Austrian President Meets with U.S. Jewish Leaders

Dr. Rudolf Kirsch-lager, the President of Austria, said today that Austrians feel it is their “duty” to help the Jews of Austria to get rid of “the feeling of isolation,” they might have as a result of the events during the Nazi era. He said that anti-Semitism in Austria had its roots in the 19th century, but, he added, that Austrians today have feelings of “responsibility” for the events during the Holocaust.

Kirschlager made these remarks at a meeting with about 20 Jewish leaders and heads of Jewish organizations. The meeting was sponsored by the World Jewish Congress (WJC) and was held in the corporate Board room of Edgar Bronfman, chairman of the Board of Seagram and president of the WJC.

In a brief statement following a private meeting with Bronfman, the Austrian President praised the contribution of Jews to Austria’s spiritual and cultural life. “I am fully aware of the great contribution of Jews to the cultural and spiritual life of Austria and their significant contribution to Austrian society as a whole,” he declared.

In response to questions from the Jewish leaders as to whether the Austrian government intends to pursue more vigorously the prosecution of Nazi war criminals still at large, Kirschlager said that he is not in a position “to give a satisfactory answer,” since the issue is handled by the courts of Austria.

In response to another question, about the present relations between Austria and Israel, the President replied: “Our relations with Israel are very good, including our economic relations.” He noted that he does not see a need for special economic relations with the Jewish State because of the past.

Kirschlager attended the meeting with a large delegation of Austrian officials, including the Austrian Foreign Minister Erwin Lanc. At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. Leon Zelman, a leader of the Austrian Jewish community, presented the President with a book on Jewish culture.