Austria

A number of Holocaust survivors on the UK Schools Speaker Programme recognised that schools and institutions in their native countries were in need of speakers to recount their stories. Consequently, in October 2003 the London Jewish Cultural Centre organised a trip to Vienna for Austrian-born survivors now living in the UK. They gave their testimony to more than 750 students in 13 Austrian schools and institutions, including universities and youth organisations.

Together with their partners the survivors were also able to relive their pasts, for instance by visiting their former homes, to spend time with the Austrian Jewish community (including a Shabbat dinner) and to enjoy a holiday. Highlights included receptions held by the mayor of Vienna and the British Ambassador.

The visit, covered by the media in both Austria and the UK, was organised in partnership with the Jewish Welcome Service in Vienna, which offers Viennese-born survivors the opportunity to return to the city. It was supported by government of the city of Vienna and by the Austrian Gedenkdienst (Holocaust Commemoration Service). The trip was so successful that it was repeated in June 2005 and again in May 2007.

Gedenkdienst

The Holocaust and Anti-Racism Department has a longstanding association with the Austrian Gedenkdienst (Holocaust Commemoration Service), which gives young Austrians the choice of serving in Holocaust memorial centres around the world as an alternative to compulsory military service.  Each Gedenkdienst volunteer spends 12 months at the London Jewish Cultural Centre, working on activities such as the Speakers' programme and projects run in conjunction with the Austrian Cultural Forum.