MAYOR GIULIANI CALLS ON SWISS BANKS TO RESTORE PROPERTY SEIZED FROM JEWISH COMMUNITY DURING HOLOCAUST
Delivers Remarks At International Conference To Consider Response To Swiss Government Recommendations
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today delivered remarks during the luncheon program at an international conference at the Plaza Hotel regarding the return of Holocaust-era accounts and assets held by Swiss banks to Jewish families. The conference brought together major national and international leaders and representatives of State and local governments to discuss an appropriate response to the Swiss government's proposals on recovery and return of the assets.
"Today, New York City, where there are more Holocaust survivors than any other City in the world, adds its voice in calling on Swiss banks to restore the property seized from Jewish families during the Holocaust," Mayor Giuliani said. "At the very least, it's our obligation to reclaim the property seized by the Nazis of the victims and the survivors of the Holocaust in what was perhaps the greatest theft in history.
"To this day, Jewish groups estimate that more than a billion dollars may be owed to the families and the survivors of the Holocaust. But it's not only about money, it's about the lives of the people and their families, and it's about history. In reclaiming the gold from Swiss banks, we are coming to terms with a part of history that is still very difficult for many people to confront. It's an ongoing process that we must continue, and I'm proud to see that we are doing that today."
New York City Comptroller Hevesi said, "I am delighted that the Mayor is participating and lending his prestige to our effort to help achieve an agreement between the World Jewish Restitution Organization and the Swiss government and banks. I also thank the Mayor for his support when we decided not to award new business to the Union Bank of Switzerland."
Joining the Mayor at the conference were Senator Alfonse D'Amato, World Jewish Congress President Edgar M. Bronfman, U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland Madeline M. Kunin, New York City Comptroller Alan Hevesi, New York State Superintendent of Insurance Neil Levin, New York State Comptroller Carl McCall, California State Treasurer Matt Fong, Independent Committee of Eminent Persons Chairman Paul Volcker, and representatives of the Swiss government and Swiss banking industry.
"Many of the State and local officials from around the country joining us here today have led the fight in restoring funds to Holocaust survivors," the Mayor added. "I'm very proud of the way these leaders have come together to right this terrible wrong. I would like to personally extend my thanks to Senator Al D'Amato. His courage has focused international attention on an issue that had been neglected for far too long."
The Mayor also recognized the work of New York City Comptroller Alan Hevesi and World Jewish Congress President Edgar Bronfman and the important part they have played on this issue.
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