In November, more than 40 Jews – mostly members of the “Second Generation” – visited Vienna at the invitation of the Jewish Welcome Service. Among those welcoming the group were City Councilor for Culture Veronica Kaup-Hasler at Vienna City Hall and Federal Minister Karoline Edtstadler at the Federal Chancellery.
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Detailed review in Der Standard
At the end of August, the Viennese daily newspaper Der Standard reviewed the commemorative publication released in December 2021 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Jewish Welcome Service. Der Standard writer Gregor Auenhammer took his article as an opportunity to also provide information about the responsibilities and significance of the JWS.
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Nephew of Aron Menczer visits educational campus
In September, Professor Jacob “Kobi” Metzer visited the Aron Menczer educational campus on the Aspanggründe in Vienna’s 3rd district at the invitation of the JWS. “Kobi” Metzer is an Israeli economic historian and nephew of Aron Menczer. He was accompanied by his grandson Yoav. The school’s dedicated team of teachers and students gave the guests a particularly warm welcome.
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2022 Leon Zelman Prize goes to Michaela Raggam-Blesch
The prestigious Leon Zelman Prize for Dialogue and Understanding is awarded every fall. This year, the award went to historian Michaela Raggam-Blesch, who received the prize at a ceremony in mid-September at Vienna City Hall. The award was presented by Peter Florianschütz, Member of the Provincial Parliament and City Councilor, representing the Mayor of Vienna, Michael Ludwig.
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Guided tours of Währing Jewish Cemetery – now also in English
Guided tours of Währing Jewish Cemetery will also be offered in English from mid-December. The excursions are held once a month on the rare days the old cemetery is open.
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Film documentary on 40 years of the JWS now also in English
Last November, W24 and ORFIII broadcast a documentary film entitled REMEMBER – ENCOUNTER – UNDERSTAND on the 40-year history of the Jewish Welcome Service. The 45-minute documentary can now also be watched in English. It explains the work and significance of the institution founded by Leon Zelman and the city of Vienna with recent and historic recordings, interviews and background information.
Watch the film online
