LIKRAT Austria together with LIKRAT Switzerland received the Simon Wiesenthal Main Prize 2023 at the Austrian Parliament.
Additionally, the Asociación Cultural Mota de Judíos and CENTROPA were honored.
Furthermore, the witnesses Helga Feldner-Busztin, Jeno Friedman, Octavian Fülöp, Naftali Fürst, Maria Gabrielsen, Viktor Klein, Otto Nagler, Katharina Sasso, Liese Scheiderbauer, and Marian Turski were awarded the prize.
IKG President Oskar Deutsch said “as a member of the jury, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Simon Wiesenthal Prize and thank them for their dedication. I am particularly proud that the Parliament, by awarding the Simon Wiesenthal Prize to LIKRAT, recognizes the tangible contribution of young Jewish men and women in the fight against antisemitism and their commitment to strong social cohesion.”
The Simon Wiesenthal Prize is a recognition of LIKRAT’s efforts and work in the fight against antisemitism and for intercultural understanding.
Especially noteworthy are the 144 Likratinos and Likratinas who are tirelessly engaged in visiting various educational institutions throughout Austria daily to speak about their personal Judaism.
Since its founding in 2015, LIKRAT has tirelessly tackled potential prejudices and discrimination by strengthening awareness of the importance of tolerance and respect through its prevention work. The recent numbers speak for themselves: With over 1,000 encounters and more than 13,000 participants, LIKRAT has had a significant impact on society by promoting dialogue on an equal footing and building bridges between Jewish and non-Jewish youth of various backgrounds.
Beatrice Kricheli, Chair of the Youth and Sports Commission, Project Manager of LIKRAT Austria: “Especially since October 7th, the mood in our society and classrooms has changed. But I remain firm: Especially now, we must and want to continue LIKRAT. Because especially now, as we experience a rapid rise in antisemitism, it is the time not to remain silent, but to talk with each other.”
