Zurich/New York, NY, April 24, 1998. - Zurich Insurance Company today announced the formation of an independent four person international Commission of Eminent Persons to review and resolve disputed life insurance claims arising out of the Holocaust. The Commission will be composed of John C. Whitehead, former Deputy Secretary of State during the Reagan administration and currently Chairman of the Board of the International Rescue Committee, New York and Rabbi Arthur Schneier, President of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation and Senior Rabbi of Park East Synagogue, New York, Margrith Bigler-Eggenberger, former Justice of the Swiss Federal Supreme Court, Lausanne/Switzerland and György Surányi, President of the National Bank of Hungary, Budapest.
"We are delighted that four such eminent individuals have agreed to work with us in this important undertaking," said Rolf Hüppi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Zurich. "Zurich had a very small involvement in the life insurance business in Europe before and during the World War II period. But regardless of the small number of policies issued, anyone contacting Zurich believing they have a legitimate claim must have the confidence that their claim is processed and evaluated in a just and compassionate manner. The Commission of Eminent Persons will provide independent review of that process."
"I am pleased and honored to accept membership on the Zurich Commission on Holocaust insurance claims," said Mr. Whitehead. "It is of vital historical importance that these claims be handled both expeditiously and with a sympathetic understanding of the dislocations, chaos and loss of documentation brought about by World War II and the Holocaust."
Rabbi Schneier said, "As a Holocaust survivor, I have joined this independent Commission to face up to an unresolved moral issue of World War II in pursuit of justice and sensitivity for Holocaust survivor claimants and their heirs."
While operating independent of Zurich, the Commission will have full access to Zurich’s files on policies and policyholders as they relate to any disputed claim. Zurich staff will be available to assist the Commission in obtaining information and documentation. In addition, the international accounting firm of Arthur Andersen has been retained as advisors to the Commission and to corroborate any findings as required by the Commission.
In addition, Zurich also announced that it has established a 1-800 Help Line number (888 301 9740/ in Switzerland 0800 821 000) to make it easier for possible Holocaust policyholders or their beneficiaries worldwide to contact the company with inquiries.
Zurich is also cooperating with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and, earlier this month, was one of four European insurance companies to sign a Memorandum of Intent with the regulatory authorities of New York and California and world Jewish organizations to develop a mechanism for the rapid resolution of such outstanding claims or inquires that are filed with them.
