Author: Jued Friedhof

Activity report 2021

Association Save the Jewish Cemetery Währing

The association can also look back on a very successful year in 2021. Due to Corona, tours and volunteer days had to be canceled, but the renovation work could be carried out according to plan. Basically, the association focuses on two aspects of the renovations:

Partial area renovations
Individual grave renovations

Partial area renovation 6 to 8

In 2021, the burial grounds of sub-areas 6 to 8 could be rehabilitated. The volunteers made a great contribution to the rapid implementation of the restoration work, as they prepared the site accordingly, so that the stonemasons could fully concentrate on merging and erecting gravestones.

Tours 2021

The association year started with a strict lockdown, which led to the cancellation of the guided tours in January to April. Guided tours were able to resume in May through November until the 5th lockdown occurred on November 22, eliminating guided tours in December. Despite the closure, 192 people took part in cemetery tours. Another 139 visitors came to visit the cemetery without a guided tour. Under the guidance of experienced guides, the participants gained insight into the history of the cemetery and were able to see for themselves the great progress being made in the renovation.

Successful individual grave renovations

In 2021, the first individual grave renovations could be completed. The individual grave restorations are financed by private individuals or institutions and are carried out under the supervision of the Federal Monuments Office and in compliance with halachic rules.

Grave no.: 1.06.007 Rosalia Mandel (née Menzel)

Grave no.: 02.03.038 Emanuel Redlich

Tomb no: 1.3.45-46-47: Epstein-Teixeira de Mattos family

Grave No: 18.1.8 Ephrussi

Statement of account 2021

Proponents and sponsors

An essential part of the association’s work is the search for proponents who support the association with their expertise, their network or financially. They come from business, culture, art, religion and politics.

Proponents: Johannes Abensberger, Renate Anderl, Dr. Hannes Androsch, Univ.Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Aulitzky, Dr. Harry Bergmann, Mag. Sandra Berkson, Dr. Brigitte Bierlein, Mag. Eva Blimlinger, Wolfgang Böck, Mag. Martin Böhm, Univ.Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Brandstetter, -Timna Brauer, Dkfm. Michael Brooks, Dr. Emil Brix, Prof. Dr. Michael Bünker, Shlomit Butbul, Dr. Herbert Cordt, Oskar Deutsch, Dr. Christoph Dichand, Georg Doppelhofer, Mercedes Echerer, Klaus Edelhauser, Mag. Karoline Edtstadler, Erhard Ernst, Werner Faymann, Dr. Annemarie Fenzl, Dr. Günter Geyer, Roman Grinberg, Dr. Heimo Hackl, KommRat Peter Hanke, Dr. Michael Häupl, Miguel Herz-Kestranek, Klaus Herrmann, Ing. Wolfgang Hesoun, Oliver Hirschbiegel, Prof. Dr. Josef Höchtl, Dr. Wolfgang Hofer, Univ.Prof. Dr. Clemens Jabloner, Wolfgang Jansky, Mag. Maria Jelenko-Benedikt, Dr. Friedrich Jergtisch, UnivProf. Dr. Ulrich Jordis, Patricia Kahane, Josef Kalina, Veronika Kaup-Hasler, Wolfgang Katzian, Norbert Kettner, Ing. Ewald Kirschner, Prof. Dr. Raoul Kneucker, Thomas Kralinger, Sebastian Kurz, Werner Kogler, Herbert Lackner, DDr. Michael Landau, Peter Landesmann, Martin Lechner, Dr. Michael Ludwig, Martina Ludwig-Faymann, Dr. Harald Mahrer, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Dr. Ralph Müller, Harald Neumann, Beatrix Neundlinger, Rainer Nowak, Univ.Prof. Dr. Edwald Nowotny, Dr. Christian Nusser, Cornelius Obonya, Dr. Josef Ostermayer, Hermann Petz, Caroline Pienkos, DDr. Horst Pirker, DI Josef Pröll, Dr. Johanna Rachinger, Christian Rainer, Dr. Claus Raidl, UnivProf. Mag. DDr. Oliver Rathkolb, Dr. Pamela Rendi-Wagner, Mag. Marie Ringler, Dr. Walter Rothensteiner, DI Walter Ruck, Mag. Andreas Schieder, Mag. Martin Schlaff, Mag. Dr. Heide Schmidt, Richard Schmitt, Rabbi Arthur Schneier, HR Dr. Karl Schütz, Peter Schöber, E. Randol Schoenberg, Dr. Kurt Scholz, Dr. Timothy Smolka, Mag. Wolfgang Sobotka, Dr. Georg Sprin-ger, Prof. Elisabeth Stadler, MMag. Oliver Stauber, Dr. Barbara Staudinger, Dr. Dwora Stein, Mag. Dr. Eveline Steinberger-Kern, Cardinal Dr. Christoph Schönborn, Alois Steinbichler, Erwin Steinhauer, Katharina Stemberger, DI Friedrich Stickler, Mag. Terezi-ja Stojsits, Ing. Karl-Hein Strauss, Sissy and Max Strauss, Ing. Karl-Heinz Strauss, Karin Strobl, Dr. Hannes Sulzenbacher, Dr. Josef Taus, Dr. Paul Tesarek, Dr. Andreas Treichl, Armin Thurnher, Univ.Prof. Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen, Dr. Franz Vranitzky, Dr. Anton Wais, Stefan Wallner, Christiane Wenkheim, Dr. Alexander Wrabetz, Wolfgang Zehetner.

