Board of Deputies Vice President: New restitution law is ‘a blight’ on Poland’s record

Board of Deputies Vice President David Mendoza-Wolfson has expressed disappointment over the passing of new Polish legislation which will stop Jews from reclaiming property stolen from them during the Holocaust.

David said: “We are extremely disappointed that the Polish Senate has passed a bill that will effectively sever the ability of Jews to reclaim property that was seized before and during the Holocaust in Poland. We are also not surprised – this is simply another blight on Poland’s record on dealing with issues relating to Holocaust restitution, and runs counter to its international commitments. We have repeatedly raised our concerns on the issue of Polish restitution with Lord Pickles, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Post-Holocaust Issues, with the British Embassy in Warsaw and with the Polish Embassy in London. We will continue to make this representation, to ensure that Holocaust survivors are treated with the morality and decency they deserve and receive adequate compensation for what is rightfully theirs.