Memory of the four Roma victims: 30 years after the assassination attempt in Oberwart

Memory of the four Roma victims: 30 years after the assassination attempt in Oberwart

Oberwart, Österreich - On February 5, 2025, the memory of the 1995 attack took place in Oberwart, in which four Roma men were murdered by a pipe bomb. Under the motto "never forgotten", numerous personalities, including Bishop Egidius Zsifkovics, were present to commemorate the victims. This terrible act, which is considered one of the most serious in Austria since World War II, shows the deep wounds of racism and discrimination that still have an impact today. When the men tried to remove an insulting board, which was attached by the right -wing extremist bomb builder Franz Fuchs as an explosive trap. Bishop Zsifkovics and Superintendent Robert Jonheit emphasized the responsibility of everyone to work against racism and discrimination and keep the memory awake to prevent such cruel deeds.

memory and responsibility

In the “Am Anger” memorial, in addition to an ecumenical prayer service there was also a memorial march, which was accompanied by the Burgenland police music. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen said that this attack not only murdered the four, but also the human dignity of everyone. It is necessary to counter exclusion and hatred. Minister Susanne Raab underlined the importance of an understanding coexistence of all population groups and the determined struggle against racism and anti -Ziganism.

The memory of this tragic incident remains relevant after two decades. Historian Ursula Mindler-Steiner emphasized that the history of the Roma is not yet sufficiently anchored in Austria's collective awareness. The establishment of a central monument for Roma-NS victims in Vienna gives hope for increased recognition and respect for the Roma community. The memory work in Oberwart signals that the voices of the past are not allowed to fall silent - for a just future.

For further developments and personal impressions of the commemoration, the detailed reports of Kathpress and bvz.at