The IKG (Israelitische Kultusgemeinde Wien) safeguards the well-being of Viennese Jews, supporting local members including the many Jewish Ukrainian refugees who now call Vienna home.
The Epicenter of our IKG community for nearly 200 years has been the beautiful Stadttemple, our City Temple, which has been the spiritual heart of Austrian Jewish life, offering a wide range of social, religious, and educational services.
The IKG publishes one of the most revered Jewish newspapers in the world, the bi-monthly newspaper Die Gemeinde, and provides critical support for Jewish victims of National Socialist persecution, aiding them with reparations and compensation. Additionally, over 500 students attend the Zwi Perez Chajes (ZPC) School, which educates youth from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Purposely situated next door to the school is the community Elder Care apartment building.
The IKG’s expertly run Archives department holds thousands of priceless records and files on Austrian Jewry, pre-1939. It is an invaluable resource to many seeking to learn about their family and heritage. Of course, the large community cemetery holds the key to many memories as well.
Today, the community of 8,000 is led by President Oskar Deutsch and Chief Rabbi Jaron Engelmayer, who uphold the traditions and ensure the continuity of Jewish life in Vienna.
The IKG, will be upgrading the façade, windows, staircases, plumbing, and flooring to the City Temple. In 2025, air conditioning will be added, along with enhanced security apparati and full accessibility for people with disabilities. SAFIKG aims to raise $3 million for this Project. Please help us reach our goal and preserve the future of this iconic treasure.
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, circumcisions, weddings, and funerals, all steeped in rich Jewish tradition, are celebrated in this sacred space. The IKG ensures that each ceremony is personal, meaningful, and heartfelt, carefully tailored to honor religious customs while creating cherished memories for participants and their families that will last a lifetime.
Our prayer services offer a welcoming space for members to connect with their Judaism through daily prayers, Shabbat gatherings, and holiday celebrations. These spiritual events foster a strong sense of community and tradition, allowing people to come together and celebrate their shared beliefs throughout the year.
The IKG offers school scholarships for needy children, support for socially disadvantaged members of the community, cultural events, security, youth organizations, school starter packs for needy families, food vouchers for socially disadvantaged people, covering rental and energy costs for socially disadvantaged people.
With anti-Semitism on the rise, SAFIKG urgently needs funds to protect the Jewish community in Vienna. Your support is crucial to strengthening security and ensuring the safety of Vienna’s Jews. Please donate to help safeguard our future.
You can donate online at the link here, or by wire through the information below.
Name of Business: Society of American Friends of the Jewish Community Vienna (must use exact full name)
Account Number: 15456129
Routing Number: 254070116
SWIFT code: CITIUS33 (if one needs to enter 11 digits, just add XXX at the end)
Business address: 2101 L Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20037
Citibank Branch address: 2101 L Street, Suite 300 NW, Washington, DC 20037
Your donation will be used to carry out the urgently needed restoration of the listed windows and stairs, the renovation of the community center, the restoration of the bima, the renewal of the sanitary facilities as well as the heating and air conditioning, the replacement of the old prayer benches and much more. Please help us to preserve the Vienna City Temple!
Yes, you can sign up for a tour at https://www.jewishinfopoint.at/ Our tour grants you an exclusive look inside the synagogue and a unique perspective on its vibrant history. With our expert tour guides, who are active members of Vienna‘s Jewish community, you will have an unforgettable experience.
With the rise of antisemitism around the world we are increasing and improving on a daily basis. With the newly raised funds security will be upgraded to the highest standards.
The municipal archive of the Israelite Religious Community (IKG) in Vienna is over 200 years old, making it the oldest surviving archive of a Jewish community. For written inquiries, please send the completed user form as a scan by email to the Head of Archives Susanne Uslu-Pauer archiv@ikg-wien.at.
Whether you're interested in joining us for Shabbat, exploring our archives, learning more about Jewish life in Vienna, or making a donation, we’re here to help! Contact us today using the form or the details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you in any way we can.
Join us on our mission to support and strengthen the Jewish community in Vienna. Together, we can preserve this vital heritage and create lasting change.
For any questions regarding donations or to learn more about the restoration of the Stadttemple, please contact Robert Katz, Executive Director of SAFIKG, by emailing robert.vienna@safikg.org
With deep appreciation, we thank our leadership, whose dedication and vision sustain the strength and heritage of Vienna’s Jewish community. Your commitment to preserving our past and enriching our future inspires us daily.
Oskar Deutsch
Robin Deutsch
Isabella Martens
Renee Kamm Goff
Samuel Konig
Lawrence Cinamon
David Eiselt
Karen Schneier Dresbach
