The Holocaust was not only the greatest murder in history; it was also the greatest theft. Historians estimate that the Nazis stole roughly $230 billion to $320 billion in assets (figured in today’s dollars); from the Jews of Europe. Since the revelations concerning the wartime activities of the Swiss banks first broke in the late 1990s; an ever-widening circle of complicity and wrongdoing against Jews and other victims has emerged in the course of lawsuits waged by American lawyers. These suits involved German corporations; French and Austrian banks; European insurance companies; and double thefts of art—first by the Nazis; and then by museums and private collectors refusing to give them up. All of these injustices have come to light thanks to the American legal system.Holocaust Justice is the first book to tell the complete story of the legal campaign; conducted mainly on American soil; to address these injustices. Michael Bazyler; a legal scholar specializing in human rights and international law; takes an in-depth look at the series of lawsuits that gave rise to a coherent campaign to right historical wrongs. Diplomacy; individual pleas for justice by Holocaust survivors and various Jewish organizations for the last fifty years; and even suits in foreign courts; had not worked. It was only with the intervention of the American courts that elderly Holocaust survivors and millions of other wartime victims throughout the world were awarded compensation; and equally important; acknowledgment of the crimes committed against them. The unique features of the American system of justice—which allowed it to handle claims that originated over fifty years ago and in another part of the world—made it the only forum in the world where Holocaust claims could be heard. Without the lawsuits brought by American lawyers; Bazyler asserts; the claims of the elderly survivors and their heirs would continue to be ignored.For the first time in history; European and even American corporations are now being forced to pay restitution for war crimes totaling billions of dollars to Holocaust survivors and other victims. Bazyler deftly tells the unfolding stories: the Swiss banks’ attempt to hide dormant bank accounts belonging to Holocaust survivors or heirs of those who perished in the war; German private companies that used slave laborers during World War II—including American subsidiaries in Germany; Italian; Swiss and German insurance companies that refused to pay on prewar policies; and the legal wrangle going on today in American courts over art looted by the Nazis in wartime Europe. He describes both the human and legal dramas involved in the struggle for restitution; bringing the often-forgotten voices of Holocaust survivors to the forefront. He also addresses the controversial legal and moral issues over Holocaust restitution and the ethical debates over the distribution of funds.With an eye to the future; Bazyler discusses the enduring legacy of Holocaust restitution litigation; which is already being used as a model for obtaining justice for historical wrongs on both the domestic and international stage.
#264166 in Books Ted Merwin 2015-10-06 2015-10-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x .75 x 5.98l; 1.05 #File Name: 0814760317256 pagesPastrami on Rye An Overstuffed History of the Jewish Deli
Review
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. A Cult StatusBy Mr. AugustThis is an unusual history of the Jewish Deli in America. In addition to its mouth-watering; cholesterol laden food; delis were a place to meet your friends; business associates and make a Jewish connection.The New York delis; like Katz's in Manhattan - think of the movie "When Harry Met Sally." and the fake orgasm scene; represent the best of the old time delis and the sense of belonging to a group. Forget the synagogue; the deli surpassed it as meeting place. The author contends that delis flourished in the interwar era; when successful Jews found a place to reunite with their heritage. Ted Merwin believes that the deli is experiencing a resurgence and developing a cult status. That may be true; but it's hard to find a good deli in most American cities and never; ever in small; rural towns! This book is about New York and is well researched.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Nostalgic memory and meaningful sociology combine for a reading treatBy Anita malinaProfessor Merwin treats the reader to a strong double play: An in depth sociological analysis of the Jewish deli as a clue to understanding the American immigrant experience; and a delightful nostalgic romp replete with anecdotal memories and little known facts that are fun to read. You can smell gthe pastrami; corned beef and sour pickles on every page. A must read!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. May make you hungryBy Good SoundIncredible detail and reporting that may be too much for many. But overall a fascinating look at New York and other delis past and present. Many great stories and for me at least a lot of nostalgia. Interesting social commentary on the role of the deli in Jewish life and culture. And how the deli changed in style and approach over the years and has diminished in numbers. If you find some parts too dense or drawn out just skip or skim over them. You will still get a lot of information and story telling in a very readable and clear writing style. Great photos. Warning: May make you hunger for a corned beef or pastrami on rye; but assuredly without mayonnaise.
