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Anti-Semitism
Official Commemoration of November Pogroms Overshadowed by Protests Against Walter Rosenkranz
Vienna remembers the November pogroms of 1938: a moving light installation and memorial events at the Shoah Wall of Names commemorate the more than 65,000 Jewish victims in Austria. However, the official commemoration was overshadowed by controversy when National Council President Walter Rosenkranz (FPÖ) met with resistance.
November 10, 2024
Anti-Semitism in Austria: IKG Records Dramatic Increase in Anti-Semitic Incidents
The Jewish Community Vienna (IKG) warns of a worrying increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Austria. In the first half of 2024, the IKG's anti-Semitism reporting office registered a total of 808 anti-Semitic attacks and threats - an increase of around 160 percent compared to the previous year.
October 30, 2024
Austria Strengthens Partnership With Yad Vashem in the Fight Against Anti-Semitism
Dani Dayan, Chairman of the Jerusalem Holocaust Memorial Yad Vashem, visited Vienna to strengthen the close partnership between Israel and Austria. Dayan met with both Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Both emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in the fight against anti-Semitism and in preserving the memory of the Shoah.
October 20, 2024
60 Years of the Documentation Archive of Austrian Resistance
The Documentation Centre of Austrian Resistance (DÖW), an important institution in the reappraisal of Austria's Nazi past, is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Founded in 1963 by former resistance fighters and victims of Nazi persecution as well as committed academics, the DÖW has played a central role in researching and communicating the history of resistance against the Nazi regime.
January 15, 2024
Austria in EU Council: Focus on Finance, Migration and Geopolitical Stability
After two intensive days of negotiations, the European Council in Brussels came to an end on Friday evening. The EU member states set new priorities for the EU budget, discussed future EU enlargements, and took a stand on current geopolitical issues. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer supported these steps.
December 26, 2023
Israel Raises Travel Warnings: Tightened Security Situation in Austria and Europe
In a significant security measure, Israel's National Security Staff has increased travel warnings for its citizens in several countries, including Austria, Germany, France and the UK. The decision follows growing threats from Iran and its allies, as well as an increase in anti-Semitism worldwide.
December 4, 2023
Solidarity with Israel in the Austrian National Council
In a remarkable session of the Austrian National Council, strong solidarity with Israel and a clear condemnation of Hamas and its terrorist attacks were demonstrated. The unanimous decision of the MPs reflects Austria's stance on the Middle East conflict and the violence in the region.
November 26, 2023
Austria and the United Kingdom Sign Strategic Partnership
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg was the first EU Foreign Minister to meet his new British counterpart David Cameron in London. The meeting focused on the situation in the Middle East and Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
November 21, 2023
ODIHR and OSCE Combat Hate Crime and Promote Tolerance
In light of a worrying rise in hate crimes, particularly against Jewish and Muslim communities, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is intensifying its efforts to counter this trend.
November 13, 2023
Austria Intensifies its Fight Against Anti-Semitism: New Legal Reforms and Culture of Remembrance
On the occasion of the Remembrance Day of the November protests and at a time of global unrest and growing anti-Semitic tendencies, Austria has taken decisive steps to intensify the fight against anti-Semitism. This commitment manifests itself in a series of initiatives ranging from the reform of existing laws to the promotion of an active culture of remembrance.
November 13, 2023
Drastic Increase in Anti-Semitic Incidents in Austria
In recent days, the Anti-Semitism Reporting Office of the Vienna Israelite Community (IKG) has noted a worrying increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Austria. This is directly related to the devastating attacks on Israel by Hamas, in which more than 1,400 people have been killed and over 200 kidnapped, while thousands of rockets have been fired at Israel.
October 22, 2023
House of History Austria Sets an Example with Special Guided Tours to the "Hitler Balcony"
The House of Austrian History (hdgö) is adding two special tours at short notice to its program, which will take a look at the so-called "Hitler Balcony". The tours will take place on September 7 and 14, 2023, and will be led by Director Monika Sommer under the title "(K)ein Hitler-Balkon" (No Hitler Balcony).
