In interviews in Austrian as well as international media,
president of the Jewish community of Austria, Dr. Ariel
Muzinkt, said, "The Jews of Austria still haven't packed
their suitcases, but there are some who are thinking in this
direction."
Muzinkt made these comments in the wake of the success of the
rightist party of Jeorg Hader in the country's elections,
where his party received thirty per cent of the votes.
Although the other large parties are not interested in
including him an any coalition, it is not certain that they
will be able to refrain from doing so in light of today's
political reality in Austria. Muzinkt said that Austrian
Jewry was very sensitive to any manifestation of racism, and
that if they feel Hader has broad support in the country
they will not feel comfortable remaining there.
Hader is known for his racist and extreme nationalist views
and has frequently denied the Holocaust and praised the SS.
In addition, he decries the flooding of Austria with foreign
immigrants, including Jews who "gain control of the
employment markets." Such views have gained him the
admiration of Austria's unemployed and impoverished.
International Jewish organizations as well as the Israeli
government have expressed deep concern over Hader's rise,
but their remarks have been sternly rejected by the Austrian
government. Dr. Muzinkt also said that any intervention of
the Israeli government is not necessary.
