Austrian Federal Chancellery, November 8, 2019
Commemorative Matinee at the Jewish Museum Vienna on the Occasion of the November Progroms
“Austria has regarded herself exclusively as a victim of National Socialism for too long. But too many were standing at Heldenplatz in March of 1938 and joined the cheer. Too many watched on and joined in while their fellow citizens were robbed, expelled, and murdered,” said Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Schallenberg during a commemorative matinee at the Jewish Museum Vienna on the occasion of the November progroms of the night of November 9 to 10, 81 years ago. Schallenberg reminded everyone of the abominable atrocities and crimes committed in Germany and Austria, which “make us feel rightfully ashamed and concerned. We have looked away for too long, until we became aware of our role as perpetrators and the corresponding historic responsibility.”
During his speech at Hebrew University, Jerusalem, in 1991, former Federal Chancellor Franz Vranitzky admitted Austria’s historic responsibility regarding the crimes of National Socialism for the first time. However, it is not enough to admit responsibility for actions, but one also has to acknowledge failures to act: “We must not remain silent when anti-Semitic, violent crimes are committed on European soil. We may not watch on inactively while more and more Jews feel unsafe in Europe,” Schallenberg emphasized and recalled the recent attack in Halle during the highest Jewish holiday, Jom Kippur.
The task is therefore to actively protect Jewish life in Austria and in Europe, while unconditionally opposing any form of anti-Semitism. In that respect, no false compromises or displaced shyness must exist, because “only when Jews can live in freedom and in safety all across the world, a never forget can turn into a never again,” Schallenberg said.
Historic responsibility does not just include honest remembrance, it also means action today and in the future. In order to make the unfathomable suffering of the Shoa in its monstrosity and bestiality somewhat comprehensible , conversations with survivors are needed. “Unfortunately we have to admit that our generation will probably be the last who can experience such encounters with witnesses. We therefore carry a special responsibility to preserve the first-hand memories for future generations, for example via audio files or film,” the Federal Minister explained.
Schallenberg was happy about a recently amended law in the National Council, which allows heirs of Austrian victims of the Shoa to gain Austrian citizenship. “I hope through this decision and Austria’s vivid commemorative culture, the country can satisfy its historic responsibility a little bit more,” the Minister said in conclusion.