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Exhibition: From Repression to Remembrance

Introduction

In 1995, on the 50th anniversary of the Second Republic, the National Fund of the Republic of Austria for Victims of National Socialism was established at the Austrian Parliament as a belated expression of Austria’s special responsibility towards the victims of National Socialism. Its establishment only became possible once the Austrian stance towards the Nazi era had evolved: from viewing Austria as the first country to fall victim to Hitlerite aggression, to a more nuanced perspective that takes account of the involvement of many Austrians in the crimes of the Nazis.

In a 1991 speech before the National Council, Federal Chancellor Franz Vranitzky emphasised Austria’s historical responsibility and, on behalf of the Federal Government, promised help to all those who had not yet received adequate consideration.

Some 30,000 survivors from Austria living around the world have since accepted a gesture payment from Austria. Providing recognition and support for survivors is a key task of the National Fund, as well as advising the victims of National Socialism and their families.

In 2001 the Washington Agreement was concluded between Austria and the United States of America. It laid the foundation for restitution and compensation measures to be implemented by two funds, both administered by the National Fund: the General Settlement Fund for Victims of National Socialism and the Fund for the Restoration of the Jewish Cemeteries in Austria.

Other undertakings are also an expression of Austria’s special responsibility, such as the renewal and running of the Austrian exhibition at Auschwitz-Birkenau, the awarding of the Simon Wiesenthal Prize and tasks involving the restitution of looted art and the Shoah Wall of Names Memorial in Vienna.

In 2024, the tasks of the National Fund were extended once more. New tasks include providing financial support for memorial servants and international exchange programmes for young people, creating a memorial for Roma and Sinti victims of the Holocaust, developing a platform and holding an annual conference to intensify the exchange of information and cooperation with other national and international organisations and institutions involved in coming to terms with the Nazi period and prevention work.