Winter 1999-00

VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Dedication of the New Campus of the Lauder Chabad School in Vienna, Austria - October 11, 1999
On October 11, 1999, the new Lauder Chabad School was officially opened with the affixing of a mezuzah to its entrance, and the placement of a Torah scroll in an ark located in the School auditorium. At the auspicious occasion, Ronald S. Lauder commented, "I consider today's dedication the fulfillment of a dream."

The Lauder Chabad School will accommodate up to 400 children. The curriculum, designed to develop proud, informed young Jews, focuses on the creative teaching of Hebrew, Talmud, and Jewish history in addition to high-level secular studies.

To further its positive impact, the School's facilities will also be available to non-Jewish neighborhood children, who can utilize the spacious library and participate in a variety of after-school programs.

Thanks to the generous support and cooperation of the City Government and the Municipality of Vienna led by its Mayor, Dr. Michael Häupl, the School sits on a site on the edge of the renowned Augarten Park made available to the Foundation specifically for construction of the new school facility.

Professor A. Krischanitz, the widely acclaimed European architect, has built a magnificent structure, a bold statement proudly proclaiming the revitalization of Jewish life in Austria.

Several of Austria's highest public representatives, along with diplomats and members of the Austrian Jewish Community, participated in the inauguration of The Lauder Chabad School, including Federal Chancellor Viktor Klima and Minister of Education, Elisabeth Gehrer. Chancellor Klima referred to The Lauder Chabad as "a symbol of Jewish identity in Vienna" and "a symbol of tolerance and integration."

Mayor Michael Häupl said that Lauder Chabad was highly essential to the achievement of "harmonious coexistence between Jews and non-Jews, Austrians and non-Austrians."

In his Laudatio to Lauder, Rabbi Jacob Biderman, the founder of The Lauder Chabad School, said that through Ronald S. Lauder's contributions in Central and Eastern Europe, he has become one of the unique individuals in the world who "demonstrates the strength to influence the flow of history."

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The President of Austria Presents Medal of Merit to Ronald S. Lauder

In the afternoon of October 11, 1999, in the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austrian Federal President Thomas Klestil presented Ronald S. Lauder with the Great Golden Medal of Distinction for Service to the Republic of Austria. Many distinguished guests attended the ceremony, including United States Ambassador to Austria, Kathryn W. Hall.

In his remarks on that auspicious occasion, Ronald S. Lauder noted, "I am deeply touched by this honor, as it makes it clear that you, Mr. President -- and all of Austria -- share in our pride for what the children of The Lauder Chabad School have accomplished."In turn, President Klestil praised Lauder for his efforts not only in Austria, but throughout Central and Eastern Europe and pledged that in the future, his country would be "vigilant against all forms of intolerance."

Mayor of Vienna Honors Ronald S. Lauder
On the evening of October 11, 1999, at a festive dinner in City Hall in Vienna, Mayor Michael Häupl honored Ronald S. Lauder, his guests, and members of the Viennese Jewish Community. The President of the Austrian Parliament, Heinz Fischer, also attended the dinner. Lauder thanked Mayor Häupl for his generosity and "concern for the Foundation's cause." In a special tribute to the Jewish children of Vienna, Lauder added, "I can assure you -- that you, the Austrian people, as well as Jewish people throughout the world, will be proud of the Jewish Community of Vienna."

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