Israel Museum repays Poles
Israel’s national museum said Tuesday that a Polish noble family had received compensation for two 1,700-year-old medallions that were seized by Nazis during World War II.
Under the arrangement, the medallions bearing Jewish symbols will remain on display in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. It repurchased one medallion from the heirs, and a donor purchased the second and gave it to the museum on a long-term loan.
None of the sides would divulge the sums paid for the medallions.
Emblazoned with lions of Judah and a seven-branched candelabra, the medallions are among the earliest pieces found outside Israel bearing images linked to the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, said James Snyder, director of the Israel Museum.
The Nazis seized the collection in 1941 after invading Poland, then moved them on Hitler’s orders to an Austrian castle.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
