Advisory Commission
Ceremony
We supported the Advisory Commission on Nazi Looted Property in the implementation of the 20th anniversary ceremony on September 14, 2023 at the Jewish Museum Berlin.
The independent Advisory Commission in connection with the restitution of cultural property confiscated as a result of Nazi persecution, in particular Jewish property, was set up in 2003 by the federal government, the federal states and municipal umbrella organizations to mediate in the event of differences over the restitution of cultural property confiscated as a result of Nazi persecution.
Prof. Dr. Hans-Jürgen Papier, former President of the Federal Constitutional Court, opened the evening in his capacity as Chairman of the Advisory Commission on Nazi-looted property. In his introductory remarks, Prof. Papier emphasized the importance of coming to terms with history and the restitution of unlawfully acquired cultural property.
The event was accompanied by prominent speakers, including Claudia Roth, Member of the German Bundestag and Minister of State for Culture and Media, Prof. Joachim Schachtner, State Secretary in the Lower Saxony Ministry for Science and Culture, and Dr. Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany. These high-profile guests underlined the importance of the event and the shared responsibility that German society and politics bear with regard to the restitution of Nazi-looted property.
A highlight of the evening was the moving lecture by Prof. Dr. Mary Fulbrook, FBA (Fellow of the British Academy), renowned historian and professor of German history. Under the title "Reparation - But how?", she reflected on the challenges and the path to reconciliation and justice.
The evening's musical accompaniment was provided by talented students from the Barenboim-Said Akademie, whose music created an emotional atmosphere that encouraged reflection and emphasized the importance of the evening.
Following the event, the Commission hosted a reception where guests had the opportunity to talk further and share their thoughts in an informal atmosphere.
