Melissa S. Razdrih
The Terezin Declaration helps victims reclaim Holocaust-related financial losses. On its anniversary, Jimmy Patronis reminds us to never forget.
On June 30, 2009, a non-binding declaration between 47 nations, including the U.S., was drafted.
Its purpose? To right wrongs that impacted the finances of Holocaust survivors.
Now, 10 years later, Chief Financial Officer Patronis, is honoring the anniversary that has touched the lives of so many Holocaust victims and their families in Florida.
In a news release, Patronis said:
“It’s absolutely critical that the world never forgets the horrors of the Holocaust. While we can’t undo the terrible evil victims endured, we can try our hardest to reunite these families with the property that was stolen from them by immoral governments during World War II.
“We can never restore the lives they once had, but it’s certainly our duty to try and make a difference in their lives now.”
Florida assists victims in accordance with the Holocaust Victims Assistance Act, which established the role of the state in helping residents reclaim goods and money. A news release issued by the office of Patronis said:
“The Florida Department of Financial Services provides assistance to Florida Holocaust survivors and their heirs seeking to recover proceeds from insurance policies issued to Holocaust victims and restitution for Nazi-confiscated bank accounts, art and property.
“Total monetary recoveries and assistance to date since the creation of the Holocaust Victims Assistance Program are $48,826,233.80.”
If you’re a Holocaust survivor or the heir of someone who survived the Holocaust, you can learn more about your ability to seek financial restitution by contacting the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.
The Washington Post says among the loot taken from Jewish families during the Holocaust there was 600,000 pieces of fine art removed from homes, 100,000 of which remain at large today. Florida’s Office of the Chief Financial Officer is committed to doing its part in reuniting families with missing goods and other restitution.
2 comments
MoroCurtis
June 30, 2019 at 4:56 am
At such times I am proud that our government does not forget about the horrors that occurred at that time. To this day, help the victims, collecting impressive cash. Not many countries can boast of it.
Patrick Dempsey
July 2, 2019 at 9:08 am
Especially now! It is imperative we act in the best interests of the 6,000,000, whose sole legacy is being further dispersed from amongst those who have no right to it.
“..In many countries. ..I fear ..Jewish victims will have been ‘only’ Jews and ..question of their fate will be a Jewish question …which here means a question without importance” Moriz Scheyer.
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