US State Department hosts meeting of Holocaust envoys to discuss restitution efforts

WASHINGTON — The US State Department and the World Jewish Restitution Organization (WJRO) hosted a meeting earlier today of Holocaust envoys from around the globe to advance restitution and compensation for property looted during the Holocaust.

The US was represented at the meeting by special envoy for Holocaust issues Ellen Germain and special advisor on Holocaust issues Stuart Eizenstat.

“As this year is the 25th anniversary of the Washington Conference Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art, governments and experts discussed means of reinforcing the principles and underscoring the urgency of resolving remaining property claims, whether held in public or private collections,” the State Department says in its readout.

Participants heard from Luxembourg about the implementation of its 2021 agreement on outstanding Holocaust-era property restitution issues, which the State Department says can serve as a model for other governments.