Government Takes Step Towards Holocaust Museum

Specifically, it concerns a feasibility study that was initiated in the Council of Ministers. Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) emphasized in the press foyer after the government meeting that, in view of the "unspeakable suffering" caused by National Socialism, an appropriate culture of remembrance is needed. Approval came from the President of the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG), Oskar Deutsch.

The head of government wants to orient himself towards institutions that already exist in Los Angeles, Washington, and Amsterdam. As State Secretary Alexander Pröll (ÖVP) emphasized before the government meeting, they want to first look at international examples of memorial sites like Yad Vashem and engage in dialogue with organizations such as the Jewish Community.

Their President Deutsch had already demanded such an institution in Vienna in 2022. "This is a first step towards establishing a significant center with which the federal government acknowledges Austria's historical responsibility," he now emphasized in a statement to the APA. Remembrance is "not something outdated. The memory serves the future, so that there really is 'never again' a Shoah."

Announcement Regarding Website

State Secretary Michaela Schmidt (SPÖ) underlined the historical responsibility of the country, as Austrians were not only followers but also perpetrators in National Socialism. In examining the Holocaust museum, they will ensure that Austria's perpetrator history finds an important place. Furthermore, Schmidt announced that the website erinnern.at will be expanded. It is a low-threshold offer to draw attention to places of remembrance throughout Austria.

Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ) invited Austrians to participate in one of the commemorative ceremonies - "as a visible sign of Austrian remembrance culture". We must also do everything for the future to oppose authoritarian tendencies.

NEOS leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger also emphasized, with regard to increasing authoritarian tendencies, that like before the Second World War, liberal democracies are vulnerable from within. The unity of Europe is precisely Europe's strength and something indispensable in times of growing uncertainty.

No Timeline for Holocaust Museum Announced

NEOS club chairman Yannick Shetty expressed his pleasure that there is now a government in office that truly takes "never forget" seriously and represents an honest culture of remembrance. He sees the Holocaust Museum as a means of institutionalizing the culture of remembrance. This is all the more necessary in light of rampant anti-Semitism and hate and incitement against minorities.

Pröll emphasized that we have the historical responsibility to keep the remembrance alive. For this, a central place of remembrance is needed. A timeline for the project was not announced.

(APA/Red)

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