On October 7, 2023, the Islamic terrorist organization Hamas invaded Israel and massacred Jews. A year later, Austria’s parliament commemorated the victims of the horrific terrorist attack. And once again expressed his solidarity with Israel.
Austria On October 7, 2023, terrorists from Hamas and other Islamic terrorist organizations attacked several Israeli cities and a music festival. About 1,200 innocent people were killed and thousands were injured. 250 hostages were taken by the terrorists in the Gaza Strip, but only half of them have been released till date. In response to the terrorist act, Israel launched an attack on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. 41,000 people have died in the Gaza war so far.
The Austrian parliament on Monday morning remembered the victims of the terror attack and expressed solidarity with the victims’ families and Israel.
Sobotka: “Austria stands by Israel”
National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka (ÖVP) said images of the horrific destruction were still vivid in his mind. Demand “Never again!” Today it is a task to stand firm on the side of Israel and the entire Jewish people, and resolutely confront any manifestation of anti-Semitism.
Sobotka insisted that the perpetrator-victim reversal should not be allowed, as is repeatedly attempted under the pretext of criticizing Israel. The event aims to commemorate the victims, but also to remind people that there are still hostages in the hands of terrorists. All efforts of the international community should be made to free them. Commemoration is only meaningful if it brings about a change of attitude in daily life, which is the purpose of today’s event, said the President of the National Assembly.
“Don’t Forget the Hostages”
Further statements were issued on the day of remembrance by the President of the European Jewish Congress, Ariel Musikand, the President of the Jewish Community of Vienna, Oskar Deutsch, and the Ambassador of the State of Israel to Austria, David Roth. They remembered the victims of October 7 and called for the hostages to be remembered more and to do everything possible to bring them home.
Later, IKG Vienna’s chief rabbi, Jaron Engelmeyer, delivered a eulogy for the slain. As 12 candles were lit in memory of the 1,200 killed, Shmuel Barzilai, Senior Kantor of IKG Vienna, sang the Jewish funeral hymn “El An Rachamim”.
You may also be interested in:
Commemorative events in Vienna to mark the anniversary of the Hamas attack
Vienna police ban anti-Israel rally
