Suche
Mein Konto
Sea of lights in Vienna: 20,000 demand freedom for hostages and peace!
On November 2, 2023, over 20,000 people gathered at Heldenplatz in Vienna to demonstrate for the freedom of the Hamas hostages and against anti-Semitism.
Sea of lights in Vienna: 20,000 demand freedom for hostages and peace!
On November 2, 2023, more than 20,000 people gathered at Vienna's Heldenplatz to demonstrate at the sea of lights for the release of the hostages kidnapped by Hamas. The event was not only a gesture of solidarity, but also a powerful statement against anti-Semitism, terror, violence and hatred. According to a report by vienna.at 220 empty chairs were counted, symbolizing the abductees, while their images were projected onto the magnificent walls of the Hofburg.
Daniel Landau, co-organizer of the event, said concerns about possible disruption were unfounded. The police did not provide official numbers of participants, but stated that there were no incidents during the major event. This is a sign of the participants' determination to unite around an important cause.
Anti-Semitism in focus
Several prominent voices also spoke at the demonstration. Oskar Deutsch, the president of the Jewish Community of Vienna, drew parallels between the Hamas attacks on October 7th and the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, which caused horror around the world. He noted depressingly that more than 600 of Hamas's 8,000 rockets fell into Gaza itself. This not only highlights the complexity of the conflict, but also the immediate consequences for the civilian population in the region.
A disturbing rise in anti-Semitic incidents in Austria since the attacks is worrying. Deutsch pointed out that the number has increased by at least 400 percent. This is also reflected in the statements of Alon Ishay, the president of the Jewish Austrian Students, who reported “pogrom-like conditions” in Vienna. Over 200 anti-Semitic incidents were recorded in the city last month.
International perspective
This situation is not isolated. Several European cities have had similar experiences. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations following Hamas attacks were often accompanied by anti-Semitic statements and attacks. In some cases there were public expressions of jubilation over the attacks, leading to prominent protests and a violent atmosphere in cities such as Berlin. The discussions about the recovery of anti-Semitism in Europe are reaching a new high point, as are the reports from bpb.de show.
In addition, David Roet, Israel's ambassador-designate to Austria, expressed his criticism of the statements made by UN Secretary General António Guterres, who had equated Israel and Hamas. Such comparisons contribute to the confusion and division reflected in current societal tensions.
A solidarity for the future
During the event, the relatives of the abductees reported on their painful experiences and urgently appealed to those gathered to bring the hostages home. Their stirring stories echoed through the crowd. At the end of the speeches, the call “Bring them home now” was heard – an urgent appeal for peace and justice. These voices will not be silenced as long as the danger of anti-Semitism exists in society. Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler expressed their support for the event via Twitter.
Given the current situation, it remains essential to continue the discussion about anti-Semitism in Europe and to take the protection of Jewish citizens seriously. What is happening in Vienna is therefore part of a larger picture that still requires urgent action.