Action against anti-Semitism in Austria
The Action Against Anti-Semitism in Austria (AgA) was founded in 1955 as an independent and non-partisan association. It intends to sharpen critical awareness of all forms of hatred of Jews through broad educational work .
Programmatic orientation
“After a phase in which anti-Semitic views were largely tabooed, it has been possible again for some time in Austria to lead election campaigns by stirring up anti-Semitic resentment. Right-wing extremist circles openly call the Jewish enemy image by name again, deny or relativize the Holocaust. And in the wake of the escalation of the Middle East conflict, a new anti-Semitism spread across Europe under the guise of "anti-Zionism". Today not only neo-Nazis demonstrate against "world Zionism", but also left anti-imperialists and globalization critics in association with Islamists and Arab nationalists. In an increasingly confusing world, the addiction to simple explanations and scapegoats grows: Again the Jews, Zionism and Israel are made responsible for all political and economic crises and upheavals.
But the danger is not exhausted directly in anti-Semitism, rather it is increased by its denial. Because what cannot be, anti-Semitism is played down or even denied in many places. That is why the fight against hatred of Jews also includes the sustained attempt to create awareness of the problem in the first place. [...] Because wherever Jews are at risk, democracy is also at risk. "
Concrete association work
The institution organizes information and educational events, supports scientific work and acts against anti-Semitism in Austria in schools, universities, in popular education and in public. It reacts to anti-Semitic statements with press releases and events.
Joseph Samuel Bloch Medal
The Joseph-Samuel-Bloch-Medal is an award for special merits in the fight against anti-Semitism and was created in 1994 by the Aktion gegen Anti-Semitism in Austria. Joseph Samuel Bloch (1850–1923) was an Austrian rabbi and member of the Reichsrat , founder, editor and editor of the Oesterreichische Wochenschrift for decades , and founder of the Union of Austrian Jews . Bloch turned against Jewish German nationalism , but also against several ritual murder lies . He also stood up for East Jewish refugees and helped them in bitter times. So far, the winners of the medal have been Kurt Schubert , Erika Weinzierl , Rudolf Gelbard , Karl Pfeifer and Ariel Muzicant .
Networking
The campaign against anti-Semitism in Austria works with a number of organizations and institutions of civil society , including the documentation archive of Austrian resistance , the forum against anti-Semitism , the society for critical anti-Semitism research , with civil courage and anti-racism work (ZARA) and make a statement with the platform now! .
Functionaries
For many years the honorary president was the contemporary historian Erika Weinzierl , who died in 2014, and for many years she was a member of the presidium of painters, set designers and poets Carry Hauser . Ulrich Trinks was Secretary General for many years from 1973 . KS Elisabeth Orth acts as president and Wolfgang Neugebauer as vice president . The general secretary is Christine Schindler , her deputy is Andreas Peham . Brigitte Bailer , Wolfgang Duchkowitsch , Rudolf Gelbard , Elisabeth Lebensaft and Brigitte Ungar-Klein serve as assessors . The long-time treasurer was the Holocaust survivor and historian Jonny Moser .
Web links
- Action against anti-Semitism in Austria , website of the institution