Austrian Press Agency (Press Release), January 26, 2018,
German Original: https://www.ots.at/presseaussendung/OTS_20180126_OTS0115/karin-kneissl-auschwitz-ist-die-eindringliche-warnung
Vienna – „Auschwitz is the stern warning what kind of suffering and lasting trauma can result from anti-Semitism, intolerance, racism, fanaticism and marginalization,“ said Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl on the occasion of the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp on January 27. It is a symbol for the unparalleled crime of the Shoah. „Commemorating the victims of the Shoah at the same time means an obligation to fight for democracy, human rights and tolerance, while combatting agitation and extremism,“ the Foreign Minister is convinced.
Last year, Austria adopted the working definition of anti-Semitism of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance as an important national and international signal. „Austria lives its historic responsibility. As a place for dialogue and through its cultural, work the foreign ministry, in cooperation with international partners and civil society, too, contributes to an active culture of remembrance,“ the Foreign- and Integration Minister pointed out. At the same time, Karin Kneissl brings to mind Austria’s continued dedication in the matter, for instance within the framework of the National Action Plan for Integration, through international fora like the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the United Nations, as well as through membership in the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.
Karin Kneissl advocates for a vivid Jewish Community in Austria
Karin Kneissl underlines that Austria is aware of its special responsibility regarding the fight against anti-Semitism. „The commitment to a vivid Jewish Community in Austria will continue to play a substantial role,“ said the Foreign – and Integration Minister. „Racism, anti-Semitism and other forms of hate, agitation and intolerance continue to threaten our society’s safety. Over the past years, Anti-Semitic incidents have triggered a renewed sense of fear and insecurity among the Jewish Community. What we need is a general awareness that anti-Semitism and other forms of hate and agitation have no place in our society,“ said Karin Kneissl.
„Therefore, the fight against radicalization and extremism was a priority of the 2017 Austrian chairmanship of the OSCE. To continue our work, I will personally take part in the anti-Semitism conference of the Italian OSCE chairmanship in Rome,“ said Karin Kneissl. On January 29, 2018, the Foreign Minister will travel to Rome for an event of the Italian Chairmanship of the Organization for security and Cooperation in Europe dedicated to the fight against anti-Semitism.