Austria's Troubling Relationship With Antisemitism

Antisemitism in Austria has been a recurring issue since the 12th century, when Jewish communities first gained a foothold in the region. While the country's Jewish population has historically endured persecution, pogroms, and mass murder, they have also enjoyed periods of relative prosperity and equality. In recent years, Austria has seen a resurgence of antisemitic incidents, particularly in the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The situation is complex, with far-right and Muslim perpetrators both contributing to the rise in antisemitic attacks.

A fivefold increase in anti-Jewish incidents since October 7, 2023

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a terrorist attack on Israel, which resulted in a surge of antisemitism in Austria and worldwide. The Jewish Community of Vienna reported a fivefold increase in the number of daily anti-Jewish incidents between October 7 and the end of 2023. This spike in antisemitism is cause for concern and has prompted the Austrian government to implement new measures to combat online abuse and promote Jewish life in the country.

Prior to October 7, 2023, reported anti-Jewish incidents in Vienna had been declining, with an average of 1.55 incidents per day in the first nine months of the year. However, following the Hamas attack, the number of incidents increased dramatically, with the Reporting Centre for Antisemitism verifying 200 incidents in October, 226 in November, and 294 in December. This surge in antisemitism is reflected in other countries as well, with New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago all recording increases in anti-Jewish hate crimes in 2023 compared to 2022.

The majority of the anti-Israel activists in Austria are from the far left, according to the Antisemitismus-meldestelle report. The report also noted that Israel has divided left-wing groups in the country. While those with a far-right background remained the largest group of perpetrators of anti-Jewish incidents in Austria, individuals with a Muslim background were responsible for the majority of assaults and threats. This reflects a similar trend seen in other countries, where the far right and far left have encroached on the political center, making the fight against antisemitism more challenging.

The Austrian government has recognized the seriousness of the situation and announced a package of measures to address online antisemitism. These measures include intensifying cooperation with social media providers and developing AI systems to better identify and recognize antisemitism and other forms of hate speech online. The government also plans to increase support for online Holocaust education and fund public awareness campaigns on antisemitism.

The high-profile European Conference on Antisemitism, held in Vienna in May 2024, brought together international experts to discuss strategies for combating antisemitism and promoting Jewish life in Europe. This conference addressed the surge in online and offline antisemitism following the Hamas attack on Israel and highlighted the need for collaboration between US and European experts to tackle this growing issue.

The Austrian government's new package of measures to combat antisemitism

The Austrian government has recently announced a series of measures to tackle the rising issue of antisemitism in the country. This comes in response to a fivefold increase in anti-Jewish incidents since October 7, 2023, which has prompted the government to take action, particularly against online abuse. Here is an overview of the new package of measures:

• Intensified Cooperation with Social Media Providers: The government plans to work closely with social media companies to address online antisemitism and hate speech. This includes developing AI systems that can effectively recognize and identify antisemitic content to ensure quicker detection and removal.
• Online Holocaust Education Support: There will be increased support for educational initiatives that focus on Holocaust education, particularly those utilizing online platforms. This aims to promote awareness and understanding of the Holocaust, encouraging empathy and combating antisemitism.
• Public Awareness Campaign: The government will fund a nationwide public awareness campaign specifically targeting antisemitism. This campaign will likely include educational components and encourage a united stand against antisemitism.
• Addressing Extremist Groups: While far-right groups remain the largest perpetrators of antisemitic incidents, the government will also focus on addressing extremist groups with Muslim backgrounds, who have been responsible for a significant number of antisemitic assaults and threats.
• Swift Prosecution: The authorities will be encouraged to act swiftly in prosecuting antisemitic incidents, particularly those that occur during anti-Israel demonstrations. This ensures that antisemitism is treated as a serious matter and sends a clear message of zero tolerance.
• International Collaboration: Austria is actively participating in international efforts to combat antisemitism. This includes hosting the third European Conference on Antisemitism in Vienna, which brings together experts from Europe and the US to discuss strategies and promote Jewish life on the continent.

These measures demonstrate the Austrian government's commitment to addressing the issue of antisemitism and creating a safer environment for the Jewish community in the country. By focusing on both online and offline spaces and collaborating with various organizations, the government aims to foster a more inclusive and tolerant society.

The role of the Reporting Centre for Antisemitism in Vienna

The Reporting Centre for Antisemitism in Vienna (also known as Antisemitismus-Meldestelle) is a crucial organisation that plays a vital role in monitoring, documenting, and addressing instances of antisemitism in the city. It operates under the umbrella of the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG Wien).

The Centre's primary role is to record and verify reports of antisemitic incidents, providing a comprehensive overview of the prevalence and nature of antisemitism in Vienna. This involves collecting data on various forms of antisemitism, including physical attacks, threats of violence, property damage, and online abuse. The Centre's experts carefully verify each reported incident to ensure that it is indeed antisemitic, contributing to accurate and reliable statistics.

