Conflicts and Ambivalences of Jewish Identity in Postwar Austria

Bruno Kreisky (1911-1990) became chairman of the Socialist Party (SPO) in 1967 and served as chancellor of the Republic of Austria from 1970 to 1983. In light of Austria's antisemitic tradition, it seems remarkable that Kreisky-as a Jew and an emigrant could attain such a high-ranking political position. Actually, he was exposed to much antisemitic hostility; at the same time, though, he was ranked as one of the most successful and admired Austrian politicians. It is quite evident that the "good Jew" Kreisky was instrumentalized by many Austrians including former Nazis for the purpose of exoneration. The indulgence he displayed towards former Nazis and his enraged attacks on "Nazi hunter" Simon Wiesenthal that used antisemitic arguments received broad approval from the Austrian public. In sum, he acted not only in accordance with the policies of his own Socialist Party but also with mainstream politics of memory in Austria. The paper will elaborate on the ambivalent role Chancellor Kreisky played in the Austrian debates on the Nazi past. Thus, it focuses on his personal and political experience between 1934 and 1945, his interpretations of Antisemitism and National Socialism, the Austrian public's perception of Kreisky and, last but not least, the complexity of his Jewish identity.