With the highest award of the Jewish Community, the Torberg Medal, the IKG honors the commitment against anti-Semitism and for remembering
Vienna (OTS) – On Thursday, December 7th, the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG) awarded its highest award, the Marietta and Friedrich Torberg Medal, to Dr. Andreas Kahrs, Daniel Lörcher and Johannes Reiss. The cultural board of the Jewish Community of Vienna unanimously approved these awards. The Torberg Medal was presented by IKG President, Oskar Deutsch, at a celebratory ceremony in the community center of the religious community.
Oskar German:
“Since October 7th we have been confronted with a wave of anti-Semitic attacks. At the same time, we see a majority that shows itself to be humane and stands up to hatred. They bring light into the darkness. I am all the more pleased to be able to present the IKG Vienna’s highest award on the first evening of Hanukkah. Dr. Andreas Kahrs and Daniel Lörcher are pioneers in the fight against anti-Semitism. Their positive social impact is noticeable, especially in football, but now far beyond. Today we also honor the work of Johannes Reiss, who tirelessly pointed out the heritage of Jewish culture in Burgenland through his work and academic activities. It’s not just about documenting graves, but also about giving the deceased a name and giving their descendants the opportunity to discover their roots. The work of the honored guests recognized today brings light into the darkness and strengthens us as a society and as a Jewish community.”
Dr. Andreas Kahrs and Daniel Lörcher are being honored for their commitment to combating anti-Semitism in sport, for example through their work at Borussia Dortmund, and their contribution to the culture of remembrance in Europe. They are currently supporting with their NGO what matters Companies and associations develop a stance on social issues such as anti-Semitism, racism or discrimination and implement these in their organization.
Dr. Andreas Kahrs:
“For many years I have been involved in research and education on the Holocaust in places that are also closely linked to the history of persecution of the Jews from Vienna. Receiving the Torberg Medal from the IKG for our work is a very special joy, recognition and motivation at the same time.”
Daniel Lörcher:
“I am very happy about the award and consider it a great honor to receive the Torberg Medal. I am grateful for our many collaborations, especially with Borussia Dortmund, which enable us to carry out our work on Holocaust remembrance and against anti-Semitism.”
Johannes Reiss was honored for his services to the Austrian-Jewish Museum and for his commitment to researching and preserving Jewish cultural heritage in Europe.
Johannes Reiss:
“’There are stones with a human heart,’ goes the refrain of a Hebrew song. The award of receiving the Marietta and Friedrich Torberg Medal from the Israelite Community means recognition of my work and is a great honor for me. Above all, it is my task to document the ‘human hearts’ of the old gravestones for the next 30 years in order to make the traces of their ancestors visible, especially for those generations who mostly live far away from Austria. “
Questions & Contact:
Israeli religious community
Is Ben Dagan OK?
066488851566
b.earth@ikg-wien.at
www.ikg-wien.at