EJC President Dr Moshe Kantor and Executive Vice-President Raya Kalenova were invited to Budapest to participate in an important week for the Federation of Jewish Communities in Hungary (MAZSIHISZ), which is celebrating the renowned Budapest Jewish Cultural Festival. Their visit to Hungary coincided with the trip of Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who met with his Hungarian counterpart, highlighting the strong cooperation and enduring bonds between Hungary and the State of Israel, particularly during these challenging times.
During their visit, the EJC leadership held a meeting with the Executive Board of MAZSIHISZ, where members of the Hungarian Jewish community shared their challenges and priorities. Following this, EJC President Dr Moshe Kantor and Executive Vice-President Raya Kalenova met with senior political leaders to convey the community’s concerns and discuss the key issues identified during the MAZSIHISZ session.
Dr Kantor and Ms Kalenova subsequently met with the Hungarian Minister for European Affairs and Envoy for Combating Antisemitism, János Bóka. The discussions focused on concrete strategies to enhance European coordination in the fight against antisemitism and on strengthening mechanisms for the protection of Jewish communities, amid growing concerns over radicalisation and extremism, particularly among young people, both online and offline.
The highlight of the visit was a high-level meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, attended by Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office Gergely Gulyás and Minister for European Affairs János Bóka. During the meeting, EJC President Dr Moshe Kantor and MAZSIHISZ President Dr Andor Grósz expressed their gratitude for Hungary’s long-standing support for the Jewish community and appreciation for its ongoing efforts to combat antisemitism and strengthen Jewish life in the country, including the government’s support for the recent reconstruction of the Jewish Charity Hospital and the planned rebuilding of the Budapest University of Jewish Studies, both renowned institutions providing high-quality services and playing an important role in the life of the country.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on matters of shared concern and underscored Hungary’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding Jewish life, ensuring community security, supporting the State of Israel, and defending Jewish communities amid growing challenges and hostility.
