A 16th-century Jewish text known as the Di Gara text, which includes the Chamisa Humshe Torrah (Five Books of Moses) and the Haftarot, was recently confirmed to be returned to the Jewish Theological Seminary of the University of Jewish Studies in Budapest. The book was originally published in Venice by Giovanni di Gara. It had changed hands over the years and was owned by a 19th-century rabbi named Lelio Della Torre until his death. The collection was then donated to the Budapest Rabbinical Seminary, where it was stolen by Nazi soldiers in 1944 during World War II and the Jewish Holocaust. The book mysteriously ended up in the United States over the 80 years it was missing before being noticed for sale on a rare book marketplace website by Hungarian officials.
Homeland Security agents in the United States eventually met with the New York seller who was offering the Di Gara text for sale, and the book was handed over after a warrant was served. The forfeiture was confirmed by U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres, and the book is set to be returned to its rightful owner, the Budapest Rabbinical Seminary. SDNY U.S. Attorney Damian Williams expressed the importance of returning such priceless cultural artifacts to their rightful people and acknowledged the significance of this particular book in the history of the Jewish faith. The officials involved in the case emphasized their commitment to protecting cultural heritage and returning illegally acquired property to its original owners.
The Budapest Rabbinical Seminary will be receiving the Di Gara text, which holds significant historical and religious importance as a collection of Jewish works from the 16th century. The book’s journey from Venice, where it was originally published, to Budapest, where it was stolen during World War II, and eventually to the United States, where it resurfaced for sale, reflects the historical turmoil and displacement experienced by many cultural artifacts during times of conflict and persecution. The return of the book to its rightful home symbolizes a small but meaningful step in preserving and honoring the history and traditions of the Jewish faith.
The connection between the Di Gara text and the Budapest Rabbinical Seminary highlights the enduring significance of religious and cultural institutions in preserving and safeguarding valuable historical artifacts. The theft of the book by Nazi soldiers during the occupation of Budapest in 1944 underscores the destructive impact of war and persecution on cultural heritage and the importance of efforts to recover and return stolen artifacts to their rightful owners. The cooperation between Hungarian officials, U.S. Homeland Security agents, and the seller in returning the Di Gara text reflects a collective commitment to protecting and respecting cultural property.
The confirmation of the forfeiture and return of the Di Gara text to the Budapest Rabbinical Seminary represents a restoration of a piece of Jewish history and heritage. The book’s inclusion of important Jewish texts such as the Torah and Haftarot makes it a valuable and culturally significant artifact. The investigation and legal process that led to the book’s return highlight the importance of international cooperation and legal frameworks in addressing the illicit trade and trafficking of cultural artifacts. The resolution of this case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
By returning the Di Gara text to the Jewish Theological Seminary in Budapest, the authorities involved in the case are recognizing and honoring the historical and religious significance of the book. The book’s journey from Venice to Budapest to the United States and back to Hungary underscores the resilience and perseverance of cultural artifacts in the face of displacement and adversity. The restitution of the Di Gara text to its rightful owner reflects a commitment to justice and the protection of cultural heritage, ensuring that valuable artifacts are preserved and accessible for generations to come. The case of the Di Gara text serves as a testament to the enduring importance of safeguarding and returning stolen cultural property to its rightful place.
