Anti-Semitism Conference in Vienna - Austria to Win Israel's Favor

PeopleDiplomats ♦ Published: November 22, 2018; 20:25 ♦ (Vindobona)

A high-ranking conference against antisemitism with the motto "Europe beyond Anti-Semitism and Anti-Zionism - Securing Jewish Life in Europe" took place in Vienna. Participants included Ariel Muzicant, Vice-President of the European Jewish Congress (EJC), Education Minister Heinz Faßmann, EU Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova, EPP Group Leader Manfred Weber, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Anatoliyovych Klimkin and Chancellor Kurz. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had had to cancel his participation at short notice because of the government crisis in his home country. Likewise not a single official representative of the Austrian Freedom Party was present.

Chancellor Kurz: "Living up to our historical responsibility!" / Picture: © Bundeskanzleramt (BKA) / Andy Wenzel

The conference should look for concrete solutions to secure Jewish life in Europe.

Sharp criticism was levelled at those states that refuse to sign a joint EU declaration against anti-Semitism.

The declaration is to be adopted on the initiative of the Austrian EU Presidency at the EU summit in December. It would contain a common definition of Anti-Semitism and a…