News from the Senate Majority
Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

Senator Donley’s Resolution Asks Swiss Banks to Make Things Right

Encourages Compensation to Holocaust Victims and Heirs

For Immediate Release: February 12, 1998 Contact: Senator Dave Donley, 465-3892.

Juneau -- Senator Dave Donley (R-Midtown Anchorage) Thursday introduced a resolution requesting compensation of holocaust victims by the Swiss government and banking industry.

When the Nazis came to power in Germany, many European Jews and other individuals sent their valuables to secret bank accounts in neutral Switzerland, trusting their possessions would be safe. Many of the deposits made by individuals who became victims of the holocaust have not been made available to their heirs or to the world Jewish community.

"It’s appropriate Alaska join other states in the effort to encourage Swiss banking institutions to release information that will bring closure to the painful chapter in history," said Donley. "We can only hope that this is a small step toward justice to those who lost everything, even their lives, to the actions of the Nazis and the Swiss banks."

The resolution expresses gratitude to the Swiss government for establishing two commissions to investigate this matter and for its continued cooperation in the investigation of these claims. It encourages the Swiss to continue disclosing this information as it is identified. And, the resolution requests that as this information is uncovered, compensation be made to the heirs or to Jewish communities.

The New York State Banking Commission has established the Holocaust Claims Processing Office to assist individuals who may be entitled to assets held by Swiss banks since WWII.

Their toll free number is 1-800-695-3318.

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