What’s happening
Lithuania and Latvia are currently providing an opportunity for Holocaust survivors and their descendants to apply for restitution for properties stolen during World War II. Laws established in both countries are acknowledging the Jewish lives and histories that were once integral to their societies, offering a measure of justice and recognition after decades of Soviet occupation where such restitution was not feasible.
Why it matters
The compensation programs highlight a significant step by Lithuania and Latvia in confronting their past and addressing the injustices committed against Jews during the Holocaust. Approximately 90% of Lithuania’s and 75% of Latvia’s pre-war Jewish population was decimated by the Nazis and local collaborators. With only a few thousand Jews currently residing in each country, these restitution efforts serve both as a form of financial redress and as a symbolic act of remembrance and responsibility towards a nearly lost community.
By the numbers
In Latvia, eligible Holocaust survivors can receive a one-time payment of approximately $5,300. The Lithuanian program, funded by the Good Will Foundation, allocates between 5 to 10 million euros to be divided among approved applicants, with the final compensation amounts to be determined.
What’s next
Applicants have until December 31 to apply for the Lithuanian restitution, with payments expected by July 1, 2025. The Latvian restitution program will process compensation on a rolling basis for survivors who meet the eligibility criteria.
Between the lines
The World Jewish Restitution Organization is actively working to locate survivors and heirs eligible for restitution, utilizing survivor databases and launching social media campaigns. With a shrinking number of individuals maintaining a direct link to this painful chapter in history, these efforts are a race against time to ensure that justice is served to the remaining survivors and their families.
Open to survivors and heirs
The Lithuanian restitution program is inclusive of both Holocaust survivors and direct heirs, addressing property expropriated under Nazi and Soviet regimes, while the Latvian program focuses on survivors present during the country’s German occupation on June 21, 1941.
Pride as a response
Amidst these developments, the Jewish community is encouraged to embrace Jewish Pride as a defense against enduring antisemitism. Advocates assert that knowing one’s worth and the richness of Jewish civilization can provide a strong foundation to withstand hatred and discrimination while honoring the unique legacy of the Jewish people. The notion of Jewish Pride promotes resilience, self-definition, and a celebration of Jewish identity.
This story was first published on jpost.com.