Emotional Restitution: Nazi-Seized Jewelry Returns to Polish Families

In a heartwarming ceremony in Warsaw, descendants of Polish Nazi concentration camp victims received jewelry confiscated 80 years ago by German troops. The Arolsen Archives, which holds artifacts of Nazi persecution, returned the items, rekindling family memories and providing closure. This gesture is part of an ongoing restitution initiative.

In a poignant ceremony held in Warsaw, descendants of Polish inmates of Nazi concentration camps were reunited with jewelry confiscated from their ancestors over 80 years ago. The return of these heirlooms was facilitated by Germany's Arolsen Archives, an institution dedicated to preserving the history of Nazi persecution.

Among the recipients was the family of Stanislawa Wasilewska, who was given back her two amber crucifixes, part of a golden bracelet, and an engraved gold wristwatch. Her grandson and great-granddaughter were visibly moved as they received these precious mementoes. 'This is a story that we did not fully know about and it came to light,' said Malgorzata Korys, the great-granddaughter.

The restitution event is part of the Arolsen Archives' ongoing initiative, ‘Warsaw Uprising: 100 Untold Stories,’ aimed at returning around 2,000 seized items to the families of former inmates from over 30 countries. Archive director Floriane Azoulay highlighted the personal significance of these objects, which were the last possessions of individuals before their imprisonment. Volunteer Manuela Golc has already traced more than 100 Polish families, frequently providing them with previously unknown historical information.

(With inputs from agencies.)