Scientific advisory board

The following persons belong to the honorary scientific advisory board:

Matti Bunzl (Wien Museum), Prof. Mag. Dr. Klaus Davidowicz (Professor of Jewish Studies at the University of Vienna), Dr. Raimund Fastenbauer (Secretary General for Jewish Affairs in the IKG), Annemarie Fenzl (Austrian historian and archivist), Ing. Georg Gaugusch (employee of the Heraldic-Genealogical Society “Adler” in Vienna), Schlomo Hofmeister (German Rabbi and Community Rabbi of the Jewish Community Vienna.), Hofrat Dr. Karl Schütz

Sponsors and supporters

The importance of volunteering at the cemetery

The volunteer work is an essential support for the preparation of the restoration work by the commissioned Atelier Dombau-meister Dr. Zehetner and its stonemason companies. Volunteer work is also valued financially on an annual basis. A total of 1,224 operating hours were documented and valued at an hourly rate of EUR 20.66. Volunteering was therefore worth EUR 25,287.00 in 2021.

In accordance with the 2001 Washington Agreement, volunteer services related to the restoration of the cemetery will be compensated 100% from the Restitution Fund and therefore will again benefit the cemetery.

Cemetery symbols

The cemetery always invites to discovery tours. Whether it’s epitaphs or symbols on the tombstones, for example, it never gets boring. During a stroll through the site, many different symbols stand out. Within the framework of the exhibition space, which is currently being implemented, their significance will also be explained in more detail to future visitors.

New logo for the association

The symbol of the hourglass with the angel wings is found above the entrance gate to the Tahara House and is the symbol of the rapidly passing time. The association has chosen this symbol as its new logo.

Celebrities at the cemetery

With Federal Minister Mag. Karoline Edtstadler we could welcome another member of the government at the cemetery on 20.9.2021.

Outlook 2022

For the calendar year 2022, the renovation of the graves on subplot 9 is on the agenda. There are about 200 to 230 gravestones. Funding will come from a grant from the Chancellor’s Office that has already been committed.
Implementation of the already developed exhibition concept and design of the exhibition space in the Tahara House.
Continuation of Volunteer Days (dates: March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11, October 9, November 13, 2022).
Monthly cemetery tours (dates: March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11, October 9, November 13, December 11, 2022. )
Participation again in the Day of the Monument on 25.9.2022
Due to a cooperation with the Federal Office for the Protection of Monuments, donations to us, if transferred to the Federal Office for the Protection of Monuments, are tax deductible.