September 4, 2023
Austria Calls for "European Year Against Hate" for 2024
Austria is demanding a "European Year against Hate" in 2024, as stated by State Secretary Claudia Plakolm. This demand was made during the meeting of the Council of Youth Ministers in Brussels.
May 22, 2023
European Anti-Semitism Conference in Vienna
Anti-Semitism is still widespread in Europe and must be curbed. The European conference on anti-Semitism is taking place in Vienna for the second time.
April 17, 2023
Call for Austrian National Action Plan against Racism
Racism is not just an individual problem, but a structural one, explained the "No Hate Speech" Movement launched in 2013 on the initiative of the Council of Europe. In a recent dispatch of the Austrian "No Hate Speech" Committee, the situation in Austria is admonished.
March 14, 2023
Simon-Wiesenthal Prize Goes to Palestinian Activist
The Simon-Wiesenthal prize for the year 2022 was awarded for the second time. This prize is being awarded for the best activism against anti-semitism. This time the main prize was awarded to the organization Zikaron Basalon.
March 14, 2023
Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Met Representatives of Jewish Organizations in New York
Austria should take its historical responsibility for the Holocaust seriously. Foreign Minister Schallenberg met with representatives of Jewish organizations on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
September 25, 2022
Weekly Briefing: Diplomacy and Newest Developments in Vienna and Austria
Read about the newest developments in Diplomacy in Vienna and Austria. Further, Austria is strengthening its efforts to fight global and local grievances. Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg visited Serbia and Kosovo. The Find out more about this week's developments.
June 19, 2022
First Austrian National Forum against Anti-Semitism Meets in Vienna
The first Austrian national forum marks another milestone in the Austrian national strategy against Anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitism is still a problem in many places. Austrian complicity in the Holocaust and recurring attacks against Jews explain the importance of this forum.
June 14, 2022
Canada and Austria Strengthen Transatlantic Relations
During a recent visit to Canada by the Austrian Federal Minister for the EU and the Constitution, the focus was on strengthening transatlantic relations and cooperation in the fight against disinformation. The visit, during which she met, among others, Canada's Justice Minister David Lametti, took place on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Austria.
May 30, 2022
Fight Against Anti-Semitism: Vienna Invites to the European Conference on Anti-Semitism
In order to counter the rising number of anti-Semitic incidents around the world in recent months, the European Conference on Anti-Semitism is taking place in Austria with the participation of international organisations and 15 European member states. The aim is to promote networking and to send a clear signal for the fight against anti-Semitism and for a prosperous Jewish life in Europe.
May 18, 2022
Report on Measures to Safeguard Jewish Life in Austria
As a basis for preventing and combating anti-Semitism by the state and civil society, Austria adopted the National Strategy against Anti-Semitism in January 2021. The EU Commission presented the first EU strategy against anti-Semitism in October of the previous year.
April 1, 2022
Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Schallenberg Visit Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial Site
On the occasion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, 2022, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid visited the Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial together with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg, Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and Governor Thomas Stelzer.
January 27, 2022
#WeRemember: Heads of Austrian, German, and Israeli Parliaments Meet Ahead of Holocaust Remembrance Day
German Bundestag President Bärbel Bas and Israeli Knesset President Mickey Levy recently met with Austrian National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka in Berlin to discuss the fight against anti-Semitism and the #WeRemember campaign. Read about their meeting and this important campaign ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
January 26, 2022
Israel and Austria Step Up Cooperation on Security Issues
Israeli Ambassador Mordechai Rodgold and Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner met for working talks to discuss further cooperation on security issues. Read more about their meeting and what they said about the fight against anti-Semitism.
January 18, 2022
Jewish Museum Vienna Opens "The Viennese Rothschilds. A Thriller"
The Jewish Museum Vienna has opened a new exhibition entitled "The Viennese Rothschilds. A thriller," which covers the history of the Rothschild family in Austria. Learn more about the new exhibit and see some pictures from inside.
