Austro-Israelite Union

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The Austrian-Israelite Union was a political organization in the Austrian Empire to represent Jewish interests. The organization was founded in 1884 in response to the election victory of anti-Semitic politicians in Vienna and Lower Austria. After the First World War, the association was called the Union of German-Austrian Jews , from 1931 the Union of Austrian Jews , which published its communications in the weekly newspaper Die Truth .

The aim was to promote cohesion among the Austrian Jews and their interests and to counter the prejudices against them.

"If anti-Semitism is to be combated, one must begin with" Jewish anti-Semitism ". We want to become the organ that is active for Judaism ... Our task is first of all: The elevation of Judaism in the eyes of others and in our own ... for the highest goods not only of Judaism, but of humanity in general, for truth, Freedom, law ... "

- Dr. Sigmund Zins at the constituent meeting on April 24, 1886 :

The implementation of these goals was approached very actively by the executive committee of the organization. a. Joseph Samuel Bloch and Chief Rabbi Moritz Güdemann , as well as university professors and important merchants. It was influenced in political elections and in the Jewish community of Vienna. Under her leadership there were u. a. public lectures aimed at raising Jewish awareness. She also campaigned for the establishment of a Jewish theological seminary in Vienna.

In 1895 she supported the establishment of the General Association of Israelites .

The Union was well prepared for the anti-Semitic riots of 1896, which escalated particularly in Bohemia. They regularly informed the press and government about the status of the riots and asked for support. A legal protection bureau was set up to offer free assistance to Jews whose rights had been violated.

After the serious riots in Galicia in 1898, they initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances of their fellow believers there. This resulted in the establishment of the Galician Relief Society .

From 1888 she published a monthly magazine entitled Mittheilungen der Oesterreichisch-Israelitischen Union , which was supposed to spread her ideas and views. The calendar for Israelites , which is one of the best yearbooks of Jewish life , was also published from 1892 onwards . The weekly newspaper Die Truth later became the organ of the Union.

Fonts

  • Jakob Ornstein: Moses Maimonides, his life and work. Commemorative speech given on March 28, 1935 at the celebratory assembly organized by the "Union of Austrian Jews" in Vienna to celebrate the 800th anniversary of his birthday . Vienna: Union of Austrian Jews, 1935
  • Jakob Ornstein: Festschrift to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Union of Austrian Jews . Vienna, Union of Austrian Jews, 1937.

literature

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Robert S. Wistrich: The Jews of Vienna in the age of Emperor Franz Joseph . 1999, p. 257