The Jewish Welcome Service has recently launched its own YouTube channel—with a clip that informs viewers about its aims and activities. From now on, you will be able to both watch and listen to visitor programs and other JWS activities.
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Composer Walter Arlen turns 100
The composer and music critic Walter Arlen celebrated his 100th birthday on July 31. Born in Vienna, Arlen grew up in Ottakring until he was expelled by the Nazis in 1939. He now lives in Los Angeles.
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Austrian citizenship for Nazi victims
From September 1, 2020, it is becoming easier for victims of the Nazis and their descendants to acquire Austrian citizenship. They will only be required to notify the authorities of their claim rather than having to submit an application and they will not be required to give up their existing nationality.
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Shoah Wall of Names Memorial in Vienna
In June, work began on the construction of the Shoah Wall of Names Memorial in Ostarrichi Park in front of the Austrian National Bank. The project was initiated by Kurt Yakov Tutter and the Association for the Construction of a Shoah Wall of Names Memorial.
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Park named after Elisabeth Ben David-Hindler
The park at Elderschplatz in Vienna’s 2nd district is now called “Elisabeth-Ben David-Hindler-Park”. This is in memory of the founder of the association “Steine der Erinnerung”, (“Stones of Remembrance”), whose activities commemorate Viennese Jews who were murdered in the Shoah.
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Letter from the Mayor of Vienna and the City Councilor for Cultural Affairs
The president of the Jewish Welcome Service, Vienna’s mayor, Dr. Michael Ludwig, and the vice-president, Vienna’s City Councilor for Cultural Affairs, Veronica Kaup-Hasler, have written a letter to the guests of the JWS at this difficult time. Many of you have already spent many months preparing for an emotionally taxing visit to Vienna. Unfortunately, this will only be possible at some point in the near future.
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