December 17, 2021
Who Is the New Austrian Minister of the Interior Gerhard Karner?
The new Austrian Minister of the Interior, Gerhard Karner, was recently sworn into office. Learn more about the new minister and his extensive career in politics.
December 9, 2021
State of Emergency in Vienna: Numerous Demonstrations against Anti-Corona Measures
Vienna was once again subject to demonstrations against measures taken by the Austrian government to combat the spread of the coronavirus. Read about the massive demonstrations and clashes with police in Austria's capital.
December 6, 2021
Migration: Expansion of Value and Orientation Courses for Asylum Seekers Planned
Integration Minister Susanne Raab announced that the mandatory values and orientation courses for asylum seekers will be expanded to include three days of lessons rather than just one. Read more about the expansion of the program and what will be taught.
November 12, 2021
New Shoah Name Walls Memorial in Vienna: 64,440 Names Commemorate Humanity's Atrocity
The Austrian government unveiled the new Shoah Wall of Names Memorial on the 83rd anniversary of the November pogroms. Chancellor Schallenberg, EU Minister Edtstadler, and others spoke at the event. Read about the new memorial, what the leaders said at its opening, and watch a video of the event.
November 10, 2021
November Pogroms: Remembrance Event of the Turkish-Jewish Synagogue in Zirkusgasse
Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig, representatives from the religious communities in Vienna, and others took part in a remembrance event for the November pogroms at the location of one of the synagogues that was burned down in 1938. Read more about the solemn event and what Mayor Ludwig said.
November 10, 2021
Austria's Strategy for the Upcoming European Council Meeting
Ahead of the European Council meeting in Brussels, Austrian Chancellor Schallenberg, EU Minister Edtstadler, and members of parliament laid out Austria's strategy for the meeting. Read their stances on the key issues they plan to raise in Brussels.
October 22, 2021
Antisemitic Vandalism at Auschwitz-Birkenau Highlights Alarming Trend
One day after an Austrian delegation, including President Van der Bellen, Foreign Minister Schallenberg, and EU Minister Edtstadler spoke at the opening of the new Austrian exhibition at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial, the museum reported antisemitic vandalism at the camp. The shocking incident underscores a larger trend of antisemitism in Europe and around the world. Read more about the incident, the trend of antisemitism, and what is being done to combat it.
October 7, 2021
Auschwitz-Birkenau: Austrian Delegation to Visit Largest Mass Murder Site in Human History
At the invitation of the Director of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum Piotr M.A. Cywiński and Austrian National Council President Sobotka, an Austrian delegation including President Van der Bellen and Foreign Minister Schallenberg will attend the opening of the new Austrian national exhibition "Distance - Austria and Auschwitz" in the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum at the former Nazi concentration camp. Read more about the important new exhibition, who will be attending the opening, and the schedule for the rest of the president's trip to Poland.
October 4, 2021
Combating Anti-Semitism in Austria: Representatives of US Jewish Organizations Briefed on New Measures
While in New York for the 76th UNGA, Foreign Minister Schallenberg and Chancellor Kurz met with representatives of various Jewish organizations and briefed them on new measures being taken to combat anti-Semitism. Read about their meetings and some of the steps they are taking to address this issue.
September 29, 2021
Number of Anti-Semitism Incidents in Austria Doubled
The Anti-Semitism Reporting Office of the Jewish Community Vienna (IKG) presented its semi-annual report for the first half of 2021. The report showed that the number of incidents had doubled from the same period of the previous year. It attributed the increase mainly to Israel-related anti-Semitism and anti-Semitism surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 3, 2021
40 Years After Terror Attack on City Temple in Vienna - Commemoration of Victims and Heroes
On August 29, 1981, the synagogue in Vienna (City Prayer House - Stadttempel) was shaken by a terrorist attack. It was the bloodiest attack on Jewish life in Austria after World War II. Two Palestinian terrorists killed two people in the attack, and 21 were injured, some seriously.
