Calls to Deport Nazi from Queens

Members of the New York State Assembly are urging U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to finally deport Nazi Jakiw Palij from the United States.

A letter signed by more than 85 members of the Assembly from both sides of the aisle insists that Palij, a decades-long resident of Queens, New York, no longer be allowed the privileges of law-abiding citizens.

During World War II, Palij worked at the notorious Treblinka death camp, where thousands of innocent men, women and children were murdered and thrown into pits. He was also an armed guard at the nearby Trawinki training camp, where Nazi troops were trained to carry out the extermination of Polish Jews.

Palij came to America claiming that he was a farmer and war refugee, concealing his work as a Nazi guard, and was granted citizenship in 1957. After the revelations about his past became known, he was subsequently stripped of his U.S. citizenship, which was obtained illegally and under false pretenses. His deportation order was upheld by the courts in 2004 but as of today, Palij remains a resident of Queens.

“The rights and freedoms we enjoy in America should not extend to those who helped facilitate the death of countless innocent people,” said Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn), who has been working to deport Palij for more than a decade. Hikind’s parents were Holocaust survivors.

“Palij’s presence here mocks the memory of the millions who perished,” he said. “There is no question of his guilt. It is imperative that someone responsible for Nazi atrocities be held accountable for his crimes. While his victims can no longer seek justice, we must, and with this new administration and Attorney General, there’s reason to believe we’ll see that justice. I’m never giving up.”

“Jakiw Palij’s presence in Queens is an insult to the memories of millions of Holocaust victims, and those who continue to bear their pain to this day,” said Assemblyman Michael Simanowitz (D-Queens).

“The atrocities committed by Palij are unspeakable; to gift him the hard fought freedoms of this country is intolerable. I stand with my colleagues in calling for his deportation and for justice to be served.”

Both Hikind and Simanowitz recognized Rabbi Zev Friedman from Rambam Mesifta for keeping the spotlight on Palij over the years with numerous demonstrations outside of the Nazi’s home.