LIKRAT is a peer-to-peer dialogue programme introduced in Austria in 2015. The programme trains Jewish youths, known as Likratinas and Likratinos, to engage with non-Jewish peers in schools and other educational institutions across Austria in open, honest dialogue about personal Jewish life, identity, history, and culture.
By answering questions and confronting stereotypes directly, the programme helps reduce antisemitism and foster understanding.
In 2024/2025, the programme is supported by the EU’s CERV programme as part of the BADRI – Bringing Awareness, Dialogue and Resilience Improvement project.
Before the start of the new cohort, the 2023/2024 cohort celebrated their graduation in June 2024. A total of 29 Likratinos/as successfully completed the training. What made it special was that there was both a 14+ age group and an 18+ age group which had been trained.
For the 2024/2025 cycle, 34 new Likratinas and Likratinos aged 14-17 were recruited, exceeding the original target of 30. This cohort is receiving professional training through a series of seminars and continuous education sessions, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to engage in complex conversations around Judaism, Israel, and antisemitism.
So far, they have taken part in four major seminars designed to prepare them for school visits and public engagements. The first seminar, held in Vienna in December 2024, served as the initial training event for the new cohort. It introduced participants to the core themes of Jewish identity, antisemitism, and the Likrat method of peer-to-peer dialogue, while also fostering a strong sense of team cohesion. The second seminar, titled “Reise durch das Judentum” (A Journey Through Judaism), was held in January 2025 and focused on deepening the group’s understanding of Jewish traditions, practices, and cultural frameworks—essential knowledge for their future encounters.
The third seminar, “Israel Edition,” took place from 28 February to 2 March 2025 in Horn. Participants explored Israel’s history and current affairs with particular attention to the events of 7 October. Through engaging simulations and group discussions, they were able to apply what they had learned in real-life contexts, while a communal Shabbat experience reinforced the sense of community within the group.
Most recently, the fourth seminar, “Jüdisches Leben und Erinnerungskultur im Fokus” (Jewish Life and Remembrance Culture in Focus), was split into two parts on 28 and 30 March 2025. It provided a deeper exploration of Jewish traditions, holidays, and the circle of life, as well as the importance of Holocaust remembrance in shaping historical awareness and resilience. The seminar encouraged participants to reflect on the role of education in combating antisemitism and preserving memory.
Alongside these seminars, Likratinas and Likratinos continue to participate in regular “Likrat Talks,” which provide ongoing training and reflection. These sessions ensure that participants remain well-prepared and responsive to evolving realities.
In the aftermath of 7 October, for instance, several sessions were dedicated to helping them navigate the new challenges facing Jewish communities and adjust their school dialogue approach accordingly.Covering topics such as Jewish law, gender roles, holidays, and interfaith communication, this continuous training reinforces Likrat’s core mission: to equip young people with the knowledge, empathy, and confidence to foster respectful dialogue and challenge prejudice in a changing world.
Furthermore, new formats were also introduced, such as LIKRAT in Action, where learning is combined with practical examples and activities. A Debate Club will also launch in May 2025, focusing specifically on rhetoric training and practising arguments on difficult and challenging topics. This will help Likratinos/as respond even better to questions in classroom settings.
Through this blend of structured seminars and continuous education, LIKRAT Austria continues to empower young Jewish voices, promote resilience, and build bridges between communities. The initiative remains one of the most effective tools in Austria for fostering respectful, informed dialogue and combating prejudice at its roots.
