The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously blocked a decade-long legal effort by Holocaust survivors to sue Hungary for property seized during World War II. In a pivotal ruling, justices overturned an appeals court decision that permitted the case under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, which typically shields nations from U.S. lawsuits.
Survivors and heirs argued Hungary confiscated Jewish-owned assets, sold them, and used proceeds to fund bonds and military equipment purchases in America. Justice Sonia Sotomayor emphasized that
a commingling theory, without morefails to meet legal standards for exceptions under international law.
The case involves over 400,000 Hungarian Jews transported to Auschwitz in 1944 via state-run railways. Plaintiffs, all aged 90+, sought class-action status to recover assets valued at millions. This marks the third time courts reviewed the dispute, following a related 2021 Supreme Court decision favoring Germany in the Guelph Treasure case.
Key case details:
- Filed in 2010 by survivors and heirs
- Hungary invoked sovereign immunity protections
- Appeals court previously allowed claims twice
Legal experts warn this ruling narrows options for Holocaust restitution cases in U.S. courts. The justices returned the case to lower courts, but survivors face dwindling prospects as Hungary maintains immunity defenses. This decision aligns with growing judicial reluctance to adjudicate historical claims against foreign governments.
The outcome underscores ongoing challenges for Holocaust justice, with survivors’ advocates calling for congressional action to address legal barriers. As fewer witnesses remain alive, pressure mounts for alternative restitution mechanisms beyond courtroom battles.