Anti-Semitism: Holocaust Reparations

Holocaust Reparations

Reparations and restitution for the victims of the Holocaust and their heirs are, after decades of delay, addressed in a variety of forums.

In 1933, Jewish assets were confiscated, art collections were looted, and bank accounts were seized under Hitler's Nazi regime. In recent years, the truth has come to light over issues of Nazi gold, Swiss Bank accounts, stolen artworks and Italian insurance indemnities, among others. In addition, class action lawsuits have been filed against the Swiss Banks, against Germany for forced "slave labor," as well as against major corporations (including Deutsche Bank, DaimlerChrysler, and Volkswagen).

After the horror of World War II, Germany developed a plan of restitution to those German Jews whose property and assets were confiscated during the Holocaust. Some survivors and their heirs fear that the focus on financial restitution will obscure the much larger atrocities of the Holocaust. At the same time, anti-Semites voice the opinion that the Jewish community is emphasizing the Holocaust and Holocaust education purely for the sake of the money.

For more information on reparations or filing claims visit the Claims Conference website here