[ad_1]
Ensuring the life of the Jewish community has 4 million euros per year
Vienna (PK) – The Israelite religious community in Austria will in future receive a special annual funding of 4 million euros. The National Council today unanimously approved the “Austrian-Jewish Cultural Heritage Act (ÖJKG)”, which will come into force retrospectively in early 2020. In all parliamentary groups, particular emphasis was placed on the future orientation of the law, whose The goal is to help ensure that Jewish life in Austria has a secure future.
The Religious Society of Israel receives a special funding of 4 million euros per year
According to the Austrian-Jewish Cultural Heritage Act, what exactly the money is used for is the responsibility of the representation of the Israelite Religious Society in the form of Austria’s largest Jewish community, the Israeli Cultural Community (IKG) Vienna. A grant agreement is foreseen for more detailed regulation of rights and obligations. The proper use of funds must be documented annually and confirmed by an independent auditor. The funds will be disbursed in four annual tranches of one million euros each; the 5 million euros from last year will be available en bloc when the law comes into force. Other public services to Jewish communities, for example school and religious education or the maintenance of orphaned Jewish cemeteries, are not affected.
MEPs from all political groups emphasize responsibility for the past and the future
ÖVP member Martin Engelberg pointed out the important Jewish contribution to art, culture and society in Austria. The condition of the Jewish community is always an indicator of how a country is doing, quoted a former IKG president. Fortunately, the old anti-Semitism is on the wane, but unfortunately a new anti-Semitism, often imported, is getting stronger and stronger. This threatening situation leads to a high level of spending on security for Jewish institutions. The Jewish community in Austria is small today, but very active. The law, which is directed to the future, supports you by allowing you to continue this activity. Engelberg was particularly pleased with the unanimous passage of the law.
Jörg Leichtfried (SPÖ) described the anti-Semitic incidents in 2020 as a sad low point in Austria’s recent history. At the same time, however, there was also a high level of solidarity and support, which gave reason for hope. Leichtfried emphasized that what happened during the Nazi era should never be forgotten. Anti-Semitism, whatever the context, should never be tolerated. The cultural heritage law, which will now be passed, is a contribution to the implementation of the “never forget” requirement. SPÖ MPs Sabine Schatz and Thomas Drozda praised the law as an important step for Austria to assume its historic responsibility. Schatz also called for a swift action plan against right-wing extremism in conjunction with the fight against anti-Semitism.
Like the speakers from the other parliamentary groups, Susanne Fürst (FPÖ) highlighted the future orientation of the law and praised the important Jewish contribution to Austrian culture. The work of Jewish authors such as Arthur Schnitzler and Stefan Zweig should be especially recommended to young people, Fürst said. They could find in him attitudes and values that would still be valid today and would point to the future.
Eva Blimlinger (Greens) recalled the large Jewish community until 1938, of which only a handful of people in Vienna had survived in May 1945. Tens of thousands were killed and more than one hundred thousand Austrian Jews were expelled. After 1945 it became very difficult for the survivors to return and recover their property. Some came to Vienna anyway, simply because they saw it as home. Today it is about the existing community having the necessary security so that Jewish life can continue to be lived. Unfortunately, in addition to the new and traditional anti-Semitism in the form of conspiracy theories, it is currently on the rise again. You need to counteract this.
Helmut Brandstätter (NEOS) said the law was a belated attempt to redress injustices. It is appreciated that, in addition to the necessary transfer of knowledge about the past, it is also oriented towards the future. Branstätter particularly welcomed the objective formulated in the law to promote dialogue between religions. Austria has a special responsibility for the protection of Jewish institutions and in the fight against anti-Semitism. Politicians, in particular, are called upon to set a good example and show a special sensitivity in the choice of words.
Federal Minister Karoline Edtstadler welcomed the unanimous decision of the law. The cultural heritage law represents a step in the implementation of the strategy against anti-Semitism, which will soon be discussed in the constitutional committee. For Edtstadler, strengthening, safeguarding and making Jewish life more visible is an essential factor in suppressing anti-Semitism. Hopefully the fight against anti-Semitism will be taken seriously by those responsible, the minister said. (Continued from National Council) sox
NOTE: The meetings of the National Council and the Federal Council can also be followed via live streaming and are available as video on demand in Parliament’s media library.
Queries and contact:
Press service of the Parliamentary Directorate
Parlamentskorrespondenz
Tel. +43 1 40110/2272
press service@parlament.gv.at
http://www.parlament.gv.at
www.facebook.com/OeParl
www.twitter.com/oeparl
[ad_2]
