Revitalization of Vienna’s Jewish Community: A Report on Sustainable Development

A comprehensive initiative in Vienna, Austria, has led to the establishment of a thriving Jewish community, demonstrating significant progress toward several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report outlines the key projects and their alignment with global objectives for sustainable and inclusive development, focusing on education, community building, and strategic partnerships.

Fostering Quality Education and Lifelong Learning (SDG 4)

A central pillar of the Vienna initiative is the creation of a robust educational infrastructure, promoting inclusive and equitable quality education for all ages.

The Chabad Education Campus: An Inclusive Educational Hub

A major achievement is the establishment of one of Europe’s largest Jewish educational campuses on a site of significant historical trauma—a former Nazi institution. This transformation directly supports the goal of building and upgrading education facilities that are child, disability, and gender-sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive, and effective learning environments for all (SDG 4.A).

• The campus provides a complete educational pathway, from early childhood to higher education.
• Current facilities include four kindergartens, a new Jewish high school, and university-level programs.
• According to Rabbi Jacob Biderman, the head emissary, the mission is to provide “life skills and values,” addressing an increased demand for security and identity.

Lauder Business School: Higher Education and Global Citizenship

The Lauder Business School (LBS) serves as a key institution for tertiary education, attracting a diverse, international student body. It contributes to ensuring equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education (SDG 4.3).

• LBS offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in business.
• The school provides a holistic and safe environment with kosher student dormitories, Jewish studies, and personal support, fostering an atmosphere free from discrimination.
• The diverse student population, including individuals from Israel, Russia, the Americas, and Europe, promotes education for global citizenship and an appreciation of cultural diversity (SDG 4.7).

An Inclusive Curriculum for Diverse Learners

The educational system, serving over 600 students, is designed to be fully inclusive, integrating students from varied religious and secular backgrounds. This model embodies the principles of inclusive education by eliminating disparities and ensuring equal access to all levels of education for the vulnerable.

• The curriculum is structured by levels, allowing students with no prior Jewish knowledge to integrate gradually.
• The educational approach is described by Director Rabbi Israel Wolfsov as aiming to “instill identity… and successfully integrate students from all backgrounds into one classroom, one heart.”

Building Sustainable and Inclusive Communities (SDG 11 & SDG 10)

The project actively works to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable while reducing inequality within and among communities.

Support for Migrant and Refugee Populations

A significant focus is placed on the Russian-speaking Jewish community, which includes many war refugees from Ukraine and other former Soviet republics. This work directly addresses SDG 10 by empowering and promoting the social and economic inclusion of all, irrespective of origin or other status.

• The community, led by Rabbi Moshe Kolomoytsev and his wife, provides comprehensive support.
• Assistance includes physical aid, emotional support, and a structured community framework.
• The guiding principle, “No matter where you came from—you’re Jewish, you belong,” actively combats social exclusion.

Sustainable Infrastructure for Community and Tourism

The development of community-focused infrastructure enhances urban sustainability and cultural preservation (SDG 11.4). The Chabad Hotel in central Vienna provides a safe and inclusive space for Jewish tourists and serves as a community hub.

• The hotel offers kosher facilities, a synagogue, and community events.
• It functions as a spiritual and social center, hosting classes, delegations, and gatherings that strengthen community bonds.
• Future plans to expand student dormitories by 100-200 beds address the need for safe and affordable housing, a key component of sustainable urban development.

Advancing Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)

The initiative is a powerful example of building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels and promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.

Transforming a Site of Persecution into a Center for Peace

The conversion of a building once used by the Third Reich into a vibrant educational campus is a profound act of restorative justice and peace-building. It symbolizes the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies by reclaiming a site of historical violence for the purpose of education and community revival.

Development of Effective and Inclusive Institutions

The network of kindergartens, schools, a university, and community centers represents the successful establishment of strong institutions. Overcoming initial political opposition to secure building permits demonstrates a commitment to building effective and accountable institutional frameworks through dialogue and public support.

Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Goals (SDG 17)

The success of the Vienna project is underpinned by robust multi-stakeholder partnerships, reflecting the core principle of SDG 17 to revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

Philanthropic and International Collaboration

The project’s achievements have been made possible through stable, long-term backing from international partners. This collaboration between community leadership and philanthropic organizations is a model for achieving sustainable development goals.

1. The Lauder Foundation: A key partner led by Ronald Lauder, providing critical funding for infrastructure, academic programs, and scholarships at the campus and the Lauder Business School.
2. The Yael Foundation: A significant supporter focused on strengthening Jewish education through teacher training, identity-building programs, and innovative educational resources.

