Center for Israel Studies

Das Center for Israel Studies wurde 2013 u.a. mit dem Ziel gegründet, eine nationale und internationale Plattform für Forschung und Lehre über Israel in Österreich zu etablieren und Interesse am modernen Israel in seiner gesellschaftlichen Vielfalt zu wecken

Aufgrund der engen Verknüpfung des Zionismus mit Wien und der historischen Bedeutung Wiens sowie der Größe und wissenschaftlichen Relevanz der Universität Wien ist Wien die ideale akademische Heimstätte für das „Center“.
Monatliche öffentlicher Vorträge zu Themen wie israelische Geschichte, Gesellschaft und Kultur sowie Film, Bildende Kunst und Musik werden von prominenten WissenschaftlerInnen aller Fachgebiete, internationalen ExpertInnen, sowie KünstlerInnen, AutorInnen und Persönlichkeiten des öffentlichen Lebens abgehalten und so wird die moderne israelische Szene beleuchtet.
Die Vorträge finden an der Universität Wien und an der Diplomatischen Akademie in Wien statt.

NEWS:

VIDEO ONLINE AVAILABLE (see below)

SYMPOSIUM

27 November 2024 „Remembering What Herzl Stood For: The Past and Future of Zionism“ –
VIDEO ONLINE AVAILABLE

On 27 November 2024, the Vienna School of International Studies
(Diplomatic Academy) hosted a symposium entitled
„Remembering What Herzl Stood For: The Past and Future of Zionism“

to mark the 120th anniversary of Theodor Herzl’s death. The event, featuring prominent speakers, reflected on Herzl’s vision for a Jewish state and its contemporary relevance.

Ambassador Dr. Emil Brix, the Director of the Academy, and the Deputy Chief of Mission of Israel to Austria, Ilay Levy, set the stage with words of welcome. Prof. Dr. Mitchell Ash, President of the Center for Israel Studies Vienna, offered an introduction, underscoring the liberal positions that Herzl held regarding the legal status of all ethnic groups and religious freedom in a future Jewish state. The symposium brought together distinguished scholars, including Prof. Arieh Saposnik from Ben Gurion University (Keynote), Dr. Stephan Wendehorst from Vienna’s Juridicum, Prof. Dr. Fania Oz Salzberger from the University of Haifa, and Alon Ishay, President of the Jewish Austrian Student Association.

The discussions centered on Herzl’s vision, notably his emphasis on equality, justice, and liberty, as reflected in Israel’s 1948
Declaration of Independence. The speakers explored Herzl’s ideas and those of other Zionists through historical and contemporary lenses, considering how they continue to shape the future of Zionism and the state of Israel. The speeches were followed by a vibrant, at times provocative, discussion.

The event, co-sponsored by the Österreichisch-Israelische Gesellschaft, New Israel Fund Austria, and the Josef Shaked Fonds, fostered a
thoughtful and enriching dialogue on Herzl’s legacy and offered insights
into the challenges and prospects of Zionism in today’s world.

👉For the video please click 👇
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urB3TNEtuYo

Article „Der Standard“; Interview: Eric Frey with Prof. Dr. Arieh Saposnik: click here

October 2023

Statement of the Center for Israel Studies Vienna

The Center for Israel Studies Vienna stands in solidarity with the people of Israel against the vicious aggression of Hamas and its allies. As our Board member Doron Rabinovici writes, „This is the moment to take a clear stand. Whoever seeks to relativize the horrific deeds of Hamas by pointing to the Israeli occupation defends mass murderers.“

On behalf of the Board: Professor Mitchell G. Ash, President

Center for Israel Studies

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