Constitutional and European Minister Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP) sees Austria as a pioneer in the fight against anti-Semitism in Europe. “We don’t have to hide,” she said during a background conversation. Yet more can always be done.
Hamas terrorist attacks have led to a “horrific” increase in anti-Semitic incidents. In addition to the national strategy against anti-Semitism, support from society is needed.
“We also need people from society to stand up to name and reject anti-Semitism,” Edtstadler called for. There is no magic potion against it, only the ability to constantly fight it. “This is the only way we can safeguard our social coexistence.”
Edtstadler: “Goes much further”
The fight against anti-Semitism is based on three pillars, namely the Act for the Protection of Austrian Jewish Cultural Heritage (ÖJKG), which provides for the financing of seven million euros for Jewish life, the National Strategy against Anti-Semitism and the central coordination of measures in the Federal Chancellery. “A lot has progressed since we bundled the measures,” Edtstadler emphasizes.
The President of the Israelite Community (IKG), Oskar Deutsch, recently reported a drastic increase in anti-Semitic incidents:
A total of 38 measures by the various ministries are planned in the national strategy. The Minister of Constitutional Affairs concluded that 28 of these had been fully implemented and the remaining ten were in progress. Some would even go beyond the original objective, such as the recently initiated reform of the prohibition law.
Minister of Justice Alma Zadic (The Greens) recently stated on Platform to Protect Jewish Life.
Austria as a pioneer?
“Austria is one of the countries that continues to highlight the issue,” said Katharina von Schnurbein, the European Commission’s coordinator for combating anti-Semitism and promoting Jewish life, who was connected by video.
In 2021, the European Commission adopted a strategy to combat anti-Semitism and promote Jewish life. 96 different initiatives are planned, of which 70 have already been implemented. “If they want to have an impact, the process must take place together with Member States, Jewish communities and civil society,” Schnurbein argued.
Hate multipliers TikTok, X and Co.
When it comes to disinformation and fake news on social media or online platforms, Schnurbein has great hope in the Digital Services Act. This not only creates a legal framework in Europe, but also provides for sanctions. This applies to all platforms that want to operate in Europe, including TikTok.
Right now we are experiencing things “that remind us of the worst days in Europe,” Schnurbein emphasized. For example, Jewish stars are painted on houses where Jews live. Jews no longer dare to send their children to school or hide their Jewish life. “This situation is a catastrophe for Europe,” she said.
And Edtstadler also criticized the fact that “all dams have apparently been breached” since October 7. We experience scenes that I no longer thought existed.” There is no place for anti-Semitism in our society, “no matter where it comes from,” Edtstadler said. Austria must remain and remain a safe place for Jews.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
