Deep Dismay Expressed By Wiesenthal Center In Wake Of Efforts To Prevent Passage In Knesset Of Proposed Holocaust Restitution Bill

WIESENTHAL CENTER EXPRESSES DEEP DISMAY IN WAKE OF EFFORTS TO PREVENT PASSAGE IN KNESSET OFPROPOSED HOLOCAUST RESTITUTION BILL

The Simon Wiesenthal Center today expressed its deep dismay in the light of recent efforts to prevent passage in the Knesset of a Holocaust restitution bill which would create apublic corporation whose primary objective would be to arrange for the return of the assets of Holocaust victims to their heirs.

In a statement issued today in Jerusalem,the Center called upon the government and the Knesset to unite behind the planned bill which would finally correct a decades-longinjustice.

According to Israel director Dr.Efraim Zuroff,the Center fully supports the passage of the bill as well as of any step which will help facilitate the return to the heirs ofHolocaust victims what is rightfully theirs.

"It is simply unthinkable that the State of Israel has hereto refrained from taking the very actions in regards to the assets of Holocaust victims which she demanded of othercountries to take.We hope that the planned legislation will be passed quickly so that this embarassment will finally be brought to an end."

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