The notification process began as officials convened in Washington last week to continue the search for looted assets that made their way to the United States.
A 20-member presidential commission, chaired by World Jewish Congress president Edgar Bronfman, is searching for gold, art, cultural property and other assets that were turned over to state governments following World War II.
The commission unveiled a map of all World War II-era federal agencies that might have possessed or controlled assets of Holocaust victims, providing a blueprint for the investigative work that lies ahead.
House and Senate lawmakers sitting on the commission announced legislation to extend the commission’s mandate for another year, making a final report to the president due at the end of next year.
Payments from the Swiss fund, meanwhile, are not expected to start reaching Holocaust survivors until the second half of the year 2000, although Jewish officials and lawyers are urging Swiss banks to immediately start making interim payments to elderly survivors.
Eligible recipients include:
*Survivors who deposited assets in Swiss banks or have claims to any looted assets that made their way to Switzerland.
*Slave laborers exploited by Swiss entities.
*Refugees who sought entry into Switzerland to avoid Nazi persecution and were mistreated.
There are no estimates yet as to how many people will be eligible and how large the payments might be.
Applications must be submitted by Oct. 22.
Individuals who believe they are eligible may call (888) 635-5483 or visit the Web site at www.swissbankclaims.com