Federal Monuments Office 1010 Vienna
BAWAG-PSK
IBAN: AT07 0100 0000 0503 1050
BIC: BUNDATWW
Action code for fundraiser: A283

Call for donations “adjacent area to sub-area 11”. In addition to the redevelopment of subarea 11, which has already been funded, the Association would like to line up funding for the redevelopment of the adjacent subarea (highlighted in red). Please help! Many thanks

Imprint:
Media owner and publisher: Verein Rettet den Jüdischen Friedhof Währing; Goldschmiedgasse 10, 1010 Vienna
Contributions: Mag. Andrea Schellner;
Photos: Mag. Andrea Schellner
Published once a year
Board of Directors: Chairman Günther W. Havranek, Deputy Chairman Dr. Jennifer Kickert, Deputy Chairman Dr. Ariel Muzicant, Director for Monument Protection/Care Dr. Gerbert Frodl, Secretary Dr. Susanne Schober-Bendixen, Treasurer Mag. Andrea Schellner, Director for Marketing Karl Javurek, Director for Religious Affairs Mag. Elie Rosen
Basic direction of the medium: Restoration ofthe Jewish Cemetery Währing; raising funds that serve the structural maintenance of the cemetery complex. Responsible : Günther W. Havranek

Association Save the Jewish Cemetery Währing, ZVR: 953840753; Info-Point Cemetery: Schrottenbachgasse 3, 1190 Vienna

Download the report as PDF (in German): Activity Report-2021.pdf

A day as a volunteer at the Jewish cemetery Währing!

Every second Sunday of the month, the association Rettet den jüdischen Friedhof Währing calls for volunteers. Today is Sunday 7/12/2020 and, in addition to my work as a financial officer in the association, I would like to volunteer once on site to help clear the wild growth at the cemetery. Equipped with gloves, pruning shears, and a wheelbarrow, I find a spot in the back of the cemetery near the cemetery wall overlooking the Arthur Schnitzler Hof.

The weeds have taken over here and completely cover the gravesite. Who do you think is buried here? The first step is to remove the ivy vines, which should not be pulled out of the ground, but cut at the level of the soil layer. It is also important to note that ivy that grows on tombstones made of sandstone should not simply be torn away, as this would damage the sandstone.

In the next step, I manually remove the approx. 5 cm thick humus layer together with the foliage. After the removal of two wheelbarrows full of humus, foliage and ivy vines, a gravestone becomes visible, which must have stood on the visible pedestal in earlier times. It is a granite tombstone that should be in good condition. It is now interesting to decipher the inscription.

With a small brush I remove the remaining humus and with water from my bottle and a cloth I expose the inscription of the gravestone. Depending on the angle of incidence of the sun, the inscription is better or worse to read. In the early afternoon it is then time to decipher the inscription.

Here rests: Babelle Sobelmann (née Halperson), merchant’s wife from Zaslaw in Russia d. on November 15, 1865, at the age of 25.

After two hours of work, I finish my job satisfied. I helped to give a gravesite a name again.

Andrea Schellner

Activity report 2020

Jewish Cemetery Vienna Währing

The association, which has set itself the goal of advancing the renovation of the Jewish Cemetery Währing, looks back on a very successful year 2020.

Renovation of the burial grounds on subplot 3 completed

The rehabilitation of the oldest part of the cemetery, sub-area 3, is the first result of the intensive efforts of the association since its foundation. Not least because of the historical photo material you can see very impressively what was created in this year.

Renovation of the burial grounds on sub-area 4 completed and on sub-area 5 started

The renovation of the gravesites on subplots 4 and 5 could be financed exclusively by the association and was essentially completed in 2020.

The course of the renovation work according to a precise plan

The restoration of the cemeteries will be carried out according to a precise plan agreed with the Federal Monuments Office, the Jewish Community and the Association, which is roughly as described below:

Planning, status analysis, development of measures, remediation concept, handling of official approvals
Renovation of the gravestones in coordination with the IKG, halachic control and the Federal Office for the Preservation of Monuments (BDA).
3D laser scans to document the terrain change as comparative scans before/after intervention according to. Specifications BDA
Production of a horticultural test surface according to. newly revised park maintenance
Construction supervision, quality assurance, documentation of measures

When the documentation work is completed, the restoration by stonemasons will begin.

