Jewels returned to Trieste Jews
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.MORE THAN 50 years after they were stolen by the Nazis during the Second World War, five sacks bulging with jewels, watches, coins, gold teeth and other personal belongings were finally returned yesterday to the Jews of Trieste.
A moving ceremony was held in Rome to mark the handover of the valuables - discovered gathering dust in vaults last year - to the Jewish community of the Italian city. The necklaces, rings, bracelets, cutlery, trays, family silver and some precious stones were stolen from Jews in and around Nazi-occupied Trieste between 1943 and 1945.
Many of the city's Jews perished in nearby Risiera di San Sabba, the only German Nazi death camp in Italy. It was from San Sabba that "these wretched objects were taken away, snatched from the necks, the wrists, of children, of the elderly," said Trieste's Chief Rabbi, Umberto Piperno.
The objects were found stashed in five crates in a vault in 1997.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments