Description:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title>
<jats:p>In May 1945, little more than ownerless synagogues, deserted cemeteries, and bombed-out buildings remained of the once-prosperous German Jewish community. In order to prevent the German states from claiming heirless Jewish property in the U.S.-occupied zone, the Jewish Restitution Successor Organization was created. However, a small number of “reestablished” Jewish communities asserted their right to succeed to the communal properties. This article examines the legal and political confrontation that followed.</jats:p>