WJC at UNHRC | Statement on the UPR Outcome of Austria

At the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, Secretary General of the Israelite Religious Society in Austria Benjamin Nägele delivered a statement on the UPR Outcome of Austria on behalf of the WJC.

Read the full statement below:

Mr. President,

My name is Benjamin Nägele, I am the Secretary General of the Israelite Religious Society in Austria, and it is my honour today to address you on behalf of the World Jewish Congress.

Austrian history is deeply connected to Jewish history. Jewish legacy and Jewish life are an integral part of Austria’s fabric. While Austria was the home of a vibrant and flourishing Jewish community before the rise of National Socialism and World War II, we also look back at horrific crimes committed against Austria’s Jews in the course of the centuries. The Shoah – the genocide against the Jewish people, in which unfortunately too many Austrians were among the leading perpetrators – will remain a gaping wound in our collective memory. Around 200,000 Jews lived in Vienna prior to the Shoah, 65.000 were killed, tens of thousands were forced out of their country and only a few survived on Austrian territory.

Despite the horrors of the Shoah, Jewish survivors remained in Austria and rebuilt Jewish life in the liberated country. Today, Austria is home to about 12.000 Jews. The Jewish community in Vienna is now regarded as one of the most dynamic in the German-speaking world, providing the infrastructure for all needs for Jewish life.

In light of the darkest chapter of Austrian history, we certainly consider the recognition of its historical responsibility, Shoah remembrance and the fight against antisemitism a top priority for Austria – and a prerequisite for enabling Jewish life today.

We therefore welcome Austria’s strong acknowledgement of its historical responsibility and its commitment to combat all forms of antisemitism, to foster Jewish life and to preserve the Austrian-Jewish heritage not just in words, but in deeds.

Important milestones have already been achieved, in close cooperation between the Austrian authorities and the Jewish community of Austria.

We especially commend the Austrian government for having adopted the IHRA definition, for implementing the National Strategy of Antisemitism, and for implementing the Austrian-Jewish Cultural Heritage Act.

Austria has been an important initiator and role model in the fight against antisemitism in European and international forums.

We would like to encourage the Austrian government to continue the strong commitment to combat all forms of antisemitism inside the country and on the international stage.

As the Jewish Community, we look forward to continuing our excellent cooperation with the Austrian government.