World Report

LONDON (JTA) -- No further action is to be taken against the Jewish man who crashed Prince William's 21st birthday party at England's Windsor Castle.

Aaron Barschak, a 37-year-old British actor who calls himself the "comedy terrorist," jumped on stage dressed as Osama bin Laden and kissed the prince on both cheeks before being arrested.

Barschak, whose father is a Holocaust survivor, got into the event last month by climbing a tree and clambering to a terrace. Once inside, he persuaded police that he was a legitimate guest and was able to mingle with other revelers, including the queen and Prince Charles.

Germany sets up looted art commission

BERLIN (JTA) -- Germany has established a commission to deal with Holocaust-looted art.

The commission established Monday is expected to mediate between German museums and galleries and those who claim ownership of disputed artworks.

Many pieces have been returned to their rightful owners, but Jewish organizations say the art restitution is still unfinished.

Reform Jews party for 75th anniversary

BERLIN (JTA) -- The international organization of Reform Jewry recently marked its 75th anniversary in Berlin.

The four-day conference of the World Union for Progressive Judaism in Berlin, headlined by an event in the Jewish Community Center, was another sign of the renewal of Jewish life in post-Communist Germany.

The group's kickoff in an official Jewish venue also indicates growing acceptance of liberal Judaism by Germany's Jewish community.

Nazi-era guard denies murderous actions

TORONTO (JTA) -- A former Nazi-era prison guard denied that he had ever killed or tortured prisoners. Michael Siefert made his comments in a Canadian court on Monday during an extradition hearing.

In 2000, an Italian military court convicted Siefert in absentia of participating in the torture and deaths of 11 people at the Bolzano transit camp in Italy.

The camp held both Jewish and political prisoners. Born in Ukraine, Siefert moved to Canada in 1951, settling in British Columbia.