Neo-Nazi candidate Herbert Kickl up for election in Austria next week

Next week’s elections in Austria are critical as Herbert Kickl, a likely neo-Nazi leader, could become the new “Chancellor of the People.” Despite his extreme views and associations, polls suggest he may lead the largest party in parliament, raising concerns about the resurgence of anti-Semitism in the country.

Kickl strategically avoids explicit anti-Semitic remarks but tolerates such behavior within his circle. His party, the Freedom Party of Austria (FPO), has a history rooted in Nazi ideology and maintains a staunchly anti-Israel stance. Under Kickl’s leadership, the party has become more radical and recruited extreme members, causing alarm within the Vienna Jewish community.

The Vienna Jewish community

Rabbi Jacob Frenkel of Vienna’s Jewish Council expresses deep concerns, emphasizing the threat to Jewish life in Vienna if Kickl and his party come to power. With historical parallels to Austria’s past, the Jewish community fears a repeat of the dark times when Vienna’s Jewish population faced persecution and eradication.The writer is the president of WIZO.