Dealing with anti-Semitism, the Holocaust and its long-term effects is essential for understanding Austrian history and educating society. With this in mind, I led a seminar at the Vienna Integration Center on 23 January 2025, which was aimed at professionals from the fields of integration, education and social services. The event was organized by the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF).
As an expert in Jewish history and culture, it was particularly important to me to provide the participants with in-depth knowledge about Judaism, the historical and current manifestations of anti-Semitism and the Shoah. An important focus was on Jewish life in Vienna today and on innovative approaches to the culture of remembrance in the context of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27.
During the three-hour seminar, I presented the historical development of the Jewish community in Austria. Starting with the earliest records of Jewish settlements, I discussed the significance of Vienna as an important center of Jewish culture, the impact of the First World War and the profound changes in the interwar period.
Another focus was the examination of anti-Semitism, the horrors of the Shoah and developments in the post-war period, particularly with regard to historical reappraisal and restitution. Outstanding Jewish personalities and current aspects of Jewish life and cultural traditions in Vienna were also discussed.
ÖIF seminar series: Strategies for the prevention of anti-Semitism and extremism
This seminar was part of the ÖIF's wide range of continuing education programs, which includes a variety of events on current integration policy topics. In addition to online courses, face-to-face seminars are also offered, which enable a direct exchange between experts and multipliers. In the winter semester 2024/25, there will be a special focus on the prevention of anti-Semitism and extremism.
Further information on the seminar program can be found at www.integrationsfonds.at/seminare.