U.S. Appeal to Poland

What About the Return of Jewish Property?

Stuart Eizenstat, an adviser to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, repeated his appeal to Polish authorities urging them to pass a law regulating the restitution of Jewish property appropriated during the German occupation of Poland. The subject has been discussed for years, even though Poland has clearly stated its position.

Eizenstat had previously voiced his opinion in 2008, when he was former deputy Treasury Secretary under President Clinton. Although polite, he expressed his impatience.

Yesterday’s public statement from this influential politician, lawyer and activist included a new element. Eizenstat referred to the current Polish government’s declarations concerning the relatively good condition of our economy. If you claim that, in comparison with other European countries, you are managing the financial crisis quite well, then why don’t you start compensating the victims and their heirs?

However, as far as Polish realities are concerned, this argument is irrelevant. Moreover, it ignores Poland’s stand, expressed long ago, even before the formation of Donald Tusk’s government.

This position seems right and just. Cases concerning Jewish property are being considered by Poland in individual trials before Polish courts. And this has been happening for years. Based on an agreement between the state and the union of Jewish communities, the restitution of Jewish property is also pending.

Poland believes that these cases should not be treated in a special way, separate from the general restitution of property lost by Polish citizens, no matter their origins. Unfortunately, with its increasing budget deficit, Poland must restrict the restitution process. To make a long story short, Poland supports restitution or compensation, but every injured party must be treated equally and the process must be carried out in accordance with the Polish treasury’s capacity. I think that this is a clear and fair answer to the appeal of Mrs. Clinton’s adviser.