In a first step the gravestone bases will be restored or renewed and then the gravestones will be placed accordingly.

After that, the parts are filled and parts lying around, such as grave plates or fragments, are attached to the gravestone.

Our team on site

Again and again it happens that in the course of searching for ancestors genealogical inquiries are made to our association. In this area we receive support from Wolf-Erich Eckstein and Georg Gaugusch.

Our board members Jennifer Kickert, Andrea Schellner and Susanne Schober-Bendixen oversee the opening days of the cemetery.

Celebrities at the cemetery

On 13.9.2020, President of the National Council Mag. Wolfgang Sobotka visited the Jewish Cemetery Währing. At the Epstein family’s gravesite, he unpacked his gardening tools and cleared the grave of weeds.

Federal President Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen was able to see the state of restoration of the cemetery on 30.9.2020.

Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler also visited the Jewish Cemetery on 8.10.2020.

Proponents and sponsors

An essential part of the association’s work is the search for proponents who support the association with their expertise, their network or financially. In 2020, prominent personalities from the worlds of business, culture, art, religion and politics have once again been recruited as supporters.

Proponents: Johannes Abensberger, Renate Anderl, Dr. Hannes Androsch, Dr. Harry Bergmann, Dr. Brigitte Bierlein, Eva Blimlinger, Wolfgang Böck, Martin Böhm, Univ.Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Brandstetter, Aric Brauer, Dr. Emil Brix, Prof. Dr. Michael Bünker, Shlomit Butbul, Dr. Herbert Cordt, Oskar Deutsch, Dr. Christoph Dichand, Mercedes Echerer, Klaus Edelhauser, Mag. Karoline Edtstadler, Erhard Ernst, Werner Faymann, Dr. Annemarie Fenzl, Dr. Günter Geyer, Roman Grinberg, Dr. Heimo Hackl, KommRat Peter Hanke, Dr. Michael Häupl, Miguel Herz-Kestranek, Ing. Wolfgang Hesoun, Oliver Hirschbiegel, Prof. Dr. Josef Höchtl, Dr. Wolfgang Hofer, Univ.Prof. Dr. Clemens Jabloner, Wolfgang Jansky, UnivProf. Dr. Ulrich Jordis, Patricia Kahane, Josef Kalina, Veronika Kaup-Hasler, Wolfgang Katzian, Ing. Ewald Kirschner, Prof. Dr. Raoul Kneucker, Thomas Kralinger, Sebastian Kurz, Werner Kogler, Herbert Lackner, DDr. Michael Landau, Martin Lechner, Dr. Michael Ludwig, Martina Ludwig-Faymann, Mag. Dr. Harald Mahrer, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Mag. Harald Neumann, Beatrix Neundlinger, Rainer Nowak, Univ.Prof. Dr. Edwald Nowotny, Dr. Christian Nusser, Cornelius Obonya, Dr. Josef Ostermayer, Hermann Petz, Caroline Pienkos, DDr. Horst Pirker, DI Josef Pröll, Dr. Johanna Rachinger, Christian Rainer, Dr. Claus Raidl, Dr. Pamela Rendi-Wagner, Mag. Marie Ringler, Dr. Walter Rothensteiner, DI Walter Ruck, Mag. Andreas Schieder, Mag. Martin Schlaff, Mag. Dr. Heide Schmidt, Richard Schmitt, Rabbi Arthur Schneier, HR Dr. Karl Schütz, Peter Schöber, E. Randol Schoenberg, Dr. Kurt Scholz, Dr. Timothy Smolka, Mag. Wolfgang Sobotka, Dr. Georg Springer, MMag. Oliver Stauber, Dr. Dwora Stein, Cardinal Dr. Christoph Schönborn, Alois Steinbichler, Erwin Steinhauer, Katharina Stemberger, DI Friedrich Stickler, Mag. Terezija Stojsits, Ing. Karl-Heinz Strauss, Karin Strobl, Dr. Hannes Sulzenbacher, Dr. Josef Taus, Dr. Paul Tesarek, Dr. Andreas Treichl, Armin Thurnher, Univ.Prof. Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen, Dr. Franz Vranitzky, Dr. Anton Wais, Stefan Wallner, Christiane Wenkheim, Dr. Alexander Wrabetz, Wolfgang Zehetner.