Vision for Future Partnerships

The community’s leadership is actively planning to deepen its global partnerships, particularly with institutions in Israel. This forward-looking strategy aims to build a “living, two-way bridge between Yerushalayim and Vienna” through programs like Birthright and Masa, further strengthening international cooperation for sustainable development.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article on the revival of the Jewish community in Vienna touches upon several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its focus on education, community building, inclusivity, and partnerships.

   • SDG 4: Quality Education: The article’s central theme is the establishment of a comprehensive Jewish educational system, from kindergartens to a university, aimed at providing quality education and instilling cultural identity.
   • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The efforts to combat antisemitism, fight assimilation, and provide a safe and supportive environment for a minority group, including refugees, directly address the goal of reducing inequalities based on religion and origin.
   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The creation of a “thriving, vibrant Jewish community” with accessible community spaces, safe housing, and cultural institutions contributes to making Vienna a more inclusive and sustainable city for all its residents.
   • SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: By building inclusive institutions and creating a safe space in a city with a “painful historical memory” of persecution, the community’s work promotes a culture of peace and non-discrimination, countering antisemitism.
   • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The success of the project is explicitly attributed to strong partnerships with philanthropic organizations and plans for future collaboration with state-level entities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Several specific targets can be linked to the activities described in the article:

   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
     • The establishment of the Lauder Business School (LBS), which offers “bachelor’s and master’s programs in business,” directly serves this target by providing quality tertiary education to Jewish students from around the world.
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including…promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity.
     • The educational system’s goal to “instill identity—Hebrew, love of Israel, and community” and successfully integrate students from diverse Jewish backgrounds (“chareidi, traditional, and secular”) promotes an appreciation for cultural diversity and a culture of peace within the community. Transforming a former Nazi institution into a Jewish campus is a powerful act aligned with this target.
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of…creed, origin, religion or other status.
     • The entire initiative is focused on the social and cultural inclusion of the Jewish community. It provides a framework where students and residents can be openly Jewish “without fear of their identity” and works to include immigrants and war refugees from the former Soviet Union, stating, “you’re Jewish, you belong.”
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible…public spaces.
     • The campus serves as a community hub that “hosts community events, conferences, and seminars.” Furthermore, the Chabad hotel is designed to provide a “comfortable, kosher, and safe stay” for Jewish tourists, making the city’s public and private spaces more accessible and inclusive for this group.
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
     • The community’s work is a direct response to “waves of antisemitism,” a form of identity-based hatred and a precursor to violence. By creating a secure campus and a strong community, they are working to reduce the threat of violence against Jews in Vienna.
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.
     • The article explicitly credits the “strong, stable backing from international philanthropic organizations” like the “Lauder Foundation” and the “Yael Foundation” for the project’s success. It also mentions future plans to “deepen ties with the State of Israel—through programs like Birthright, Masa, the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, and more,” showcasing a strategy built on civil society and state-level partnerships.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   Yes, the article provides several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:

   • Indicators for Quality Education (SDG 4):
     • Number of educational institutions established: “four kindergartens, a new Jewish high school, bachelor’s and master’s programs in business (LBS).”
     • Total student enrollment: “over 600 students” in the formal education system.
     • Increased demand for services: “Since October 7th, demand has skyrocketed.”
     • Diversity of the student body: The university attracts “Israelis, Russians, Americans, Colombians.”
   • Indicators for Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10):
     • Number of community members served: The Russian-speaking community includes “hundreds of families.”
     • Support for vulnerable populations: Provision of “physical assistance, emotional support, and a Jewish framework” for war refugees.
     • Qualitative measure of inclusion: The guiding motto, “No matter where you came from—you’re Jewish, you belong.”
   • Indicators for Inclusive Communities (SDG 11):
     • Availability of community infrastructure: A campus that “hosts community events, conferences, and seminars” and a hotel with a “shul, communal Shabbos meals.”
     • Housing needs: An identified need for “100–200 more beds” for student housing indicates growth and demand for community infrastructure.
     • Qualitative measure of safety and belonging: Phrases like “feel at home” and “without fear of their identity.”
   • Indicators for Partnerships (SDG 17):
     • Number and type of partners: Explicit mention of partnerships with the “Lauder Foundation” and the “Yael Foundation.”
     • Future partnership development: Stated plans to collaborate with “Birthright, Masa, the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs.”

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary

Source: anash.org