Short Description
Simon Wiesenthal (1908–2005) has very uniquely shaped the reap praisal of the crimes of National Socialism worldwide. From the day of his liberation from the Mauthausen concentration camp, he made it his life‘s work to remember the victims of Nazi terror. His weapon was the rule of law. Wiesenthal‘s method was to track down Nazi criminals and bring them to justice. Wiesenthal was an unwavering admonisher and fighter against antisemitism at a time when the crimes of National Socialism were often suppressed. This earned him significant international recognition. In post-war Austria, however, he experienced political resistance and rejection of his efforts to clarify the Nazi crimes of violence and to have those responsible prosecuted
Eligibility
Prospective prizewinners have made an outstanding contribution – through projects, initiatives or in other meaningful ways – towards combating antisemitism and/or educating the public about the Holocaust by
- actively fostering, consolidating and imparting knowledge and awareness about the Holocaust;
- raising awareness in society about the dangers of antisemitism in the present;
- increasing understanding of the mechanisms and consequences of antisemitism and thereby strengthening democratic culture in everyday life;
- acting as a beacon of civil courage, thereby highlighting the value and importance of the involvement of each and every individual;
- advocating for measures to counteract antisemitism and all forms of Holocaust relativisation;
- fostering understanding and sensitivity in areas where a critical attitude towards antisemitism should be particularly encouraged;
- contributing to the development of a common awareness in the fight against antisemitism
- or otherwise contributing towards a culture of remembrance that is innovative, sustainable and dedicated to educating people.
Special consideration will be given to projects, initiatives and achievements that create fresh impetus and place new accents, that set an example for others and appear capable of having a lasting impact on the present and the future.
How to Apply
Online Application
Program Benefits & Awards
The Simon-Wiesenthal Prize is endowed annually with a total of € 30,000 and is awarded in two categories:
▪ civil society engagement against antisemitism (€ 7,500)
▪ civil society commitment to education about the Holocaust (€ 7,500)
In addition, a main prize of € 15,000 will be awarded for special civil society engagement against antisemitism and/or for Holocaust education.
The National Fund of the Republic of Austria is responsible for awarding the prize, with the Board of Trustees, chaired by the President of the National Council, deciding on the basis of a proposal from a six-member jury.
In addition to a chairperson, the jury shall consist of five other members; among them shall be a representative person appointed by the Wiesenthal family. The President of the Jewish Religious Society in Austria as well as recognised personalities from public or cultural life in Austria or abroad or persons with an academic reputation in the field of contemporary history or in another field relevant academic field, are appointed as other members.
Entry Fee
None
Location
Vienna, Austria
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 19 December 2025
Website Link: https://www.wiesenthalpreis.at/home
