International Cooperation to Retrieve Jewish Looted Art for the Lawful Owners

Between 1933 and 1945, the Nazi regime looted and confiscated an unprecedented number of art and cultural objects from predominantly Jewish owners in many countries, including the Netherlands. Return (restitution) is essential in the pursuit of justice for the victims. Therefore, the Netherlands is committed to returning art looted by the Nazis to its rightful owners. This week, special representatives from 12 countries are gathering in The Hague to exchange knowledge and experience in this area. The National Coordinator for Combating Antisemitism (NCAB) is the host.

Eddo Verdoner (NCAB):

“To prevent the recurrence of these antisemitic crimes, they must have consequences. This is not an easy task. It requires patience, perseverance, and knowledge. Therefore, it is essential to work together with other countries. To help each other and learn from one another. We are proud to host this important meeting in The Hague, the international city of peace and justice, to promote this important cause.”

The delegations will exchange experiences regarding restitution in various interactive sessions. A visit to the National Holocaust Museum is also on the agenda. The Netherlands will provide substantive contributions regarding the importance of war archives and the handling of so-called orphaned art. This approach is also educational for other countries.

There are still artworks in the possession of the Dutch State that are presumed to have been stolen from Jewish owners, but whose owners have not yet been found, so-called orphaned Jewish looted art. It is becoming increasingly difficult to identify the rightful owners. Other countries face the same challenges. The Commission for Orphaned Jewish Looted Art is currently examining how the objects whose owners have not been found can be transferred to the Jewish community.