Lithuania: Almost 1,000 Jews claim compensation for stolen property

Nearly 1,000 Jews have submitted claims for compensation for property illegally expropriated in Lithuania during the 20th century, BNS reports. The Good Will Foundation (GVF), which handles the claims, is currently evaluating 951 applications. The evaluation process involves three stages: checking administrative eligibility, review by the restitution committee, and final decision by the foundation’s board. The assessment is expected to be completed by 1 November 2024. While the total compensation required is not yet known, the law allows for up to EUR 10mn to be allocated for the claims. Compensation must be paid by 1 July 2025. This initiative follows Lithuania’s previous compensation of EUR 37mn for expropriated Jewish religious community property.