Anti-Israel demonstrations throughout Austria are clearly not without consequences. As countless recordings and witnesses have now proven: the protests were not just about a peaceful resolution to the Middle East conflict. Signs and slogans openly called for Israel’s extinction and Hamas’s brutal terror on October 7 was approved – in some cases even by the demo organizers themselves. The Israeli religious community reported an unprecedented increase in anti-Semitic incidents.
Johanna Mikl-Leitner was the first to step forward. “It is incomprehensible how a barbaric terrorist attack on Jews could give rise to a new wave of anti-Semitism,” the governor of Lower Austria told “Kurier”. “This is a warning to all of us.”
Mikl-Leitner’s suggestions ranged from mandatory concentration camp visits, recognition of Israel’s right to exist, withdrawal of citizenship, to higher fines for parents unwilling to cooperate if they refused to integrate.
Now two ÖVP ministers are joining Mikl-Leitner’s suggestions, oe24 reports. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner wants to “examine the states’ proposals in detail”. He insists: “I think it is right and necessary that we take decisive and united action, especially against anti-Semitism.” His ministry is already planning to tighten badge and ban laws.
Integration Minister Susan Raab also believes that “any measure that not only promotes integration but also demands it makes sense.”
For Mikl-Leitner, one thing is clear: “We do not accept the anti-Semitic slogans used in the demonstrations of the last few weeks.” Anti-Semitism The report finds that “many massacres, particularly among immigrants, are frivolous and anti-Semitic.” Meikle-Leitner called for clear integration obligations and harsher penalties – because: “Without penalties it won’t work.”
Politicians raised public awareness by several measures: If boys in schools act as moral guardians – as more and more teachers are reporting – or refuse to use the language of education, then in the future mandatory There should be teacher-parent discussion. If the parents also refuse to talk, a fine of up to 2,500 euros will be imposed. Visiting a concentration camp memorial is also a must.
“We have to start with schools because we have seen that radicalization is on the rise there,” Mickle-Leitner emphasizes. “We cannot tolerate classmates acting as moral guardians when girls want to take off their headscarves in gymnastics class. So we have to impose fines on parents of families who want to integrate.
Citizenship can also be revoked due to serious violations, which can only be granted after ten years at the earliest: “Anyone who has been convicted of inciting hatred or committing a prohibition act will be able to have their citizenship revoked. Needed This may be regulated by law for dual citizens. I think that’s fair.”
