The JUST Act Report: Malta

In its official response to the European Shoah Legacy Institute’s Immovable Property Restitution Study (2017), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that “Malta never had any immovable property which was confiscated or wrongfully seized by the Nazis, Fascists and/or their collaborators during the Holocaust era, including the period of World War II.”

The Department is not aware of any claims concerning immovable property in Malta from the Holocaust era.

The Department is not aware of any outstanding issues with Judaica and Jewish cultural property in Malta or of any reports of Nazi-confiscated and looted art in Malta.  Malta does not have legislation that specifically addresses heirless movable property belonging to victims of the Holocaust.

In 2000, a new synagogue replaced an older one in the capital city that had fallen into disrepair.  In 2013, the Chabad Malta organization was established and has raised the visibility of Judaism locally, including by wearing religious attire in public.  The Center sponsors activities for the local Jewish community and tourists.  These include a synagogue, a kosher restaurant, a kindergarten, a Hebrew school, and offering Torah classes.  Widespread anti-Semitism in the country is unknown.

A public registry, national archives, and national library are open to the public.

Holocaust education is included in the secondary school curriculum, and the Maltese government funds seminars for educators and students on the topic.  The University of Malta’s President’s Foundation has held Holocaust Remembrance Day events to highlight the significance of the Holocaust in contemporary society.  The 2019 event explored present-day implications of the persecution of Jewish citizens and minority groups during the Holocaust.  Malta has three Jewish cemeteries administered by the Jewish community.