This article was updated at 11:16 a.m.
The Jewish Austrian students had formed a human chain around the monument and told the fraternity member: “Whoever honors Nazis, their word is worth nothing!”. Rosenkranz spoke of “violence.”
After a few minutes of discussion, Rosenkranz finally gave up and left Judenplatz, visibly upset, without having accomplished anything. He accused the peaceful demonstrators of “violence”: “You prevent me with violence – but I avoid your violence,” said Rosenkranz. “No one here commits violence,” protestors objected.
The commemoration of the November pogroms against Jews 86 years ago was unusually planned with two separate events this year. As usual, the Israelite Cultural Community (IKG) commemorated the Shoah Name Wall in Vienna with representatives of the federal government and parliamentary parties, but decidedly did not want any FPÖ politicians there, citing numerous anti-Semitic incidents. The new liberal National Council President Rosenkranz therefore wanted to lay a wreath at the memorial for the Austrian Jewish victims of the Shoah at Judenplatz.
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“Whoever honors Nazis, their word is worth nothing!”
Shortly before the announced arrival of the President of the National Council at half past nine o’clock, demonstrators formed a human chain around the monument and held a banner into the cameras: “No commemoration with a rosary & FPÖ: Whoever honors Nazis, their word is worth nothing!”, was to be read on it. Artist Gottfried Helnwein was also on site.
Rosenkranz still came to Judenplatz, accompanied by Parliamentary Director Harald Dossi and two managing directors of the National Fund. The prepared wreath was initially positioned in front of the banner and the human chain, but the demonstrators quickly stood in front of it and sang the Israeli anthem.
Police tried to persuade demonstrators to retreat
“I can now request that I be given the opportunity to get through here to the wreath,” demanded Rosenkranz, surrounded by numerous media representatives. Asked whether the action was not a legitimate democratic protest, Rosenkranz replied harshly: “I would ask you one thing: you could ask me after this ceremony is over.” However, there was no commemoration at all; instead, the police tried to persuade the demonstrators to withdraw, and Rosenkranz also discussed with the protesters.
“Don’t want you to spit in the face of our ancestors”
“Please respect the memory of our ancestors. We don’t want to commemorate with you, we don’t want you to spit in the face of our ancestors,” one protester said. “You insult me,” replied Rosenkranz. “It is a crucial question for me whether I will submit to this action that violates Austrian laws or not,” Rosenkranz said. “It is a slap in the face for all survivors of the Shoa that you are standing here today,” the demonstrators accused him of “propaganda.”
Rosenkranz, in turn, argued that it was a wreath of Parliament and the members of parliament: “As President of the Parliament, I would like to hold a commemorative event here as a representative of the Republic of Austria.” “Step aside,” protesters shouted at him. “As a sign of my goodwill, I will withdraw from my plan in memory of your ancestors… I will bow to your power and leave. You are forcibly preventing me from entering,” said Rosenkranz. The demonstrators objected that a “completely peaceful protest” was being denounced as violence.
After a few minutes, Rosenkranz finally turned around and left Judenplatz. “I understand that there is discontent, and as a Democrat I also allow that there are corresponding rallies and events,” Rosenkranz told journalists. “And as long as I have a say in this country in some form, there will always be fundamental rights and freedoms, especially rights of assembly, rights of demonstration, freedom of expression.”
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On the night of November 9th to 10th, 1938, synagogues throughout the “German Reich” were systematically set on fire, Jewish shops were looted and Jews were mistreated. In Austria alone, at least 30 Jews were killed, 7,800 were arrested and around 4,000 from Vienna were immediately deported to the Dachau concentration camp. This year the commemoration is taking place one day before the actual anniversary because this time it falls on a Saturday and therefore on the Jewish day of rest Shabbat.
On Friday, the 101 Israeli hostages who are still in the control of the terrorist organization after the cruel attack by the Palestinian Hamas on October 7, 2023 were also remembered at Judenplatz. A Shabbat table was set up for them by the “Hostages and Missing Families Forum – BRING THEM HOME NOW” initiative.
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Rosenstrasse protest
THEIR BOYS HOME” and various Jewish organizations. This initiative aimed to honor the hostages and raise awareness about their plight during the commemoration.
The confrontation between Rosenkranz and the protesters reflects ongoing tensions regarding how historical events are remembered and commemorated, especially in the context of the Holocaust and the experiences of Jewish communities worldwide. Many advocates argue for a more sensitive approach to memorials, especially in light of ongoing antisemitism and the atrocities facing Jewish populations today.
Rosenkranz’s intention to hold a commemorative event is seen by some as an important act of remembrance for victims of the Holocaust, while others view it as politically motivated, possibly undermining the memory and dignity of those who suffered. This conflict underscores the complexities involved in historical memory, national identity, and the responsibilities of public figures.
the events at Judenplatz demonstrate the significance of dialogue and the challenges that arise when different communities come together to commemorate painful histories. It highlights the need for sensitivity, respect, and an understanding of differing perspectives in historical remembrance practices.
