Right to Reparations: The Claims Conference and Holocaust Survivors, 1951-1964

This book explores the early years of the Claims Conference, the organization that lobbies for and distributes reparations to Holocaust survivors, and its operations as a nongovernmental actor promoting reparative justice in global politics. It examines the degree to which the leadership entity served individual victims of the Third Reich, the Jewish public, or member organizations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

This comprehensive book delves into the formative years of the Claims Conference, an esteemed organization dedicated to advocating for and distributing reparations to Holocaust survivors. It provides a detailed examination of the Conference's operations as a non-governmental actor actively promoting reparative justice in the realm of global politics. Author Rachel Blumenthal takes readers on a captivating journey, tracing the origins of the organization to its inception by a single individual and its unwavering pursuit of compensation for survivors after Israel's departure from the negotiations. The book explores the extent to which the Claims Conference served the individual victims of the Third Reich, the Jewish public, or member organizations.

Through meticulous research and analysis, Blumenthal sheds light on the Conference's complex history, challenges, and achievements. It sheds light on the organization's efforts to establish a legal framework for the distribution of reparations, navigate political complexities, and confront historical revisionism. The book also examines the impact of the Claims Conference on the broader landscape of Holocaust remembrance and reconciliation, highlighting its role in shaping public attitudes and promoting a deeper understanding of the Holocaust's enduring significance.

This book is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the history, politics, and ethics of Holocaust reparations. It offers a comprehensive perspective on the Claims Conference's operations and its contributions to the ongoing struggle for justice and healing for survivors and their descendants.

Dimension: 228 x 163 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793637895