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Holocaust-Era Property Claims in the Republic of Serbia (Former Yugoslavia)

The World Jewish Restitution Organization (WJRO) wishes to alert families of Serbian Jewish victims of the Holocaust to the impending deadline of March 1, 2014, for filing claims for the restitution of properties located in Belgrade or elsewhere in what is now the Republic of Serbia (part of the former Yugoslavia).

Any person, or his or her descendants, who had property confiscated during the Holocaust or subsequently by the Communist regime may file a claim. The Law on Property Restitution and Compensation provides for restitution of the property or, when restitution is not possible, an award of compensation.

A claims form is required to be completed to submit a claim (http://www.besplatnapravnapomoc.rs/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/OBRAZAC-ZAHTEVA-18-11-2011-.pdf).  The form, which is in Serbian, lists required documentation that must accompany a claim.

The website of the Serbian Agency for Restitution (http://www.restitucija.gov.rs) has information about filing a claim, including notices about the claims process (in English, Hebrew, Serbian, and other languages) and responses to frequently asked questions (in English, Hebrew, Serbian, and other languages).

Questions can be directed to the Serbian Agency for Restitution by phone at 381 11 3061 398 or 381 11 3061 387 or by email atagencija@restitucija.gov.rs.  The address of the Serbian Agency for Restitution is: Маsarikova 5, 11000 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia.

The United States Embassy in Serbia has a webpage with helpful information about filing a claim, including a list of English, Italian, and French translators (http://serbia.usembassy.gov/service/restitution.html).

The WJRO works to attain restitution of private property and Jewish communal property seized during the Holocaust in all countries other than Germany and Austria.  The WJRO, working together with local Jewish communities, negotiates with governments to reach agreements and procure legislation concerning such restitution.

For media inquiries please contact pr@wjro.org.il