Sponsors and supporters: Our work would not be possible without sponsors, supporters and partners. At this point, many thanks for your support in 2020.

Statement of account 2020

The activities of the association in the past calendar year from 1.1.-31.12.2020 are also reflected in the income and expenses. As already shown on the previous pages, the association was able to finance the renovation of the gravesite on subplot 4 completely by itself due to generous donations. Partial area 5 is financed by the association 2021 from donations.
The total income amounted to EUR 79,702 and was used according to the purpose of the association as shown in the right column.

Outlook 2021 and 2022

For the calendar year 2021 the rehabilitation of the cemeteries of the subareas 6, 7 and 8 is on the program. Funding will come from an already committed grant from the Chancellor’s Office.
This funding will also allow for the rehabilitation of sub-areas 9 and 10 in 2022 and 2023. Approximately 200 to 230 gravestones per subarea will be repaired in accordance with the renovation concept shown on page 2.
Implementation of the already developed exhibition concept and design of the exhibition space in the Tahara House.
Cooperation with the Federal Office for the Protection of Monuments in the form that earmarked donations to the BDA in favor of the association are subject to tax deductibility.
Continuation of volunteer days (dates: July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10, November 14).
Monthly cemetery tours (dates: July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10, November 14, December 12).

Imprint:
Media owner and publisher: Verein Rettet den Jüdischen Friedhof Währing; Goldschmiedgasse 10, 1010 Vienna
Contributions: Mag. Andrea Schellner;
Photos: Mag. Andrea Schellner
Published once a year
Board of Directors: Chairman Günther W. Havranek, Deputy Chairman Dr. Jennifer Kickert, Deputy Chairman Dr. Ariel Muzicant, Director for Monument Protection/Care Dr. Gerbert Frodl, Secretary Dr. Susanne Schober-Bendixen, Treasurer Mag. Andrea Schellner, Director for Marketing Karl Javurek, Director for Religious Affairs Mag. Elie Rosen
Basic direction of the medium: restoration of the Währing Jewish Cemetery; raise funds to be used for the structural preservation of the cemetery grounds. Responsible: Günther W. Havranek

Association Save the Jewish Cemetery Währing, ZVR: 953840753; Info-Point Cemetery: Schrottenbachgasse 3, 1190 Vienna

Download the report as PDF: Activity Report-2020.pdf

Activity report 2019

Jewish Cemetery Vienna Währing

The year 2020 has arrived and it is time to report on the activities of the association in 2019.

The cooperation with the Isrealite Religious Community was successfully continued and expanded in 2019. The association is now a tenant of the first floor premises in the Tahara House. Guided tours will start from there and the museum will be located there.

In 2019, two cemetery tours were held on each of twelve weekends. In total, we were able to inform 1013 visitors . In addition, 211 people visited the cemetery without a guided tour.

The first-time participation in the Monument Day on September 29, 2019 was also a great success. A total of 762 people took advantage of the opportunity for a free tour.

On the occasion of the opening of the exhibition “The Ephrussis. A Journey through Time” at the Jewish Museum Vienna, Alex de Waal visited the grave of the progenitor of the Ephrussi dynasty Joachim Ephrussi (+ 1864 Vienna) on November 5, 2019 in the presence of our association spokeswoman Jennifer Kickert.

Over coffee in downtown Vienna, 90-year-old Victor de Waal told us his memories as a child at Palais Ephrussi in Vienna.

As part of a proponent tour under the expert guidance of genealogist Georg Gaugusch , Chancellor Dr. Brigitte Bierleinalso visited us on November 10, 2019.

