Israel welcomes Austrian far-right leader’s Holocaust apology, Oct 7 condemnation

The leader of Austria’s Freedom Party (FPÖ) addressed the Jewish people and Israel during a speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday, condemning the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack and apologizing for Austria’s role in the Holocaust.

FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl noted the rise in antisemitism across Europe, describing the attacks as the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust and rejecting the characterization of the attack as an act of resistance.

“Antisemitism in Europe is on the rise. Experts are warning of ‘small October 7s’ across the continent,” he said. “October 7 was the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. It was a crime against humanity, not resistance. The deliberate killing of civilians and the taking of hostages are war crimes.”

The FPÖ leader also condemned the Hezbollah terrorist organization in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and Boko Haram in Nigeria, while distinguishing between Islam as a religion and Islamism as a political ideology.

Kickl signaled that he seeks stronger relations with Israel and supports moving the Austrian embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. He also referenced the Jewish people’s historical ties to Judea and Samaria, the West Bank.

Looking ahead, Kickl said that if the FPÖ enters government, it would prioritize combating antisemitism and protecting Jewish life in Austria. He also expressed support for the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.

Members of Israel’s ruling Likud party attended Kickl’s address in Strasbourg. The Israeli government welcomed his remarks, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar describing them as “an important and positive development.”

“Against the backdrop of the complex history, Israel views these statements as an important and positive development, but building trust also requires translating commitments into actions,” Sa’ar said. “Kickl’s remarks make it possible to open a substantive, open and sincere dialogue aimed at deepening our understanding of his positions and commitments.”

Austria has maintained close relations with Israel in recent years. The country, which hosted Eurovision 2026, backed Israel’s participation amid calls from several European countries to exclude Israel from the competition.

The FPÖ was established in 1956 by Anton Reinthaller, a former SS officer and Nazi agriculture minister. The party’s second leader, Friedrich Peter, had also served in the SS. Jörg Haider, who became the leader of the party in 1986, helped turn the party towards a more right-wing populist direction. 

During International Holocaust Remembrance Day in January, Kickl described the Nazi murder of millions of European Jews as “the darkest chapter in the history of our country,” pledging that the Holocaust must never be forgotten.