Brooklyn, NY – On Sunday, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – Brooklyn & Queens) organized a special meeting with Hungarian-American Jews to discuss the implications of the recent $25.5 million “Hungarian Gold Train” settlement.  The settlement resolves a long running dispute between Hungarian Holocaust survivors and the Department of Justice. 

                 During World War II, the Nazis and the pro-Nazi government of Hungary stole heirlooms, fine art and other possessions from the Hungarian Jewish community, and loaded them onto a train—the so called “Hungarian Gold Train.”  The train was intercepted by the U.S. Army in Austria at the end of the war, but the property on board was never returned to its rightful owners.

                 In May of 2001, Hungarian Holocaust survivors sued the federal government, seeking compensation for their loss.  And last month, the U.S. government finally reached a settlement with the approximately 35,000 Holocaust survivors seeking restitution.

Weiner and Michael Waldman, the attorney for the plaintiffs, met with  Hungarian-Americans in New York City to clarify the specifics of the settlement, and explain how they can influence and participate in the decision of where to send the money.

                The agreement designates at least $21 million for humanitarian assistance for those Hungarian survivors who are still living and another $500,000 to fund an archival project to collect documents and artifacts relating to the case.

                “35,000 Holocaust survivors fought for too long for justice,” said Rep. Weiner.  “And it’s a battle they never should have had to fight.  Now, we have to make sure they play a part in deciding where this money is spent.”