Without the volunteer work at the cemetery site would be unthinkable redevelopment

This is impressively visible in test area 3, which was refurbished in 2019. A total of 297 people have been involved in volunteering in 2019.

Test Area 3 on Jan. 12, 2020, after regular clearing by volunteers and archaeological processing by the Chancellor’s Office. After approval by the rabbinate, the tombstones are placed by stonemasons.

Deployment of the Austrian Armed Forces from 11-15 November 2019

The rear part of the cemetery towards Döblinger Hauptstraße had not been cleared for several years and therefore became more and more overgrown.

At the request of our association chairman Günther Havranek, the Austrian Armed Forces could be won for a clearing operation on the cemeteries 15 to 20 in November 2019.

32 Viennese Pioneer and Guard soldiers helped with cutting and clearing work. They remove wild growth and made paths clear again.

A visit by the Minister of Defense, Mag. Thomas Starlinger, was also on the agenda.

Now, for the first time, a complete view over the cemeteries 15 to 20 is possible again.

Public Relations

It is thanks to the efforts of the association that ORF III made the film “Ein Glanz von Ringstraße – Der jüdische Friedhof Währing” , which was shown on 12.11.2019.

The homepage project launched in 2018 was successfully completed in summer 2019. Now people interested in the cemetery can get current information via the internet (www.jued-friedhof18.at).

The logo was relaunched and the external appearance of the association was professionalized.

In addition, film clips were repeatedly shot by domestic and foreign television stations and guided tours for journalists were offered.

Proponents

An essential part of the association’s work is the search for proponents who support the association with their expertise, their network or financially. Prominent personalities from the worlds of business, culture, art, religion and politics have once again been recruited as supporters in 2019.

Proponents Renate Anderl, Dr. Hannes Androsch, Dr. Harry Bergmann, Dr. Brigitte Bierlein, Eva Blimlinger, Wolfgang Böck, Martin Böhm, Univ.Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Brandstetter, Aric Brauer, Dr. Emil Brix, Prof. Dr. Michael Bünker, Shlomit Butbul, Dr. Herbert Cordt, Oskar Deutsch, Dr. Christoph Dichand, Mercedes Echerer, Klaus Edelhauser, Mag. Karoline Edtstadler, Erhard Ernst, Werner Faymann, Dr. Annemarie Fenzl, Dr. Günter Geyer, Tania Golden, Roman Grinberg, KommRat Peter Hanke, Dr. Michael Häuptl, Miguel Herz-Kestranek, Oliver Hirschbiegel, Prof. Dr. Josef Höchtl, Dr. Wolfgang Hofer, Univ.Prof. Dr. Clemens Jabloner, Wolfgang Jansky, UnivProf. Dr. Ulrich Jordis, Patricia Kahane, Josef Kalina, Wolfgang Katzian, Ing. Ewald Kirschner, Prof. Dr. Raoul Kneucker, Mag. Thomas Kralinger, Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, DDr. Michael Landau, Dr. Michael Ludwig, Martina Ludwig-Faymann, Dr. Harald Mahrer, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Dr. Esther Mitterstieler, Harald Neumann, Beatrix Neundlinger, Rainer Nowak, Univ.Prof. Dr. Edwald Nowotny, Dr. Christian Nusser, Cornelius Obonya, Dr. Josef Ostermayer, Hermann Petz, Caroline Pienkos, DDr. Horst Pirker, DI Josef Pröll, Dr. Johanna Rachinger, Christian Rainer, Dr. Claus Raidl, Mag. Johannes Reiss, Mag. Marie Ringler, DI Walter Ruck, Mag. Andreas Schieder, Mag. Martin Schlaff, Mag. Dr. Heide Schmidt, Richard Schmitt, Rabbi Arthur Schneider, HR Dr. Karl Schütz, Peter Schöber, E. Randol Schoenberg, Dr. Kurt Scholz, Dr. Timothy Smolka, Mag. Wolfgang Sobotka, Dr. Georg Springer, MMag. Oliver Stauber, Dr. Dwora Stein, Cardinal Dr. Christoph Schönborn, Alois Steinbichler, Erwin Steinhauer, Katharina Stemberger, Mag. Terezija Stojsits, Ing. Karl-Heinz Strauss, Dr. Josef Taus, Dr. Paul Tesarek, Dr. Andreas Treichl, Armin Thurnher, Univ.Prof. Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen, Dr. Anton Wais, Judith Weinmann, Christiane Wenkheim, Dr. Alexander Wrabetz, DI Wolfgang Zehetner.

