Groningen municipalities withhold findings on looted Jewish property

Five municipalities in the Groningen province of the Netherlands—Het Hogeland, Midden-Groningen, Oldambt, Veendam, and Westerkwartier—have reportedly withheld the findings of investigations into looted Jewish real estate.

Research conducted by the University of Groningen, prompted by inquiries from Pointer (KRO-NCRV), examined the theft of Jewish properties listed in the 'Verkaufsbücher' (property books) and the role of local governments in post-war legal restitution. While all ten municipalities in Groningen underwent these studies, the five mentioned have not publicly discussed their substantive conclusions, failing to offer public recognition, apologies, or moral restitution.

In contrast, the other five municipalities in the province—Eemsdelta, Groningen, Pekela, Stadskanaal, and Westerwolde—have publicly addressed their findings. Ronny Naftaniel, former chairman of the Central Jewish Council, stated that the public has a right to know how municipalities functioned during wartime.