Jared Kushner, former senior adviser to Donald Trump, is embroiled in a growing international controversy over plans to redevelop a prized site in Serbia's capital that was seized from Jewish families during the Holocaust.
Historic Site with Dark Past
The proposed luxury hotel and apartment complex would occupy land along the Sava River in Belgrade that originally belonged to the prominent Asriel and Glezier families before being confiscated by Nazi collaborators during World War II.
Documents reveal the property was later nationalised under Yugoslavia's communist government and has remained under state ownership ever since, creating complex legal and ethical questions about its current development rights.
Serbian Government's Controversial Stance
The Serbian government has defended the deal, with officials stating they've followed all legal procedures in granting development rights to Kushner's Affinity Partners investment fund. However, critics argue the arrangement raises serious concerns about:
- The moral implications of developing Holocaust-confiscated property
- Transparency in international business dealings with former US officials
- Potential conflicts of interest given Kushner's previous government role
International Reaction and Legal Challenges
Jewish organisations and human rights groups have expressed alarm over the project. The World Jewish Restitution Organization has highlighted the need for proper restitution processes before any commercial development proceeds.
Legal experts note that while Serbia has laws addressing property restitution, implementation has been inconsistent, particularly concerning commercial versus residential properties.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for US-Serbia relations and raises broader questions about how nations handle property restitution cases from the Holocaust era.
