On May 18, Klosterneuburg welcomed refugees from Ukraine. Information and networking opportunities were offered at the Babenberg Hall. Mayor Mag. Stefan Schmuckenschlager, District Administrator Mag. Andreas Riemer, and Klosterneuburg Helps Chairman Jakob Ernst were delighted by the great response and hundreds of visitors.
The reception was organized by the municipality of Klosterneuburg in cooperation with the district administration of Tulln, the association Klosterneuburg hilft, the Chamber of Commerce, the AMS NÖ, the local mayors, the Volkshochschule Klosterneuburg, and the medical profession.
The event was very well received. Many Ukrainian families gathered at the Babenbergerhalle. Students from the Klosterneuburg Music School provided the cultural program. The event began with a ceremony featuring heartfelt words from Mayor Mag. Stefan Schmuckenschlager, District Administrator Mag. Andreas Riemer, and "Klosterneuburg hilft" Chairman Jakob Ernst. Afterward, there was time and space for exchange, getting to know each other, and obtaining information regarding registration, basic care, insurance, medical topics, language courses, and job opportunities.
Mayor Mag. Stefan Schmuckenschlager: „The fundamental signal of standing by the side of those people who desperately need any help in this terrible situation is enormously important to me. The reception, initiated by the association ‘Klosterneuburg Helps,“ clearly shows the great willingness to help in our city. Everything in our power must be done to offer people at least a feeling of home, a safe place. The city has a duty, as far as possible, to create the conditions to give the displaced people a perspective for the duration of their stay. Because no one can predict how long this war will last.“
Jakob Ernst, spokesperson for „Klosterneuburg Helps“: „The welcome reception was the preliminary highlight of our work. For three months now, our association has been working at full speed to help displaced people from Ukraine who have arrived in Klosterneuburg. The welcome festival also marks the transition from emergency and disaster relief to integration assistance. On the one hand, it served to network Ukrainians with each other, and on the other hand, it helped them to obtain comprehensive information about life in Austria. The feedback from the Ukrainians about the festival was consistently positive. Thanks to the city, and especially to Mag. Franz Brenner, Head of the Cultural Department, for the active support.“
Photo „Willkommen1“ (c) Julian Leithner: From left: Municipal Councilor Mag. Susanne Eistert, Mayor Mag. Stefan Schmuckenschlager, Municipal Councilor Mag. Elisabeth Beer and Chairman Jakob Ernst of the association „Klosterneuburg hilft“, District Administrator Ingrid Pollauf, District Administrator Mag. Andreas Riemer, Vice Mayor Mag. Roland Honeder, Municipal Councilor Christian Schwarz, City Councilor Mag. Clemens Ableidinger
Text & Photo taken from the Municipality of Klosterneuburg.
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