The Leon Zelman Prize has been awarded since 2013 to individuals or initiatives committed to remembering the Shoah in the spirit of Leon Zelman (1928-2007).
The prize also acknowledges special civil society commitments, advocacy against antisemitism, racism, and xenophobia, as well as contributions to education, youth work, and projects promoting intercultural dialogue.
This year’s award winner Andreas Peham has been working in the Documentation Archive of the Austrian Resistance (DÖW) for almost 30 years.
With his extensive contributions spanning research, education, and mediation efforts aimed at fostering dialogue and mutual understanding, Andreas Peham fulfills the criteria for the prize on various fronts.
Central to his work are his mentorship and analysis of right-wing extremism/neo-Nazism, Islamism, and antisemitism, which have garnered international acclaim.
Notably, in the field of combating antisemitism, Peham has collaborated with numerous institutions both domestically and abroad, particularly in Germany and Israel.
His role as a sought-after speaker and facilitator of numerous workshops on extremism prevention underscores his pedagogical adeptness, particularly evident in his interactions and dialogues with young people in secondary schools, vocational schools, and youth centers.
Moreover, Andreas Peham significantly contributes to intercultural education and Holocaust remembrance.
His involvement in accompanying the artist, writer, and Auschwitz survivor Ceija Stojka during contemporary witness visits to schools exemplifies his dedication to shedding light on the persecution and plight of the Roma community during the Nazi era.
