They met in secret to negotiate the unthinkable – compensation for the survivors of the largest mass genocide in history. Survivors were in urgent need of help, but how could reparations be determined for the unprecedented destruction and suffering of a people?

RECKONINGS explores this untold true story set in the aftermath of the Holocaust. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Roberta Grossman, RECKONINGS recounts the tense negotiations between Jewish and German leaders. Under the constant threat of violence, they forged ahead, knowing it would never be enough but hoping it could at least be an acknowledgement and a step towards healing.

We will be joined after the film via Zoom by Karen Heilig who has participated in the Claims Conference negotiations.

MEET KAREN HEILIG

Karen Heilig serves as the Claims Conference Assistant Executive Vice President and General Counsel.  Since 1999 she has participated in negotiations between the Claims Conference and the German government, the Austrian government and negotiations on unpaid Holocaust era insurance policies. She broke ground as the first female representative for the Claims Conference in negotiations. Ms. Heilig is also co-producer of RECKONINGS.