The final process to begin payment to Holocaust survivors and
their heirs from the $1.25 billion Swiss settlement case has
begun with a public call to survivors to come forward and
apply for the funds.
Attorneys Irwin Levin and Mel Urbach announced a court-
ordered worldwide campaign to notify individuals in more than
100 countries who may be affected by the proposed settlement.
Applicants are requested to come forward to obtain a mailed
notice and initial questionnaire that must be submitted to
the U.S. Federal Court in New York by October 22.
Those seeking information and initial questionnaires may call
toll-free in Israel to (800) 601-050 (Hebrew); (800) 441-155
(Russian); or (800) 223-388 (Yiddish). Information can also
be obtained on the Internet at
http://www.swissbankclaims.com.
Eligibility is based on four classes of "Victims or Targets
of Nazi Persecution:"
* Those who had assets (including such things as bank
accounts, securities and safe deposit box contents), on
deposit in any Swiss bank, investment fund, or other
custodian prior to May 9, 1945 (Deposited Assets Class).
* Those who have claims against private Swiss entities
relating to assets that were looted or taken by the Nazi
regime, or relating to "cloaked assets," which are assets
disguised by a Swiss entity for the benefit of an Axis
company, entity or person associated with the Nazi regime,
between 1933 and 1946 (Looted Assets Class).
* Those who performed slave labor for companies or other
entities that may have deposited the revenues or proceeds of
that labor with or transacted such revenue and proceeds
through Swiss entities (Slave Labor Class I).
* Those who unsuccessfully sought entry into Switzerland to
avoid Nazi persecution, or after gaining entry were deported
or mistreated, and may have related claims against any Swiss
entity (Refugee Class).
A fifth settlement class consists of all persons, whether or
not a victim or target of German persecution as previously
defined, who were forced to perform slave labor in any
facility or work site, wherever located, that was owned,
controlled or operated by any Swiss company or other entity
(Slave Labor Class II).
The campaign to notify Holocaust victims about the Swiss fund
covers 108 countries and 29 different languages.
