Ambassador Martin Weiss. Photo: Austrian Embassy
On November 18, 2019, the Austrian Embassy hosted American University’s Center for Israel Studies for an event investigating Austrian-Israeli relations. The panel discussion, titled From the Birthplace of Zionism to Austria-Israeli Relations Today, was part of the Center’s Global Israel - series. The panelists of the evening were the Austrian Ambassador to the United States, Martin Weiss, the Israeli Embassy’ s Deputy Chief of Mission, Benjamin Krasna, and Professor Michael Brenner, Abensohn Chair in Israel Studies and Director of the Center for Israel Studies at American University. Johannes Dopsch, Director of the Austrian Press and Information Service, led through the evening.
Ambassador Weiss provided a concise overview of the Austrian-Israeli relationship from 1946 until today, followed by Ambassador Krasna, who highlighted the importance of cooperation to address international challenges. Professor Brenner then reminded the audience that Theodor Herzl already thought the state of Israel in Vienna as early as 1896.
The Individual presentations were followed by a discussion with questions from the audience.
