Austrian Freedom Party Leader Apologizes to Jewish People in European Parliament

Herbert Kickl, chairman of Austria's Freedom Party (FPÖ), delivered a significant speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, marking a potential turning point in his party's relationship with Israel and the Jewish people. The address, which follows a two-year process involving European Parliament member Harald Vilimsky and Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, addressed the October 7th Hamas attacks, which Kickl condemned as a crime against humanity. He asserted that the security of Jewish citizens is a benchmark for the freedom of the entire republic.

Kickl declared that if the FPÖ forms the next federal government, combating antisemitism and protecting Jewish life will be top priorities. This commitment includes fully adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. In a notable gesture, Kickl publicly apologized, stating, "As chairman of the Freedom Party, I express deep regret to this international audience, and sincerely apologize to the Jewish citizens of Austria, to the victims of Nazism and Holocaust survivors, to their descendants, and to the Jewish people."

Furthermore, Kickl pledged to work towards moving Austria's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem as part of a government agreement. He also emphasized the need to seriously consider the historical connection of the Jewish people to Judea and Samaria. Kickl stressed that antisemitism must be rejected from all sources, including the far-right, radical left, and political Islam.

Concluding his address, Kickl extended an offer of partnership to Israel, urging that the party be judged by its actions rather than mere statements. Israeli Minister Orit Strock commented on the speech, calling it "extremely important" and highlighting the FPÖ's full adoption of the IHRA definition, explicit regret for its past, condemnation of the October 7th atrocities, criticism of the EU's policy towards Israel, and calls for closer ties, embassy relocation to Jerusalem, and recognition of Israel's historical ties to Judea and Samaria.