OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL ENVOY FOR HOLOCAUST ISSUES

Wash.,DC - "The Office of the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues, established in 1999, develops and implements U.S. policy to return Holocaust-era assets to their rightful owners, secure compensation for Nazi-era wrongs, and ensure that the Holocaust is remembered and commemorated appropriately." [1]

A chance encounter with Ellen Germain, Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues, at the residence of the Ambassador of Portugal days back led to today's meeting at Foggy Bottom [2].

I was captivated by her retelling of her "Portuguese connection" during World War II Lisbon.

During today's visit, discussed:

The Role of the Envoy

The Function of the Office

Key and Milestone Legislation

• 2009 Terezin Declaration on Holocaust Era Assets and Related Issues [3]
• Justice for Uncompensated Survivors Today (JUST) Act [4]

Justice for Uncompensated Survivors Today (JUST Act Report [5]

"The Just Act Report highlights the important actions taken by countries to provide restitution of or compensation for property confiscated during the Holocaust era or subsequently nationalized during the Communist era, consistent with commitments those countries undertook when they endorsed the Terezin Declaration at the conclusion of the Prague Holocaust Era Assets Conference in June 2009."

Overview on Portugal [6] & [7]:

"Portugal was a neutral country during World War II (WWII).? The government extended favorable trade terms to Great Britain, with which it had a centuries-old treaty, but continued supplying goods and tungsten – an essential material for the arms industry – to Nazi Germany until mid-1944.? The Nazis paid with gold bullion looted from countries they had conquered and, it is suspected, from victims of the Holocaust.? An estimated 40,000 Jews passed through Portugal between 1940 and 1941 fleeing Nazi persecution. ?Portuguese diplomats in certain European posts, including Aristides de Sousa Mendes, facilitated their escape – often in violation of official policy.? There are approximately 3,000 to 4,000 Jews in Portugal today."

Explored Future Collaboration

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[1] https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-political-affairs/bureau-of-european-and-eurasian-affairs/office-of-the-special-envoy-for-holocaust-issues/

[2] https://www.state.gov/biographies/ellen-germain/

[3] https://www.state.gov/reports/just-act-report-to-congress/

[4] https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/S_585928-Tab-2.JUST-Act-Legislation.pdf

[5] https://www.state.gov/justice-for-uncompensated-survivors-today-just-act-report/

[6] https://www.state.gov/reports/just-act-report-to-congress/portugal/

[7] https://www.state.gov/reports/just-act-report-to-congress/portugal/

PS: As it turns out, my host for today, Deborah Guido, who handles the office's portfolio on Portugal, also has family ties to Portugal (the Azores).