Statement of accounts 2019

The activities of the association in the past calendar year from Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2019, are also reflected in the income and expenses. The total income of EUR 57,628.65 is offset by expenses of EUR 27,480.82. As of December 31, 2019, the association has liquid funds in the amount of EUR 53,095.47 which are available for financing future projects (see Outlook 2020).

Outlook 2020

Seeking and awarding cultural sponsorships for individual grave monuments as an expression of cultural responsibility or in memory of relatives buried here.
For 2020, the association has set itself the goal of raising funds to finance the renovation of test area 4 and 5 (estimated at around EUR 100,000) in front of the Tahara House. As with test area 3, the weeds are to be permanently removed, rootstocks are to be milled out, the humus layer is to be leveled, and after approval by the Rabbinate, the erection and fixing of the gravestones is to begin.

Furthermore, the main paths of the cemetery are to be repaired with the support of PORR AG. The cost of this is estimated at EUR 50,000.00.
Collecting donations at home and abroad to finance the above renovation works.
Development of a museum concept and implementation of the museum in the Tahara House including application for donation deductibility at the tax office
Continuation of Volunteer Days (dates: March 8, April 5, May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13, October 4, November 1).
Monthly Cemetery Tours (Dates: February 9, March 8, April 5, May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13, October 4, November 8, December 13).

Imprint:

Media owner and publisher: Verein Rettet den Jüdischen Friedhof Währing; Goldschmiedgasse 10, 1010 Vienna
Contributions: Andrea Schellner, M.A.; Photos: Andrea Schellner, M.A.
Published once a year
Board of Directors: Chairman Günther W. Havranek, Deputy Chairman KommR. Karl Javurek, Deputy Chairman Dr. Ariel Muzicant, Director for Monument Protection/Care Dr. Gerbert Frodl, Secretary Dr. Jennifer Kickert, Treasurer Mag. Andrea Schellner, Director for Museum Operations Dr. Susanne Schober-Bendixen, Director for Religious Affairs Mag. Elie Rosen
Basic direction of the medium: restoration of the Währing Jewish Cemetery; raise funds to be used for the structural preservation of the cemetery grounds. Responsible: Günther W. Havranek

Download the report as PDF: Activity Report-2019.pdf

Activity report 2018

Spring has arrived in 2019 and it is time to inform about the development of the association and its activities.

The association, founded in 2017 under the leadership of Günther Havranek and Ariel Muzicant, began its work in 2018 with great enthusiasm.

The association has set itself the goal of raising funds in cooperation with the Jewish Community, the Federal Office for the Preservation of Monuments and the National Fund in order to advance the restoration of the cemetery, which has been threatened by decay for decades. The cemetery is a testimony to the past of the city of Vienna from a time of successful coexistence of Jews and non-Jews.

Did you know that...

am Friedhof Mr. Spock vom Raumschiff Enterprise allgegenwärtig ist?

Jeder kennt praktisch die Hand mit den V-förmig auseinander gespreizten Fingern von Mr. Spock, dem Wissenschaftsoffizier der neben Captain Kirk durch das Weltall flog.

Solch ein Zeichen auf einem Grabstein zeigt, dass hier ein Cohen begraben liegt, ein Mitglied der jüdischen Priesterkaste.

“Die meisten Menschen wissen bis heute nicht, was dahinter steckt”, pflegte der Schauspieler Leonard Nimoy zu sagen. „Sie wissen gar nicht, dass sie sich mit dieser Geste gegenseitig segnen.”

