Israelis Sue Swiss Banks for Looted Deposits
Two Israelis are preparing to file a $260 million lawsuit against the Swiss government and two Swiss banks for allegedly refusing to return money and valuables deposited by their parents shortly before World War II.
The plaintiffs say they intend to file the lawsuit next week in U.S. court, under a U.S. law enabling them to sue foreign states in matters pertaining to the Holocaust.
“We tried to negotiate with the banks and with Switzerland, but they lied to us and cheated us,” says M. Katz, one of the plaintiffs. “We now understand they never intended to return the property deposited with them by the Holocaust victims.”
Katz – a 59-year-old resident of Modi’in – says he intends to sue the Union Bank of Switzerland, Credit Suisse and the Swiss government for $185 million. He claims the banks have systematically concealed documents related to his mother’s accounts in order to prevent him from getting his money.
For more, got to Haaretz.com
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
