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Düsseldorf (dpa) - The World Jewish Congress has warned the city of Düsseldorf against refusing to return the painting "The Foxes" by Franz Marc to the heirs of the former Jewish owner.
Germany had committed to complying with the Washington Declaration, the organization said on Wednesday.
This also includes accepting the decisions of the Advisory Commission on Looted Art Cases.
The Düsseldorf city council wants to decide on the restitution of the valuable painting on Thursday.
The Advisory Commission on Looted Art Cases recommended that the work be returned to the heirs of the Jewish entrepreneur Kurt Grawi (1887-1944) by six to three votes.
Scientists criticized the decision in the media.
If the city of Düsseldorf unilaterally decides not to follow the recommendation of the commission, "this would send an equally serious and negative signal at a time when Jews in Germany are concerned about an increase in anti-Semitism," it said.
World Congress President Ronald S. Lauder stated: "We must be able to trust Germany completely that it will also stand by its obligations to return Nazi-looted art as part of its fight against anti-Semitism."
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The "Washington Declaration" of 1998 regulates the principles governing the return of objects that were confiscated by the National Socialists.
The aim of the agreement is to find “fair and just solutions” with the victims of Nazi art theft or their heirs.
The World Jewish Congress (WJC) represents Jewish communities in 100 countries vis-à-vis governments, parliaments and international organizations.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210428-99-388937 / 2
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PM advisory commission from 26.3.
PM City Düsseldorf from 26.3.
Advisory Commission recommendation
Provenance of the painting