Gov. Newsom Signs Bill Allowing Californians to Recover Holocaust-Stolen Art and Property

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California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 2867 into law, a move that enables California residents to recover art and personal belongings stolen during the Holocaust. The bill, announced by the Governor’s office on Monday, was introduced following a controversial ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which permitted a Spanish museum to retain possession of a painting stolen from the Cassirer family by the Nazis.

The new law is designed to ensure that California law applies in lawsuits related to the theft of artwork or property during the Holocaust or other acts of persecution. By signing AB 2867, Governor Newsom reinforced the state's commitment to helping Holocaust survivors and their families reclaim what was unjustly taken from them.

“For Holocaust survivors and their families, the fight to reclaim art and other personal items stolen by the Nazis continues to reopen traumatic wounds,” said Governor Newsom during the signing event at the Holocaust Museum LA. “It is both a moral and legal imperative to return these valuable and sentimental pieces to their rightful owners. I am proud to strengthen California’s laws to help secure justice for these families.”

Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, who introduced the bill, commended Newsom’s decision, describing the legislation as a victory for morality and justice. “AB 2867 will empower Holocaust survivors and other victims of persecution to reclaim stolen property, sending a clear message to those who refuse to return stolen art,” Gabriel stated.

The bill-signing ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including Guy Lipa, the grandson of Holocaust survivors and board chair of Holocaust Museum LA; Daniel Gryczman, vice chair of the LA Jewish Federation and also a grandson of Holocaust survivors; and Beth Kean, CEO of Holocaust Museum LA.

David Cassirer, a member of the family fighting to recover the stolen art, expressed gratitude for the new law, stating, “California, through AB 2867, has drawn a clear line, enabling families like ours to recover priceless works and protecting the rights of all victims of stolen art, including Holocaust survivors and their descendants.”

This legislation builds on existing California law and represents a significant step towards achieving justice for Holocaust survivors and their families, ensuring that they have the legal means to reclaim what was taken from them during one of history’s darkest periods.