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[af_vet_1981]

Austrian Envoy Reaches Out to U.S. Jews
Special to the Diplomatic Pouch by Larry Luxner
Who would have imagined, 70 years ago, that a high-ranking diplomat from Austria — birthplace of Adolf Hitler — would someday invite leading Jewish officials to the Austrian Embassy in Washington to light a menorah and recite blessings in Hebrew?

Some might see irony in such a ceremony, but Hans Peter Manz — who’s been Austria’s ambassador to the United States for only a few weeks — says Monday night’s Hanukkah celebration is part of his government’s efforts to reach out to Jews both here and at home.

“I’ve already decided to make this an annual tradition,” Manz told about 75 guests at the ceremony, which was co-sponsored by the American Jewish Committee (AJC). “My relationship with the Jewish community is not new; this has been a large part of my job for many years.”