Vice Chair Crowley Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Help Holocaust Survivors and the Families of Holocaust Victims

Press Release

Today, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, joined U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Marco Rubio (R-FL), and U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), in introducing the Justice for Uncompensated Survivors Today (JUST) Act. This bipartisan and bicameral bill will improve efforts to assist Holocaust survivors and the families of Holocaust victims by requiring the State Department to report on the progress of certain European countries on the return of, or restitution for, wrongfully confiscated or transferred Holocaust-era assets.

"Several decades removed from the horrors of the Holocaust, a substantial amount of Jewish-owned property still hasn't been returned to their rightful owners, nor have they been compensated. This is unacceptable," said Rep. Crowley. "It's important that we do what we can to ensure European governments are keeping their word, and I'm proud to join my colleagues in this legislation that will put us one step closer to bringing justice to Holocaust victims, survivors, and their families."

"We urgently need an improved public accounting of other countries' efforts to address Holocaust-era property restitution issues," said Senator Baldwin. "Tragically, we are losing survivors every day, and it is my sincere hope that this legislation, by shining a spotlight and solidifying this issue as an American foreign policy priority, will spur action in countries that are falling short of their obligations, ultimately resulting in a measure of justice for these individuals who have waited far too long."

"I am pleased to be the lead Republican sponsor of this important bipartisan legislation which, if passed, will play a critical role in ensuring that Holocaust-era property restitution is finally realized," said Senator Rubio. "Seventy years after this dark chapter in human history, the restitution of Jewish communal, private and heirless property in Central and Eastern Europe, illegally confiscated by the Nazis and their collaborators during World War II, remains a largely unresolved issue and a source of lasting pain for many Holocaust survivors and their heirs. American leadership in addressing this injustice is vital, which is precisely what this legislation will provide. I join Senator Baldwin in pressing for swift passage of this measure."

"Holocaust survivors--witnesses to the brutal murders, torture and heartless thievery of the Nazis and their accomplices--continue to be cheated and defrauded, inexplicably, as they fight for the rightful return of their stolen property," said Rep. Smith. "This bill will help survivors get justice instead of excuses from their governments."

Seventy years after the Holocaust, in which the unprecedented looting of Jewish assets was a central aspect, the restitution of Jewish communal, private, and heirless property in Central and Eastern Europe remains unresolved. Indeed, decades after the Holocaust and the fall of Communism, most formerly Jewish-owned, real properties confiscated by the Nazis and their collaborators have not been returned, nor has compensation been provided to the rightful owners or their heirs.

The JUST Act will build on the international Terezin Declaration on Holocaust Era Assets and Related Issues of 2009, which affirms that the protection of property rights is an essential component of a democratic society based on the rule of law and recognizes the importance of restituting or compensating Holocaust-related confiscations made during the Holocaust-era between 1933-45. Unfortunately, many nations that endorsed this declaration, including many of our NATO allies, have not fully addressed the restitution of Jewish communal, private and heirless property.

The JUST Act permanently amends current law to require the State Department to report on certain countries' compliance with and progress toward the goals of the 2009 Terezin Declaration on Holocaust Era Assets, as well as on what actions those countries are taking to resolve the claims of U.S. citizens. This will enhance on-going U.S. efforts to urge Central and Eastern European countries to achieve progress on this issue and will help build on America's commitment to ensuring justice for Holocaust victims and their families.

The JUST Act has received strong support from organizations across the country including World Jewish Restitution Organization (WJRO), American Jewish Committee (AJC), Anti-Defamation League (ADL), J Street, Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), B'nai B'rith International, HIAS refugee assistance organization, and more.