Austria's Historical Claims Over Israel: A Complex Legacy

Austria and Israel have a complex relationship, with a history that includes the birth of Zionism, the Holocaust, and ongoing political tensions. While the two countries have formal diplomatic relations, the dynamic between them is influenced by their shared past, including the fact that Adolf Hitler was Austrian. Today, Austria stands as one of Israel's closest allies in the European Union, but this relationship has not always been so amicable.

The history of Jews in Austria

Early History

The first evidence of a Jewish presence in what is now Austria can be traced to the 3rd century CE with the discovery of a gold amulet inscribed with a Jewish prayer in a grave in Halbturn. It is believed that the first Jews immigrated to Austria following the Roman legions after the Roman occupation of Israel.

Medieval Period

During the medieval period, the Jewish community in Austria experienced both highs and lows. In the 12th century, two synagogues existed in Vienna, and the Jewish settlement continued to grow with the absorption of Jewish settlers from Bavaria and the Rhineland. In the 13th century, the Jewish community flourished, as they were declared a separate ethnic and religious group by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, who granted them a bill of rights. However, this period of prosperity was short-lived, as tensions with the Christian population and hostility from the Catholic Church increased.

Early Modern Period

During the early modern period, the Jewish community in Austria faced increased persecution and antisemitism. In the 15th century, Jews were falsely accused of desecrating the sacramental bread, leading to the imprisonment and death of 210 Jewish men, women, and children. The remaining Jewish families were deported from Austria, and their belongings were left behind. While this deportation order was later cancelled, Jews in Austria continued to face expulsion and discrimination throughout the 16th and 17th centuries.

18th and 19th Centuries

The 18th and 19th centuries brought some positive changes for the Jewish community in Austria. In 1782, Emperor Joseph II issued the Edict of Tolerance, which cancelled many of the limitations placed on Jews. During this period, Jews were granted equal rights and played a significant role in Austrian culture and society, with many prominent figures in fields such as law, journalism, literature, and medicine. However, antisemitism remained prevalent, and the rise of political antisemitism in the late 19th century set the stage for the Nazi takeover in the 20th century.

World War II and the Holocaust

The annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938 marked a devastating turning point for the Jewish community in Austria. Jewish businesses were confiscated, and Jews were expelled from all cultural, economic, and social life. The Kristallnacht pogroms in November 1938 were particularly brutal, with synagogues destroyed and Jewish businesses vandalized. Thousands of Jews were arrested, deported, and murdered during this time. By 1941, almost all Jews had been forced to emigrate, and those who remained were subjected to the horrors of the Holocaust.

Post-World War II

After World War II, the Jewish community in Austria began to rebuild, but it was much smaller than before. The Kultusgemeinde, the Jewish Community that was established in 1890, was the only remaining community, and it worked to reestablish Jewish institutions and organizations. However, anti-Semitism and neo-Nazism continued to be issues in Austria, and the country faced difficulties in enacting restitution and compensation for Jewish survivors.

Today, the Jewish community in Austria continues to thrive, with a population of around 12,000-15,000, most of whom live in Vienna. The community is diverse, with many different denominations, and it remains an important part of Austrian society and culture.

Austria's recognition of Israel

Austria recognised Israel as a sovereign state in March 1949, shortly after its founding in 1948. However, official diplomatic relations were not established until 1956.

The relationship between the two countries has been described as "stormy" and "fraught" due to Austria's role in World War II and the Holocaust, as well as its postwar neutral stance. Despite this, the two countries have become close allies in recent years, with Austria voting against a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in the 2023 Israel-Hamas War.

A Complex History

Austria and Israel's relationship is complex, given that Adolf Hitler and other perpetrators of the Holocaust came from Austria. At the same time, the founder of Zionism, Theodor Herzl, also lived in Austria-Hungary, and many Israelis are descendants of Austrian Jews.

Recognition and Early Relations

Austria recognised Israel on 5 March 1949, less than a year after the Israeli Declaration of Independence on 14 May 1948. In the same year, Austria granted Israel a loan of 50 million shillings and transferred the remains of Theodor Herzl to Israel.

The State of Israel largely adopted the position of the Allied Western Powers, who regarded Austria as the first victim of the Nazis. As a result, Austria was exempted from the confiscation of German property in the former League of Nations Mandate for Palestine.

This laid the foundation for the establishment of consular relations and the de jure recognition of Israel by Austria in the spring of 1950, although mutual confirmation of this did not occur until two years later. Prior to this, there were negotiations about Austrian reparations to Israel for World War II, which were finalised in September 1952.

Establishing Diplomatic Relations

On 2 February 1956, the Austrian government announced the establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel, and relations between the two countries developed positively. During the Suez Crisis, Austria took a pro-Israel stance in the UN General Assembly, and in 1958, the two nations signed a trade agreement.

Strained Relations

In the 1970s, relations became strained when Austrian Chancellor Bruno Kreisky sought a role as a mediator in the Middle East conflict and called for a Palestinian state. Israel-Austria relations were further strained by the Waldheim affair in the 1980s and the participation of the far-right Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) in the government in 2000, which prompted Israel to recall its ambassador.

A New Chapter

After the resignation of Chancellor Kreisky and the departure of President Waldheim, relations between Austria and Israel improved. In 1993, Austrian Chancellor Franz Vranitzky visited Israel and acknowledged Austria's responsibility for the Holocaust.

