Posted on 08/30/2005 7:55:00 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
OSLO, Norway (AP) - The imposing mansion used by the Norwegian Nazi-collaborator Vidkun Quisling during World War II was turned over Tuesday to a research center focusing on the Holocaust and the persecution of minorities.
The Center for Studies of Holocaust and Religious Minorities in Norway will use the Villa Grande for displays and research activities focusing on the Nazi-led genocide of millions of Jews. It will also raise awareness about the persecution of other minorities.
Quisling was executed at the end of the war for setting up a puppet government that collaborated with German occupation forces. His name remains a synonym to many Norwegians for traitor.
After Nazi troops invaded Norway in 1940 and Quisling proclaimed himself "Minister President," he picked Villa Grande as his home, and moved in with his wife in 1941.
"Villa Grande has in many ways symbolized an important, but less than pleasant, part of our history," Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik said at a ceremony, handing over the building to the research center.
Five years ago, the government decided to restore the mansion and turn it over to the center as part of a settlement with the Nordic nation's Jewish community.
During the Quisling years, about one-third of Norway's prewar community of 2,100 Jews died in the Holocaust and much of their property was stolen.
In 1999, parliament set aside $69 million to compensate Jewish families for property stolen by the Nazis and to fund community projects, including $6.1 million earmarked for the center.
A real Quisling Ping
Visiting scholar Cindy Sheehan was unavailable for comment.
I understand that Hanoi Jane & John Kerry had earlier put a bid on the house,but the contract was turned down.
I hear the garden has lovely Tokyo Roses.
Good one!
I'm sure Vidkun Q. thought he was doing what was best for the Norwegians, by welcoming the invaders.
Just like our own contemporary Quislings do.
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