This December marks 40 years since the establishment of the Jewish Welcome Service. Since its founding, which took place together with the city of Vienna, the then Mayor Leopold Gratz, City Councilor Heinz Nittel, and Leon Zelman, the Jewish Welcome Service has fulfilled an important communication and mediation function between Jews expelled from Vienna as well as their descendants.
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Leon Zelman Prize 2020 presented to Olga Kronsteiner
The journalist Olga Kronsteiner was awarded the Leon Zelman Prize for Dialog and Understanding 2020 in September at Vienna City Hall. The prize was presented by Vienna’s City Councilor for Cultural Affairs Veronica Kaup-Hasler in the City Senate Chamber.
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The JWS YouTube channel
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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