The World Jewish Restitution Organization sent the following letter addressed to Lithuanian Jewish Community chairwoman Faina Kukliansky:

Dear Faina,

We are writing to update you on two very positive news developments in our efforts to build global support for Holocaust restitution.

European Parliament

For the first time in history, the president of the European Parliament declared strong support for Holocaust restitution and related issues affecting survivors, following WJRO efforts in the European Union.

President Martin Schulz in a letter to the chair of the European Alliance for Holocaust Survivors (EAHS) fully endorsed the return of property and possessions unjustly taken from Jewish communities and victims during the Holocaust.

“I personally acknowledge the importance of the restitution of and compensation for immovable property, Jewish art heritage and other cultural assets pillaged during the Holocaust and its aftermath,” he wrote to EAHS, which WJRO launched last year with a letter signed by 36 members of the European Parliament from a diverse list of parties and countries asking president Schulz for his advocacy on behalf of restitution.

President Schulz’s letter, released last week, is a strong statement of support of WJRO’s campaign to mobilize support for restitution and engage the European bodies in our issues. A copy of the letter can be found here.

Through our European representative and with the help of our partners in Brussels, we will continue to build European Union support for restitution.

British Government

The British government reaffirmed its commitment to Holocaust restitution in response to a letter from WJRO and the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

“This Government attaches great significance to supporting the families tragically affected by the Holocaust – including on the important issue of property restitution,” declared minister of state at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office baroness Anelay

“We will continue to press for due recognition for victims in countries such as Poland and beyond. We value our close working relationship with both your organizations in taking this work forward.” A copy of her letter, received last week, can be found here.

WJRO, together with the Board of Deputies, has been working closely with the Foreign Office, the UK’s Special Holocaust Envoy, and its embassies, and this letter will further bolster our efforts in the countries of Eastern Europe.

Sincerely,
Gideon Taylor, chair of operations
World Jewish Restitution Organization