Statement from Mark Weitzman, Chief Operating Officer, World Jewish Restitution Organization (WJRO)

(NY, NY, November 6, 2025): “Today’s Senate Judiciary Committee markup of the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery (HEAR) Act of 2025 represents an important step forward for justice and for Holocaust survivors and their families who continue to seek the return of art and cultural property that was looted during the Holocaust. This legislation provides for the exclusion of all time-based defenses that have blocked claimants. In spite of the fact that claims were filed within the applicable statute of limitations, some current holders of looted art (including museums) had invoked a defense of ‘laches’ (delay) to defeat claims filed against them, effectively ignoring the lack of transparency and the dearth of publicly available records for such art.

Our recent Report on U.S. Museums and Provenance Research found that while U.S. museums likely hold well over 100,000 covered objects – including works looted during the Nazi era – barely 10% (10,668) currently have publicly accessible provenance research. The HEAR Act, when enacted, will not only advance justice but also promote the transparency and accountability that are essential to resolving unresolved issues from this terrible chapter of history.

We commend Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Katie Britt (R-AL), Peter Welch (D-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), David McCormick (R-PA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), and Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) for their leadership. Their efforts send a powerful message that the United States remains steadfast in pursuing justice for Holocaust survivors and their descendants.

WJRO looks forward to working with US museums and cultural institutions to accelerate provenance research and to turn this vital step into real progress for justice and remembrance.”