Mauthausen Komitee Steyr: Commemoration at the "Jewish Cemetery"
78th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Mauthausen Concentration Camp
Commemoration of the victims of National Socialism at the "Jewish Cemetery" in Steyr
On May 5, 2023, the Mauthausen Komitee Steyr commemorated the 78th anniversary of the liberation of the Mauthausen concentration camp at the "Jewish Cemetery" in Steyr. The commemoration was attended by numerous representatives from politics, the judiciary, the military, schools, and the general public.
In his speech, Mayor Markus Vogl emphasized the importance of remembering the victims of National Socialism and fighting against all forms of hatred and discrimination. He stressed that the city of Steyr has a special responsibility in this regard, as it was the site of a subcamp of the Mauthausen concentration camp.
The commemoration also included a wreath-laying ceremony and a reading of the names of the victims. The Mauthausen Komitee Steyr also used the occasion to present its annual "Courage and Humanity" award to two individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the fight against fascism and racism.
Background: The Mauthausen Concentration Camp
The Mauthausen concentration camp was established in 1938 as a subcamp of the Dachau concentration camp. It was located in Upper Austria, near the town of Mauthausen. The camp was used to imprison political prisoners, Jews, Roma, and other minorities. Over 190,000 people were imprisoned in Mauthausen, and an estimated 120,000 were killed.
The Mauthausen concentration camp was liberated by the US Army on May 5, 1945. After the war, the camp was used as a displaced persons camp. In 1949, the Mauthausen Memorial Museum was established on the site of the former concentration camp.
The "Jewish Cemetery" in Steyr
The "Jewish Cemetery" in Steyr is located on a hill overlooking the city. The cemetery was established in 1675 and is the oldest Jewish cemetery in Austria. The cemetery contains over 1,000 graves, including the graves of many victims of the Holocaust.
The "Jewish Cemetery" in Steyr is a protected historical site. It is a reminder of the long history of Jewish life in Steyr and the persecution of Jews during the Holocaust.
The Mauthausen Komitee Steyr
The Mauthausen Komitee Steyr was founded in 1945 by former prisoners of the Mauthausen concentration camp. The committee's mission is to keep the memory of the victims of National Socialism alive and to fight against all forms of hatred and discrimination.
The Mauthausen Komitee Steyr organizes numerous events and activities throughout the year, including commemorations, exhibitions, and educational programs. The committee also works closely with schools and other educational institutions to teach about the Holocaust and the dangers of hatred and discrimination.
