated foreclosure proceedings against his cherished home.
Determined to save his home and with the assistance of his bankruptcy attorney, Plit filed for bankruptcy to halt the foreclosure. Providing support throughout this challenging process is Andrea Bolender, daughter of a Holocaust survivor herself, and an advocate for other survivors.
In order to reinstate the reverse mortgage and secure his homeownership, Plit needs to raise approximately $65,000 to cover back taxes and future payments. He humbly appeals to the kindness and generosity of the community, recognizing that any donation, regardless of the amount, will make a significant difference in his life. A GoFund Me Campaign has been established to assist Plit.
Speaking about his predicament, Plit expressed deep gratitude for any support he receives. "I can't thank you enough for your generosity," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "Every donation means the world to me and brings me one step closer to keeping the home that holds so many precious memories."
In response to Plit's plea, Andrea Bolender is leading the charge to rally support for him. Bolender's connection to the cause is personal, as she shares a deep understanding of the struggles faced by Holocaust survivors and their families. Through her efforts and those of the bankruptcy attorney, they are actively working with the court and the reverse mortgage bank to find a resolution that will allow Plit to remain in his home.
To assist Michael Plit in his battle to save his home, a fundraising campaign has been launched. Donations can be made online here.
The campaign's goal is to raise the necessary funds of $65,000 to cover the outstanding taxes and secure Plit's future in his beloved home.