What is it about?
This chapter takes a comparative look at Holocaust-era Jewish property restitution—or the lack of it—in the Vatican and nine European countries. It reveals striking differences in how countries have addressed stolen property, asks why so many claims remain unresolved decades later, and highlights Norway as a compelling model for moving restitution forward.
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Why is it important?
For the first time, this study provides an updated assessment of Holocaust-era Jewish property restitution in nine countries (1943–2022), revealing the striking gap between property looted and property returned. It identifies Norway as a promising model for resolving outstanding claims and explores how the Vatican and other governments can advance long-overdue restitution.
Perspectives
I hope this publication shines a light on the unfinished work of Holocaust-era property restitution and challenges governments, institutions, and the public to confront claims that remain unresolved decades later. Above all, I hope it sparks a broader conversation about responsibility and justice, while showing that completing the work of restitution can deliver not only long-overdue justice to survivors and their heirs, but also greater transparency, trust, and reconciliation for society as a whole.
Aharon Mor
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The Vatican and the Eight EU Countries Where Shoah Restitution Is Most Needed, December 2025, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1163/9789004738270_013.
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