Elan Steinberg, NY Advocate for Holocaust Survivors Dies at 59

A longtime advocate for Holocaust survivors has died at age 59.

Elan Steinberg died Friday after a brief illness. His death was confirmed by Menachem Rosensaft, who is vice president of the American Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and Their Descendants.

At the time of his death, Steinberg was a vice president for the group.

He previously served as executive director of the World Jewish Congress.

Steinberg was a leader in the campaign to obtain billions of dollars in restitution for Holocaust survivors.

Rosensaft says Steinberg fought to obtain justice from Swiss banks, European governments and others who profiteered from the persecution of Jews during the Holocaust.

He said his colleague had a brilliant mind and great heart, both of which are irreplaceable.