In 2003, relations were restored after talks between the Austrian foreign minister, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and Israel. The FPÖ returned to government in 2017 under Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who worked to strengthen ties with Israel and combat antisemitism in Europe.

A Strategic Partnership

In recent years, Austria and Israel have become close allies, with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg announcing in 2023 that the two countries had entered a "strategic, extremely close relationship that can no longer be undone". Austria has supported Israel in the UN, voted against a ceasefire resolution in the 2023 Israel-Hamas War, and stopped all aid to Palestine.

Economic relations between the two countries have also expanded significantly, with Austrian exports to Israel increasing by 50% between 2018 and 2022. Israeli tourists accounted for one million overnight stays in Austria in 2023.

Austria's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict

Austria and Israel have a complex relationship that has evolved over time, with the former seeking redemption for its role in World War II and the Holocaust. Austria has taken a pro-Israel stance in recent years, becoming one of the most pro-Israeli countries in the European Union.

In October 2023, Austria stood with Israel at the United Nations, voting against a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. This decision surprised many, given Austria's history with the far-right Freedom Party, founded by SS veterans, and its status as the birthplace of Adolf Hitler and Adolf Eichmann. However, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg affirmed the country's "strategic, extremely close relationship with Israel."

Austria's support for Israel is driven by a combination of political calculation and economic opportunity. In 2017, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz formed a government with the Freedom Party, prompting concerns about a return to antisemitism. Kurz worked to reassure Israel and the international community, visiting Jerusalem and pledging to combat antisemitism during Austria's EU presidency. This effort was successful, as evidenced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's positive remarks about Kurz.

Historically, Austria and Israel have had a tumultuous relationship. In the 1970s, Austrian Chancellor Bruno Kreisky, who was Jewish, often criticised Israel and called for the creation of a Palestinian state. Kreisky's stance stemmed from his belief that accommodating the Palestinians was key to resolving tensions in the region. He recognised the right of Israel to exist but took issue with its hardline stance under Prime Minister Menachem Begin, referring to it as a "police state". Kreisky's actions, such as meeting with Yasser Arafat and recognising the PLO, strained relations between the two countries.

While Austria does not fully recognise the Palestinian state declared in 1988, it has supported Palestine's applications to join UNESCO and obtain observer status at the United Nations. In recent years, Austria has positioned itself as a pro-Israel member of the EU, and relations between the two countries have strengthened. However, Austria has also emphasised the rights of Palestinians and the need for peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

The Austrian-Israeli economic relationship

The relationship between Austria and Israel has been fraught due to the role Austrians played in the Holocaust. However, in recent years, the two countries have become close allies. In 2023, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg announced that the two countries had entered into a strategic, extremely close relationship.

Historical Context

Austria recognised Israel on March 5, 1949, shortly after the Jewish state's founding in 1948. In the same year, Austria granted Israel a loan of 50 million shillings and transferred the remains of Theodor Herzl, the founder of Zionism, to Israel.

However, the relationship between the two countries has not always been smooth. In the 1970s, Austrian Chancellor Bruno Kreisky sought to act as a mediator in the Middle East conflict, calling for a Palestinian state. This caused disputes with Israel, straining relations. Relations were further strained by the Waldheim affair in the 1980s and the participation of the far-right Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) in the government in 2000, leading Israel to recall its ambassador.

Recent Developments

After the resignation of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in 2021, relations between Austria and Israel remained close, and a strategic partnership was concluded in 2022. In 2023, Austria voted against a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas War, standing in solidarity with Israel in its fight against terrorism.

Economic Ties

Economic relations between Austria and Israel have expanded significantly as political relations have intensified. Between 2018 and 2022, Austrian exports to Israel increased by 50%. In 2023, Austria's total exports to Israel amounted to 540 million euros, while imports from Israel totalled 339 million euros. Pharmaceutical products were the largest asset in trade, but machinery, vehicles, and special instruments were also traded.

Additionally, Israeli tourists contributed to one million overnight stays in Austria in 2023, a significant number considering Israel's small size.

The impact of Austria's far-right politics on its relationship with Israel

The Freedom Party of Austria (FPOe), a far-right faction with a history of trafficking in antisemitic tropes and founded by SS veterans in the 1950s, has had a significant impact on the country's relationship with Israel. The FPOe's involvement in the Austrian government has often led to strained ties with Israel, including the recall of Israel's ambassador in 2000 and 2017.

In 2017, the FPOe joined a coalition government with the centre-right People's Party, leading to concerns about a potential reversal in Austria's efforts to reckon with its World War II history. Then-Chancellor Sebastian Kurz sought to reassure Israel and distance his government from the FPOe's antisemitic reputation. Kurz visited Jerusalem, pledged to combat antisemitism, and developed a close relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called him a "true friend of Israel and the Jewish people."

However, Israel maintained its refusal to engage directly with FPOe ministers, citing the party's antisemitic and xenophobic views. This boycott created a diplomatic challenge for Israel, as some FPOe members assumed prominent roles in the Austrian government. Efforts by Kurz and FPOe leaders to improve relations with Israel, including expressing support for Israel's right to build settlements and moving Austria's embassy to Jerusalem, were met with scepticism by many Jewish and Israeli analysts.

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