Returning Home: Repatriation of Jewish Books Confiscated During WWII

In 2021, the Library of the Jewish Museum in Prague contacted Washington University Libraries to learn more about books in the Brisman Collection of Jewish Studies bearing the book stamp of the Library of the Jewish Religious Community in Prague. Both institutions worked together to prove that the books had been confiscated by the Nazis during World War II and to repatriate these stolen items to their rightful home.

From 4-5:30 pm, Hillel Kieval, Anika Walke, and Cassie Brand will give short presentations discussing Jewish books in the context of World War II and the process of repatriation, followed by a conversation moderated by Erin McGlothlin. A reception will follow the discussion.

Free and open to all. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link.

About the Presenters

Hillel J. Kieval is the Goldstein Professor of Jewish History of Thought at Washington University

Anika Walke is the Georgie W. Lewis Career Development Professor at Washington University

Cassie Brand is the curator of the Rare Books Collection at Washington University Libraries

Erin McGlothlin is the vice dean of undergraduate affairs in the College of Arts & Sciences and a professor of German and Jewish Studies at Washington University