MARC CHAGALL PAINTING STOLEN AND HELD AS RANSOM FOR MIDEAST PEACE

NYP2001082003 - 20 AUGUST 2001 - NEW YORK, NEW YORK, USA: Marc Chagall 1914 oil painting "Study for Over Vitebsk" was stolen on June 8, 2001 from The Jewish Museum in New York City. Information released to the media on August 20, 2001 states that the theft of the $1 million dollar Chagall painting was done by members of the International Committee for Arts and Peace who vowed that the painting will be returned after peace is achieved between Israel and the Palestinians. Authorities believe this demand is not a hoax. rw/ep/Ezio Petersen UPI