Vienna's Novak Marks First Trip With Auschwitz Visit, Honoring Past Atrocities

Barbara Novak, Vienna's new city councillor for economic affairs, has marked her first official trip by visiting the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau in Krakow. Novak, who is responsible for international agendas, chose this historically significant site due to Austria's partnership with Krakow and her commitment to keeping the atrocities of the Nazi regime in public memory.

Novak laid a wreath at the 'Black Wall' in Auschwitz-Birkenau, a poignant moment of 'silent mourning and responsibility'. She also recited a poem by Käthe Leichter, her political role model, during her visit. Leichter, arrested in 1938 and murdered in Ravensbrück in 1942, had only one poem created in Ravensbrück that has been preserved, 'To my brothers'.

Novak's visit comes as Austria continues to acknowledge its responsibility in the crimes of the Nazi era. Previous leaders, such as Franz Vranitzky, have publicly acknowledged this. Novak, in her new role, has campaigned to ensure society does not forget these atrocities. Her choice of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest German extermination camp during the NS era where more than a million people were murdered, underscores her commitment. Many young people continue to show interest in the topic and visit the site, indicating a desire to learn from the past.

Barbara Novak's visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau sends a strong message about Austria's commitment to remembering the past. As Vienna's city councillor for economic affairs and international affairs, she has taken on the responsibility to ensure that the crimes of the Nazi era remain in public memory. Her actions reflect a dedication to learning from history and ensuring it is not repeated.