National Fund Speech: Van der Bellen Wishes for "Memorial Site" for All Nazi Victims

In his keynote speech, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen expressed the wish that - metaphorically speaking - a "place of dignified remembrance" would be created for all victim groups of National Socialism - "a place that serves as a gravestone for some descendants, even though there is no actual grave."

The Federal President praised the National Fund as a "bridge builder." Over the years, the institution has taken many further steps of active responsibility, such as promoting projects that preserve memory and contribute to raising awareness in society. At the same time, he warned against the resurgence of anti-Semitism and racism. Freedom and democracy are not a given, emphasized the Federal President, because: "Violence and irrationality are on the rise worldwide."

At the same time, Van der Bellen expressed hope that there would be a place for all victims of the Nazi regime. "It expresses the attitude of the Republic and society and thus has great significance for all of us," he said. The head of state also thanked the "dedicated employees" of the National Fund in his keynote speech. Over the past 30 years, it has reached many people. "Recognition of suffering is essential for alleviating trauma," said Van der Bellen.

National Fund: Opening Speech at the Ceremony Held by Haubner

The opening speech at the ceremony was given by the Second President of the National Council, Peter Haubner (ÖVP). He has been managing the affairs of the National Fund since a change in the law, following criticism of the chairman, National Council President Walter Rosenkranz (FPÖ). The Freedom Party member was present in the audience at the celebration but did not speak. Representatives of the victim groups, such as the President of the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG), Oskar Deutsch, were also present.

Haubner also praised the work of the National Fund. It is "far more than an instrument for recognizing suffered injustice." The Second President of the National Council mentioned the numerous funded projects that contribute to remembrance and the Simon Wiesenthal Prize. There is a constant need for impulses for contemporary prevention work. "But there is also a need for the dissemination of knowledge about National Socialism, its aftermath, and its consequences."

"Never Again" Not a Platitude

Antisemitism not only endangers the lives of Jewish people, "Antisemitism endangers our entire democracy," Haubner also warned in light of current developments. A "Never again" must not just be a platitude, but rather a mandate "for the state and society, for education and politics, for each and every one of us."

After the keynote speech by the Federal President, there was a discussion in parliament with two of the leading politicians at the time who significantly contributed to the establishment of the National Fund: The former President of the National Council Andreas Khol (ÖVP) and the former Federal Chancellor Franz Vranitzky. Readings were then given by two descendants of Nazi victims, Sarah Gärtner-Horvath and Yuval Yaary.

Since 1995

In 1995, the National Council decided to establish the National Fund to express the Republic of Austria's special responsibility towards the victims of National Socialism. It provides benefits to Nazi victims and their descendants, particularly to those who received no or completely inadequate compensation, who are in special need of assistance, or for whom support appears justified due to their life situation.

(APA/Red)

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