The second Anas Schakfeh Awards ceremony recently took place in Vienna City Hall. This prestigious event honored individuals for their remarkable work. They contribute significantly to human rights, democracy, and peaceful coexistence. A distinguished assembly of leaders attended the evening. These guests represented politics, diplomacy, religion, and civil society. This gathering underscored a powerful message for social cohesion. It also emphasized building bridges within society.
The Anas Schakfeh Charitable Private Foundation (GPAS) presented the awards. Four individuals were recognized in the grand ballroom. Their dedication supports human rights, democracy, and interfaith dialogue. Moreover, they champion social participation across various fields. The biennial awards acknowledge truly outstanding contributions.
Former Vienna Mayor Michael Häupl received recognition. His decades-long commitment to the city’s Muslim community was celebrated. Omar Al-Rawi, an SPÖ State Parliament member, delivered the laudatory speech. He highlighted the 2008 establishment of the Islamic cemetery. He also noted City Hall’s opening to interfaith dialogue. Häupl, in his acceptance speech, affirmed Vienna’s inclusive nature. He stated, “Vienna has always been a city of bridges, not walls.” He added that Islam is integral to the city’s identity, like St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Furthermore, he emphasized that every resident is Viennese, regardless of their faith.
Dr. Maria Katharina Moser, Director of Diakonie Austria, also received an award. She was honored for advancing women’s rights and societal participation. FALTER’s chief reporter, Nina Horaczek, praised her work. Moser announced her intention to donate her prize money. The funds will support a Diakonie Refugee Service project. This initiative aids women affected by migration and poverty. Moser called for critical self-reflection within religious communities. She argued, “Anyone who wants to talk about women’s rights must not remain silent on poverty, social disadvantage, racism, and discrimination against religious minorities.”
MMag. Maria Mayrhofer, co-executive director of #aufstehn, secured an award. Her efforts in human rights, democracy, and the rule of law were recognized. Anne Wiederhold, co-founder of Brunnenpassage Wien, delivered her commendation. Wiederhold stressed the broader meaning of democracy. She stated, “Democracy is more than just elections.” She added that daily actions shape the future. She concluded, “We are all democracy.”
A special posthumous Lifetime Achievement Prize moved many attendees. It honored Prof. Heinz Nußbaumer (1943–2025). He was a distinguished journalist and publicist. He also co-initiated the “Platform for Christians and Muslims.” Theologian Paul Michael Zulehner lauded Nußbaumer’s interfaith dialogue contributions. Carla Amina Baghajati of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ) accepted the honor. The prize money for this Special Award benefits the Alpbach Vienna Initiative Group.
The Anas Schakfeh Awards carry the name of a notable figure. Anas Schakfeh, born in 1943 in Hama, Syria, led the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGiÖ) from 1999 to 2011. He arrived in Austria in 1964 and gained citizenship in 1980. Schakfeh played a crucial role in integrating Islam into Austrian legal and social frameworks. He spearheaded significant declarations at European imam conferences. These affirmed secular law, gender equality, and dialogue. During the ceremony, the 83-year-old Schakfeh advocated for an open society. He stressed that diversity enriches society, rather than threatens it. Therefore, embracing tolerance remains essential.
