Austrian National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka organised a commemorative event in the Austrian Parliament in Vienna to honour the victims of the Hamas massacre.
The haunting images of the devastation in Kfar Aza and Kibbutz Be’eri, which Wolfgang Sobotka witnessed nearly a year ago, remain vivid in his mind. These communities were home to individuals striving to bridge differences and build a shared future. The call for “Never again!” now serves as a commitment to unwaveringly support Israel and the entire Jewish community while firmly opposing every manifestation of antisemitism.
Mr Sobotka underscored the importance of rejecting any attempts to reverse the roles of perpetrator and victim under the guise of criticism towards Israel. This event aims not only to commemorate the victims but also to remind everyone that hostages are still held by terrorists. The international community must make every effort to secure their release. True commemoration must lead to a transformation in everyday attitudes, a message that this event seeks to convey.
Additional remarks were made by Ariel Muzicant, President of the European Jewish Congress; Oskar Deutsch, President of the Jewish Community of Vienna; and David Roet, the Israeli Ambassador to Austria. They honoured the victims of October 7 and insisted that the ongoing captives should not be forgotten, urging all possible efforts to bring them home.
EJC President Ariel Muzicant opposed what he perceives as one-sided demands for a ceasefire from Israel, criticising the prolonged policy of “appeasement” whose failures are now evident. He emphasised that the international community must hold accountable those in the Middle East who escalate the conflict and act to stop their aggressions against Israel. Particularly, he insisted that Europe must present a united and resolute stance against Iran, whose regime has threatened Israel with destruction for decades.
IKG President Oskar Deutsch highlighted that Islamism regards Israel as an adversary precisely because it represents Western and democratic values. He lamented the evident spread of Islamist propaganda in Austria and called for decisive judicial action against antisemitic and Islamist manifestations. The President of the Jewish Religious Community in Austria expressed gratitude to those who ensure the safety of Jewish communities and institutions, enabling Jewish life to thrive.
Following this, Chief Rabbi Jaron Engelmayer delivered commemorative words for the victims of October 7.
As twelve candles were lit in memory of the 1,200 victims, Chief Cantor Shmuel Barzilai sang the Jewish Mourner’s Kaddish, “El male rachamim.”
After a moment of silence, Marianne Mamat-Grinberg and Shoval Abend Plotzki shared memories of their family members who have been held hostage since October 7, 2023.