August 31, 2021
Germany and Austria: "Current Incidents Demand Actions Against Anti-Semitism"
Austria's Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler has met with German Bundestag President Wolfgang Schäuble in Berlin to exchange views on the fight against anti-Semitism. Recent incidents had worried the German and Austrian politicians.
May 21, 2021
Romanian Parliament Speaker Met Sobotka
Romanian Parliament Speaker Ludovic Orban met with Austria's National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka to discuss matters concerning the Covid-19 pandemic, interparliamentary relations and bilateral relations between the two countries. Furthermore, both politicians found great agreement on the need to fight anti-Semitism and antiziganism.
April 27, 2021
British Speaker of House of Commons Meets Sobotka
The Speaker of the House of Commons in the British Parliament, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, met virtually with his Austrian counterpart, National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka, to discuss the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic as well as other issues. The two politicians exchanged views and ideas on parliamentary security and the fight against anti-Semitism.
March 3, 2021
Edtstadler in Berlin: Demand for Unified European Approach Against Pandemic
Some of Germany's top politicians met with Austria's Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler in Berlin in order to discuss the joint fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and strategies against anti-Semitism. All the exchanges led to the conclusion that it is paramount to create unified approaches for testing and vaccines.
February 22, 2021
Edtstadler in Paris: Meetings with Secretaries of State and Chief Rabbi
In order to discuss Covid-19 coordination and the fight against terrorism and anti-Semitism, Austria's Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler has traveled to Paris, France and met with, among others, Secretary of State for Europe Clément Beaune and Chief Rabbi of France Haim Korsia.
February 2, 2021
Speaker of Israeli Parliament Met Sobotka
Israel's Speaker of Parliament, Yariv Levin, and Austria's National Council President, Wolfgang Sobotka, met virtually to discuss current issues. The agenda of the meeting comprised the fight against Covid-19 in all its facets, the work of parliaments in times of the pandemic and security issues in the parliamentary operations.
January 22, 2021
Nehammer: Strong Together in the Fight Against Anti-Semitism
The Jewish Religious Society and the Austrian Ministry of the Interior extended their funding contract for three more years. The President of the Society Deutsch and Interior Minister Nehammer signed the contract, which provides funding for Jewish facilities all over Austria.
November 19, 2020
Agreement Between Israel and Austria on the Joint Use of Archival Materials
The agreement between the Israeli and Austrian governments to a joint use of archival materials is one step closer to be actually implemented. This cooperation would enhance the cooperation of the two countries with regard to the reappraisal of the Holocaust as well as to the fight against anti-Semitism.
October 16, 2020
Chief Rabbi of Vienna Meets Van der Bellen
Vienna's newly appointed Chief Rabbi Jaron Engelmayer made his inaugural visit to President Van der Bellen to discuss current topics of the religious community and the Covid-19 situation.
September 24, 2020
Federal Minister Edtstadler Promises Action Plan Against Anti-Semitism
Karoline Edtstadler, Federal Minister of Austria for the EU and Constitution, introduced an action plan that will be implemented in the fall. This plan will comprise about 30 measures to fight ongoing anti-Semitism.
August 26, 2020
Islamic Motivated Offender Attacked Synagogue
Yesterday a press conference was held concerning the attack of a synagogue and the president of the Jewish community in Graz. The attacker was identified as a Syrian citizen with an Islamic motive. In the upcoming weeks, synagogues in Austria will be protected by police officers.
August 25, 2020
Federal Minister Edtstadler: "We Must Protect and Promote Jewish Life Throughout Europe!"
After the recent attacks on the President of the Jewish Communities in Graz, Federal Minister Edtstadler made clear that Jewish life in Austria needs to be protected and promoted by any means.
August 24, 2020
Ground-breaking Ceremony for the Shoah Wall of Names Memorial in Ostarrichi Park in Vienna
The responsibility for the historical responsibility with regard to the darkest chapters of Austrian history now finds a visible sign of remembrance of the victims of National Socialism in the Memorial to the Jews from Austria murdered in the Shoah.
July 8, 2020
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