Likrat Austria has celebrated its 10th anniversary with a ceremonial event in Vienna, bringing together distinguished guests, supporters, partners and active Likratinas and Likratinos to reflect on a decade of dialogue-based education and antisemitism prevention.
Launched in 2015 and inspired by the Swiss model, Likrat has grown into a nationally established and award-winning initiative. The programme is run by the Israelitische Kultusgemeinde Wien (IKG) and is today recognised as a key component of Austria’s educational and prevention landscape.
Over the past ten years, Likrat has organised more than 1,050 encounters, reaching over 25,000 participants across the country. More than 200 Jewish young people and students have been trained as Likratinas and Likratinos, visiting schools, educational institutions and public bodies to engage in open and honest conversations about Jewish life, identity and antisemitism.
At the heart of the anniversary event was the importance of direct, personal exchange. Likrat’s approach is based on dialogue at eye level, creating safe spaces for questions, challenging stereotypes and fostering mutual understanding. Particularly at a time when antisemitism has once again become more visible and vocal across Europe, speakers stressed that such encounters are more essential than ever.
Federal Minister Claudia Bauer and Federal Minister Christoph Wiederkehr underlined the importance of education and dialogue initiatives within the framework of Austria’s National Strategy against Antisemitism, emphasising the need for sustained political and financial support for programmes such as Likrat.
A panel discussion featuring active Likratinas and Likratinos illustrated how empowering young Jewish voices can contribute meaningfully to social cohesion. Their testimonies highlighted the transformative effect that personal engagement can have in classrooms and beyond.
While the evening celebrated numerous awards and successful partnerships, the focus was equally forward-looking. Likrat aims to expand its reach further, engage new sectors of society — including sport — and embed structured dialogue even more firmly into everyday educational practice.
The anniversary made clear that dialogue is not self-sustaining. It requires commitment, courage and reliable partnerships. After ten years, Likrat Austria positions itself not only as a successful programme, but as an essential part of the solution — promoting respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence in an increasingly diverse society.
