Israel Museum
Photo: GPO
Israel Museum asked to return Holocaust victims' property
According to law, all property of Holocaust victims must be transferred to restitution committee so it can be returned to rightful owners
The parliamentary investigatory committee for the location and return of property of persons killed during the Holocaust has asked the Israel Museum to hand over hundreds of artworks and Judaica, claiming they belong to Holocaust victims whose property was seized by the Germans during WWII.
In a letter dispatched by the company's Attorney General, Nadav Haetzni Sunday, he maintained that the Israel Museum is in possession of numerous works of art seized from Holocaust victims, and which include 476 paintings.
Haetzni cautioned the museum that according to law, all property of Holocaust victims must be transferred to the committee so that it can be returned to their rightful owners.
In the event that owners cannot be located, the committee will transfer the property or its value to needy Holocaust survivors or institutions that perpetuate the memory of the Holocaust.
In response, the museums' spokeswoman Rachel Schechter said that the museum has not received a letter on the matter. "When it arrives we shall respond willingly," she said and added: "The Israel Museum regards the protection of these treasures as a national mission for the sake of the people of Israel and the world."