The Centre's reports offer valuable insights into the motivations behind antisemitic acts. For example, in the first half of 2024, the Centre's data showed that most incidents were related to Israel, followed by Holocaust denial. This information helps the Centre, policymakers, and the wider community understand the evolving nature of antisemitism and inform effective strategies to combat it.

The Centre also plays a crucial role in raising awareness about antisemitism and advocating for the rights and safety of the Jewish community in Vienna. By sharing its findings and expertise, the Centre contributes to a broader understanding of the issue and helps shape public discourse and policy responses.

Additionally, the Centre collaborates with other organisations, both domestically and internationally, to strengthen the collective response to antisemitism. This includes participating in conferences, such as the European Conference on Antisemitism, where experts from across Europe gather to discuss practical ways to improve reporting methodologies and develop strategies to tackle antisemitism.

The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on antisemitism in Austria

The Israel-Hamas conflict has had a profound impact on the Jewish community in Austria, with a sharp rise in antisemitic attacks and incidents across the country. This surge in antisemitism is not isolated to Austria, but rather reflects a broader trend seen across Europe and other parts of the world. The conflict has exacerbated existing antisemitic sentiments and has led to increased fears and concerns for the safety of Jewish communities.

In Austria, the impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on antisemitism can be observed through several key developments:

Increase in Antisemitic Attacks and Incidents: Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, there has been a notable increase in antisemitic attacks and incidents in Austria. This includes vandalism, graffiti, harassment, and physical assaults targeting Jewish individuals and institutions. For example, in November 2023, swastika symbols were sprayed on the walls of the Jewish section of the Vienna Central Cemetery, and the entrance lobby of a ceremonial hall was set on fire. Additionally, there have been reports of antisemitic graffiti on Jewish businesses, synagogues, and memorials in various parts of the country.

Heightened Security and Protection: In response to the rising antisemitism, Austrian authorities have raised the country's terrorism alert level to "high" and have increased protection measures for local Jewish institutions. This includes enhanced security at synagogues, community centres, and other Jewish sites. The Austrian government has also taken steps to counter antisemitic incidents and promote Jewish life in the country.

Spillover of Conflict: The Israel-Hamas conflict has led to a spillover of tensions and hostilities into Austria, with pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli sentiments influencing public opinion and attitudes towards the Jewish community. This has contributed to a negative perception of Jews in Austria, even among those with no personal connection to the conflict.

Impact on Jewish Community: The increase in antisemitic incidents has had a significant impact on the daily lives of Jewish individuals in Austria. Some members of the Jewish community have reported feeling unsafe and have changed their behaviours to avoid potential threats. This includes avoiding wearing religious clothing or symbols in public, hesitating to order deliveries to their homes, and considering moving to Israel. The fear and uncertainty caused by the rise in antisemitism have led to increased anxiety and concerns for personal safety within the Jewish community.

Public Discourse and Protests: The conflict has also influenced public discourse and protests in Austria. While there have been rallies and demonstrations in support of Jewish communities, there have also been instances of pro-Palestinian protests that have included antisemitic rhetoric and sentiments. This complex dynamic reflects the broader societal impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on Austria and the polarising effect it has had on public opinion.

The history of Jews in Austria and the Holocaust

The history of Jews in Austria goes back to the 3rd century CE, with the first Jews immigrating following the Roman legions after the Roman occupation of Israel. The political status of the community rose and fell over the centuries, with periods of prosperity and equality punctuated by pogroms, deportations, and mass murder.

In the 12th century, two synagogues existed in the country, and the Jewish settlement in Vienna increased with the arrival of settlers from Bavaria and the Rhineland. In the 13th century, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II declared Jews a separate ethnic and religious group, and while they were barred from many jobs and businesses, they were encouraged to work in money lending and were granted autonomous rights.

The Jewish community in Austria flourished in the 1930s, with leading figures in various fields, including the sciences, arts, business, and industry. However, this prosperity was short-lived as Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany in 1938, leading to the start of the Holocaust in the country.

The German annexation, known as the Anschluss, was met with enthusiasm by most Austrians. Immediately after the annexation, the Nazis began implementing anti-Jewish measures, expelling Jews from all aspects of cultural, economic, and social life. Jewish businesses were seized or sold, and Jewish citizens were subjected to humiliation and menial tasks.

The Kristallnacht ("Night of Broken Glass") pogroms in November 1938 were particularly brutal in Austria. Synagogues were destroyed, Jewish businesses vandalised, and thousands of Jews were arrested and deported to concentration camps. The Mauthausen concentration camp, established in the summer of 1938, became the main Nazi camp in Austria, with over 60 subcamps.

The Holocaust in Austria resulted in the systematic persecution, plunder, and extermination of Jews by German and Austrian Nazis from 1938 to 1945. An estimated 70,000 Jews were murdered, and 125,000 were forced to flee as refugees. The Viennese community was officially liquidated in November 1942, and deportations continued until March 1945.

By the end of the Holocaust, almost the entire Jewish population of Austria that had not left before the war was murdered. The total number of Austrian Jewish victims was approximately 65,500 people, with fewer than 800 surviving until the liberation of Vienna in April 1945.

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