Campaign for Holocaust Property Restitution to Expand

New York, Nov. 10 – The World Jewish Restitution Organization (WJRO) is pleased to announce the appointment of David Feinman as their first-ever Washington representative.

Feinman will lead WJRO’s efforts to marshal U.S. government support for the restitution of property looted by the Nazis and their allies and/or nationalized by the Communists in Central and Eastern Europe.

Property restitution is an urgent moral and financial issue for aging and needy Holocaust survivors and their families, and for Jewish communities devastated by the Holocaust.

“The creation of a dedicated position in Washington marks a new level of commitment as we press Eastern European countries to resolve outstanding Holocaust restitution issues while survivors are still with us,” said Gideon Taylor, WJRO chair of operations. “David has the passion and the commitment to advance our case and to mobilize American government support.”

Feinman said, “The United States can help to ensure that European governments fulfill their responsibility to Nazi victims. I am honored to be able to work on this urgent moral and financial issue and help build on America’s strong history of leadership on restitution issues.”

Vice President Joseph Biden pledged in late 2013 to continue to work with WJRO, through diplomatic efforts, to urge Central and Eastern Europe to provide restitution. WJRO also works closely with other top Obama administration officials, members of Congress, and U.S. diplomats across Central and Eastern Europe.

WJRO’s expanded campaign focuses on Poland and other countries, including Romania, Hungary, the Baltic States, and the former Yugoslavia. Together with its work in Washington, WJRO has been building support in Europe and other countries to advocate for restitution.

For example, the United Kingdom and a cross-party group of British parliamentarians recently declared their continued commitment to promoting Holocaust restitution in Central and Eastern Europe.

Feinman comes to the WJRO after years of work on foreign policy and Holocaust-related issues, for members of Congress and in the Jewish community. He most recently served as senior legislative associate at the Jewish Federation of North America, where he promoted the interests of Jewish Federations and communities with the U.S. government.

He earned an M.A. in political analysis and public policy from the University of Central Florida and a B.A. in political science from the University of Florida.

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