Secretary General Hannah Lessing receives the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and the Arts

Next Monday, 03.06.2013, Hannah Lessing, Secretary General of the National Fund of the Republic of Austria, the General Settlement Fund for Victims of National Socialism and the Fund for the Restoration of the Jewish cemeteries in Austria will be awarded the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and the Arts by Federal President Dr. Heinz Fischer.

The award is to honour Hannah Lessing's many years of service in the fields of restitution and dealing with the events which occurred in Austria during the National Socialist era.

Since the establishment of the National Fund in 1995, Hannah Lessing has been looking after people who became victims of the National Socialist regime in Austria. Through her work with the survivors, who today are living in over 70 different countries, over the years Hannah Lessing has succeeded in building personal and lasting relationships and conveying Austria's serious efforts at reconciliation.

In addition to the compensation payments rendered by the National Fund and the General Settlement Fund, the remembrance work carried out is also of special importance. Hannah Lessing's work makes a vital contribution towards raising awareness of National Socialism and its repercussions, both at home and abroad, and encourages sensible approach to history.

The laudation for Hannah Lessing will be held by Federal President Heinz Fischer himself, who, as President of the National Council and first Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the National Fund at the time, appointed Hannah Lessing as Secretary General in 1995.