Review 2018

Volunteering:
Over six weekends, a total of 325 volunteers turned out to spend 1625 hours pruning the wildly overgrown plants at the cemetery. This work, together with the voluntary activities during the guided tours, may be accounted for as an own contribution to the National Fund and represents an equivalent value of about EUR 36,000.00.

Guidedtours:
Furthermore, guided tours of the cemetery under expert guidance took place on five weekends. This resulted in donations of around EUR 2,000.00.

Info brochure:
With the support of the advertising agency Demner, Merlicek & Bergmann and the printing company Grasl Druck & Neue Medien GmbH, the info brochure “Memory of a vanished world” was produced.

PR work:
In order to draw attention to the precarious situation of the cemetery, journalists were invited to the cemetery grounds to get a picture of the decay of the cemetery.

Very detailed articles in the well-known newspapers helped to bring the Jewish Cemetery to the attention of the public and politicians.

Through appeals for donations it was possible to raise EUR 19,500.00.

Proponents:
An essential part of the work of the association is the search for proponents who support the association with their expertise, their network or financially. Already 60 prominent personalities from the worlds of business, culture, art, religion and politics have been recruited as supporters.

Cooperation agreement IKG:
A cooperation agreement was concluded with the Isralitic Religious Community regarding the joint coordinated approach to renovation work.

Facebook:
The association provides information via the Facebook page“Save the Jewish Cemetery Währing” until its own website is established.

Finances:
In addition to the converted contributions in kind of the volunteers of about EUR 36,000.00, the association has generated income from donations and sponsoring of about EUR 23,600.00, which are offset by expenses of about EUR 1,300.00.

There is much to discover at the cemetery, such as interesting epitaphs:

Who knows how to honor motherly love, Who wants to appreciate womanly virtue, Who wants to honor kindness, wisdom, Stand still at this grave.

Outlook 2019

Set up a website
Conclusion of a lease agreement with the IKG concerning the premises on the first floor of the gatehouse at the cemetery.
Establishment of a museum in the rented premises on site with exhibitions on the subject of the Jewish Cemetery Währing.

Continuation of Volunteer Days (dates: March 10, April 14, May 12, June 2, July 14, August 4, September 8, October 6, November 1).
Expansion of cemetery tours (fixed dates: March 10, April 14, May 12, June 2, July 14, August 4, September 8, October 6, November 10, and December 8. The tours take place at 11:00 am and at 1:00 pm).
Application for inclusion in the list of organizations eligible to receive donations, issued by the Ministry of Finance, in order to make the donations made tax-deductible.
Seeking and awarding cultural sponsorships for individual gravestones as an expression of cultural responsibility or in memory of a relative buried here.
Collecting donations at home and abroad to support the renovation work at the Währing Jewish Cemetery.

Importance of volunteer work

The Importance of Volunteer Work for the Jewish Cemetery Währing

Volunteerism is a more indispensable part of the maintenance work at the cemetery grounds. In addition to the renovation of the graves, the continuous and proper maintenance of the vegetation on the site is one of the urgent needs, which, depending on the season, can sometimes be very intensive.

A prerequisite for the stonemasons to begin their work on the gravestones is the removal of weeds and brush. Volunteer efforts are considered personal contributions to the maintenance of the cemetery. In 2021, a total of 1,224 operating hours were documented, valued at an hourly rate of EUR 20.66. The volunteer work was therefore notionally worth EUR 25,287.00 in 2021 .

In accordance with the 2001 Washington Agreement, volunteer services related to cemetery restoration will be compensated 100% from the National Fund and therefore will again benefit cemetery restoration.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who are willing to remove the wild vegetation with simple tools in all weathers, and also to thank MA 42 – Wiener Stadtgärten for collecting the green cuttings from the cemetery free of charge.

The achievements of the volunteers can be seen impressively in the example of the rehabilitation of sub-area 3 to the left of the Tahara House. While in 2011, sub-area 3 was still overgrown with scrub up to the top, after years of weeding, the renovation of the gravestones was successfully completed in 2020.