Minister May Golan Pushes for Holocaust Restitution During Czech Visit

The Minister for Social Equality and the Advancement of Women, May Golan, concluded a visit to the Czech Republic aimed at enhancing the protection of Holocaust survivors' rights. During the trip, Golan agreed with local government officials, including foreign ministry representatives and government ministers, to deepen cooperation on the restitution of Jewish property. The joint initiative aims to elevate these critical issues on the European agenda in the coming years.

Joint Working Plan for 2027

In professional meetings held by Golan with Dr. Robert Rehák and Mr. Petr Hladík, the parties agreed to formulate a joint working plan leading up to 2027. At the center of the program is the promotion of a major international conference to be held in Prague, featuring participants from various European nations. The conference will be dedicated to safeguarding the rights of Holocaust survivors and advancing practical steps for the restitution of Jewish property.

Looted Art and Educational Programs

Concurrently, the sides agreed to explore cooperation between the Israeli ministry hotline and the Czech body responsible for the restitution of looted art and movable property. This move is designed to expand assistance provided to applicants exercising their rights abroad and could serve as a foundation for cooperation with additional centers across the continent.

Golan also sought to promote the expansion of the "Zikaron BaSalon" initiative, supported by her ministry, in the Czech Republic and other European countries. Her request received a positive response from local authorities, who expressed readiness to help remove bureaucratic hurdles and bring Holocaust memory to younger generations as part of the fight against historical distortion and antisemitism.

Memorialization in Terezín

During the visit, Minister Golan, alongside the Czech Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, led a memorial ceremony marking the first transport to leave the Czech Republic. Following the ceremony, the two held a working meeting and toured a new memorial site currently under construction, which will serve as a center for remembrance and dialogue.

"We are committed to securing justice for survivors and ensuring that the memory of the Holocaust remains vibrant for future generations across Europe," stated Minister Golan during her visit.

Finally, discussions covered the promotion of joint educational programs surrounding the Terezín concentration camp memorial site, in consultation with the local Israeli ambassador. As part of her meetings, Golan was also presented with the comprehensive Czech strategy for combating antisemitism, and both sides agreed to deepen professional ties in this sensitive domain.