Austria

Austrian who planned attack on Taylor Swift concert gets 15 years in prison

Beran A, whose last name has not been made public in accordance with Austrian privacy rules, was arrested on August 7, 2024, the day before the first of three planned concerts by the US pop star.

AUSTRIAN DEFENDENT Beran A, who pleaded guilty to planning an attack on US singer Taylor Swift's Vienna concert in 2024, is escorted by security personnel in a courtroom during the last day of his trial in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, May 28, 2026.
Taylor Swift performs onstage during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at Caesars Superdome on October 25, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Verdict expected as trial over foiled Taylor Swift concert terror attack in Vienna begins final day

Eurovision 2026 logo

Eurovision’s grand final proceeds amid protests over Israel’s participation

Pro-Palestinian groups protest in Vienna's city center against Israel's participation in the 70th Eurovision Song Contest.

Amid Eurovision tensions, Israelis find allies in Austria’s youth Green party


My Word: The sounds that drown out the music - opinion

Noam Bettan’s song “Michelle,” with lyrics mostly in French and Hebrew, is about a toxic love relationship. It might be symbolic.

NOAM BETTAN and the Israeli delegation celebrate after qualifying for the Grand final during the first semi-final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna, on Tuesday. (

Whatever happens at the Eurovision final, Israelis feel that Noam Bettan has already won

Bettan has spent the time between the first semifinal and the final enjoying Vienna with his backup dancers and rehearsing for his Saturday night performance.

Noam Bettan with dancers

Vienna offers not only history and culture, but invites us to find meaning amid layers of the past

Vienna's beauty is undeniable, but its true character lies in the layers of history embedded within its institutions, museums, and neighborhoods.

A FATHER educates his son on past crimes in front of Igo Pötsch’s March 1938 painting ‘Fahrt des Führers zur Proklamation’ in the Wien Museum.

'Death to the IDF': Israeli cafe in Vienna vandalized ahead of Eurovision semifinals

On one of the bathroom walls, the phrases "Free Palestine," "Death to the IDF," and "Boycott Israel" were written.

ANTI-ISRAEL graffiti on the Israeli cafe in Vienna.

Anti-Iranian regime activists hold global protests denouncing months-long internet outage

Activists also held banners praising Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, including calling him "King of Iran," according to footage taken at the scenes.

Supporters of the son of Iran's last shah, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, with Iranian pre-Islamic revolution of 1979 flags, during a protest rally in Vienna, with an Israel flag flying in the background, May 10, 2026.

Israel's Noam Bettan dazzles in second Eurovision rehearsal as FBI helps with security

At the same time, Austrian police said they were preparing for a week of heightened security both before and during the event.  

Noam Bettan poses for a picture in Neve Ilan, near Jerusalem, January 21, 2026

Noam Bettan rehearses Eurovision song, 'Michelle,' in Vienna, meets Boy George

Noam Bettan rehersed his song "Michelle," to be performed at the Eurovision semifinals, and showed off the new costumes for himself and the backup dancers.

Noam Bettan and dancers are seen rehearsing "Michelle" in Austria.

Israel’s Eurovision delegation arrives in Vienna in high spirits, despite security threats

The 70th Eurovision Song Contest will begin with the first semifinal on May 12, in which Israel will participate; the final will be on May 16.

Israel’s Eurovision delegation arrives in Vienna in high spirits on April 30, 2026.

Austrian pleads guilty to foiled Islamic State-inspired attack on Taylor Swift's Vienna concert

The defendant, an Austrian identified as Beran A, was arrested on August 7, 2024, the day before the first of three planned concerts by the US pop star in Vienna.

The defendant, an Austrian identified as Beran A, one of the men suspected of planning an attack on Taylor Swift's Vienna concert in 2024, is escorted by security personnel during a break in a courtroom for his trial in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, April 28, 2026.

Son of Holocaust survivors, granddaughter of a Nazi confront their separate inheritances

“Inheritance: Love, Loss and the Legacy of the Holocaust,” written by a Holocaust survivor and the granddaughter of a Nazi, is based on family letters, archival research, and visits to Europe.

Charlie Scheidt and Kat Rohrer are the co-authors of “Inheritance: Love, Loss and the Legacy of the Holocaust.”