New Austrian Gedenkdienst Interns at the Center for HGPS
I am 21 years old. I was born in the little town of Schwaz in the
Austrian Tyrol. This part of the country is best known for its Swarovski crystal. (In case you don’t know, the famous “Michael Jackson glove” is made of Swarovski crystals.)
I have just completed my associate degree at a junior college for engineering, where I majored in structural engineering and energy planning. This qualifies me to install heating, drinking water, and climate control systems in homes and office buildings. I am also a certified snowboard instructor (which seems to be a “must” for any Tyrolean). I enjoy paragliding and am an avid soccer player — a sport I’ve enjoyed ever since I was a little boy.
I wanted to work at the Center for Holocaust, Genocide & Peace Studies because I am interested in the history of the Hitler regime and the legacy of the Holocaust. Since 1999, I have wanted to do research and work at the grassroots level within the Gedenkdienst program. I am very happy to be in Reno, where I can continue the important work started by the two previous Gedenkdienst interns. Talking to middle and high school students about the Holocaust and peace makes me feel useful. I much prefer to work for 14 months under the auspices of the Center for Holocaust, Genocide & Peace Studies than serve 8 months in the Austrian military.
Of course, I am also looking forward to taking advantage of the beautiful facilities in the Reno/Tahoe area during my internship!

Martin Heim (Austrian Gedenkdienst Intern)

Martin & Michael visiting the Center for Jewish Culture in Krakow, Poland

My name is Michael Feuerstein and I am the fourth
Gedenkdienst intern to work in the Center for Holocaust, Genocide & Peace Studies.
I was born on February 15th, 1982, in Bregenz (Austria). I grew up and studied in Dornbirn. This year I completed my A-level exams with distinction in German, Math, English, History, Geography and Religion. Before starting my university studies in Political Science and East European affairs, I have come to Reno so that I can be a part of the Center’s mission to teach lessons of peace and non-violence in Nevada and elsewhere.
During this past year, I spent four weeks in Israel. I worked on a Kibbutz, gaining a better understanding of this lifestyle. I also visited Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, a very depressing visit. When rioting began during the last week of my visit, I caught a little of the atmosphere of hate that divides the two parts of the country. For me, this was another clear sign that I should exchange my military service for one of peace.
I have never wanted to serve in the army. The thought of using a weapon and learning how to kill another human being is horrible for me. I could have chosen Civil Service, but I didn’t think I would benefit from just another 12 months in Austria. I wanted to go into the world, to meet other cultures and people, and hear other opinions about the topics that interest me the most — politics and history. The Gedenkdienst was perfect for me — and I expect to work hard for remembrance and peace.

Michael Feuerstein (Austrian Gedenkdienst Intern)

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