NEW YORK – World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder says that the Max Stern Art Restitution Project must receive the support it needs not only in Weinsberg, but across Germany.
“The restitution of the painting ‘Die Weiber von Weinsberg’ proves that fair and just solutions are possible when all parties are willing to cooperate,” Lauder said.
“I congratulate the Max Stern Art Restitution Project and the City of Weinsberg on this agreement. I also want to express my thanks to the ´Kulturstiftung der Länder` and the ´Ernst von Siemens Stiftung, ` who helped to make this agreement possible.”
“This year we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Washington Principles. The restitution of this painting is a clear wake-up call to all state and private institutions who cast a blind eye and are still looking the other way instead of doing the right thing,” Mr. Lauder added.
Unfortunately, this also applies to the legacy of Max Stern. “Recently, the Max Stern Art Restitution Project has not received the support it should have across Germany - specifically by the City of Dusseldorf, which treated the important work of the Max Stern Art Restitution Project with disrespect”, Lauder emphasized. “This must change immediately.”
“It is not about money, and it is about achieving historical justice. It is about commemorating Max Stern and the millions of other persecuted Jews in an appropriate manner. With this restitution, the city of Weinsberg has clearly done so,” Mr. Lauder said.
