The end of the war did not mean that peace reigned in full in Thessaloniki. Public life was characterized by political division and rivalry. The extraordinary circumstances and the Civil War (1946-1949) served as an excuse to caste a veil of silence over the tragic fate of Jews although it was already widely known. Actually many wanted the mass crimes against the Jews to be forgotten for several reasons. Jews themselves tried with great difficulty to restore their community and help each other in a city that was unfamiliar and even hostile at times. As a solution Jews extensively migrated to Palestine and abroad. 

Antisemitic press reports continued to appear after the war ultimately aiming at the high stake: the Jewish assets. Many custodians, those that possessed Jewish real estate, houses, apartments, businesses and offices, were unwilling, if not hostile, to return it. The creation of the Custodians of Jewish Immovables’ Association and their harsh declaration show the amount of effort that the Jewish community and the Jews who survived had to make at taking back their property. 

 

Declaration of the Renters of Jewish Immovables’ Association

 

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