Entry Period Extended for 2024 Simon Wiesenthal Prize

The National Fund of the Republic of Austria for Victims of National Socialism invites individuals and groups from civil society to submit an entry for the 2024 edition of the Simon Wiesenthal Prize. The original entry period expired at the end of June and has now been extended to 31 July 2024.

The work of the candidates must focus on and be characterised by special civic engagement to combat antisemitism and/or educate people about the Holocaust.

Special criteria for receiving the award include

• active participation in a grassroots project to combat antisemitism
• addressing antisemitism both critically and pro-actively
• special commitment to raising awareness of the Holocaust and its consequences
• advocating for measures to counteract antisemitism.

The candidates’ work and activities must actively communicate, consolidate and disseminate knowledge about the Holocaust, enhance and foster understanding in society of the mechanisms and consequences of antisemitism, and raise awareness of the dangers of contemporary antisemitism.

Individuals and/or groups can be nominated or enter in their own right.

The Simon Wiesenthal Prize is endowed annually with a total of 30,000 euros and is awarded in two categories:

• Civic engagement to combat antisemitism (7,500 euros)
• Civic engagement to educate people about the Holocaust (7,500 euros)

In addition, a main prize of 15,000 euros will be awarded for outstanding civic engagement to combat antisemitism and/or educate people about the Holocaust.

Further details and the terms and conditions for taking part can be found in the guidelines, which are available on the Simon Wiesenthal Prize website. People are warmly invited to submit an entry in their own right or on behalf of a group, or nominate another person or group for the Prize online by 31 July 2024.

The jury will evaluate the entries received and submit a shortlist to the Board of Trustees of the National Fund. The nominees will be announced in autumn 2024. The winners will be announced in a ceremony held at the Austrian Parliament in March 2025.

Another important aspect of the Simon Wiesenthal Prize is to pay tribute to surviving eyewitnesses. They are honoured in the form of a special commendation, as a sign of recognition and appreciation for their courageous work. Although they have endured untold suffering, they still find the strength to share their stories, making a vital contribution to learning from history while also fostering humanity and democracy.

Entries and nominations of contemporary eyewitnesses can also be made until 31 July 2024.