~ On inion Untruths About Claims Conference New York/JTA A t Rosh Hashanah 5706, 65 years ago, World War II had just ended. For those few European Jews who had survived the Holocaust, the end of the war meant a slow and painful process of beginning anew and trying to rebuild shredded lives. For 59 of those 65 years, the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference) has been there to help those survivors rebuild, estab- lish lives and obtain a small measure of jus- tice. Through decades of negotiations with governments and industry, of issuing pay- ments and recovering assets, of continually pushing for historic recognition of victims' rights, the Claims Conference has been a singular, historic endeavor. There is no making whole again or set- ting right what was destroyed, but we must achieve recognition of suffering and some relief to those who suffer today. Critics of the Claims Conference who claim to have the best interests of Holocaust victims at heart have publicly voiced untruths recently about the organization that ultimately can harm survivors. The myth has been perpetuated that the Claims Conference has $1 billion at its disposal that could be used to aid elderly survivors in need. The billion-dollar myth arose from willful misinterpretation of the publicly available year-end statement of Claims Over recent years, Claims Conference liabilities and net Conference negotiations with assets. Even a cursory review Germany have resulted in pen- of these financials debunks sions and one-time payments for the myth. Holocaust victims who previous- The statement details how ly were ineligible for payments Claims Conference funds, as under German government of Dec. 31, are earmarked for guidelines. programs and payments to We are working intensively to benefit Holocaust victims and press the issue of property resti- their heirs. Funds are desig- tution in Eastern Europe. Jewish nated for payments to certain Julius B erman assets in many countries still heirs of properties lost in the Spec ial have not been returned or com- Holocaust; allocations already Comme ntary pensated for, and governments made to organizations provid- have been unwilling to enact laws ing vital services to Holocaust to ensure that Holocaust victims victims like food packages, or their heirs are able to file claims to home care and emergency cash aid; and for grants over the next four years in order recover family properties that were stolen or lost so many decades ago. to continue these services as restitution- Restitution of communal and heirless related funds dwindle. assets in these countries could translate Perpetuating the billion-dollar myth as into hot meals, wheelchairs and housing fact misleads needy Holocaust survivors aid for elderly survivors. We will not be into believing that there is a pot of gold deterred by intransigence on the other side. on the other side of a locked door that, if In just a few more years, most of the opened, would greatly alleviate the physi- Claims Conference funds that provide cal and mental conditions in which they vital services for Holocaust victims will be are suffering. This is the height of irre- gone, but many elderly survivors will still sponsibility and is shameful. The damage to survivors from the myth be with us. Holocaust victims who have been receiving food packages, medicine, runs even deeper. If governments are led home care and emergency cash grants to believe that the Claims Conference has cannot suddenly be cut off from these $1 billion at its disposal, why would they vital services. provide restitution at this stage? The Claims Conference has been work- Despite all the obstacles, the Claims ing to identify and obtain additional Conference has been uniquely successful in sources of funding to continue paying increasing the funds available for survivors. for these and other services to Holocaust victims, but we cannot do it alone. Rather than criticizing the Claims Conference — the one organization that distributed more than $700 million last year for survivors and heirs — others in the Jewish commu- nity would better serve Holocaust victims by engaging in dedicated fundraising in order to continue providing them with dignified and substantive care. With such pressing tasks confronting us, nothing will deter us from our mission. Julius Berman is chairman of the Claims Conference. He is a JTA board member. Peace Talks from page 31 are doomed. Iran may play a role in such a strategy Second, if Abbas cannot secure real con- cessions from Israel, he and the P.A. will likely not survive a legitimacy crisis. Finally third, if Netanyahu is playing for stall, not for real, the talks will produce little. Then, ironically, having entered into talks may not be such an achievement at all, but rather a stimulus for renewed violence in the ongoing Israel-Palestine cauldron. 17 Kenneth Waltzer is director of Jewish studies at Michigan State University. DESIGNS IN DECORATOR WOOD & LAMINATES, LTD. It oe 't Have To Cost A fortune 3.I If Look L invite you to join them at their SECULAR HIGH HOLIDAY ASSEMBLIES to be held at ORCHARD LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL 6000 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield KOL NIDRE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2010 (8 PM-9:30 PM) Featuring an Assembly of Readings plus music by: Bloch, Bruch, Chafes and others with Edward Benyas (oboe) Marcy Chanteaux (cello) and Kara Benyas (piano) bathroom remodeling as well as furniture Comp ete design and installations including granite, wood and other materials. Lois Haron Allied Member ASID 248.851.6989 32 September 16 • 2010 YOM KIPPUR: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2010 (10 AM-12 NOON) As Always No Ticket Required Membership inquiries welcome. Call Institute Office (248) 423-4406