During a solemn ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the deportation of Hungarian Jews by Nazi Germany, European Union Affairs Minister János Bóka emphasised Hungary’s commitment to combating antisemitism and fostering collaboration among EU member states, institutions, and Jewish communities.
The event took place at the Holocaust Memorial Centre in Budapest, reflecting on the historical significance of this tragic chapter in European history.
Bóka, addressing a gathering that included representatives from various Jewish organisations, affirmed Hungary’s dedication to prioritising the protection of Jewish heritage during its tenure as holder of the Council of the EU’s rotating presidency. He stated, “We are fighting antisemitism and defending Jewish communities. And we do it for Europe.” He warned that if Europe were to forsake its Jewish heritage, it would cease to be the Europe we recognise today, becoming something entirely different.
In light of the growing antisemitism and intolerance across the continent, Bóka underscored the critical need for cross-border and cross-community cooperation to combat all forms of hatred. His remarks resonated with the urgency of fostering solidarity in these challenging times.
President of the Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities Dr Andor Grósz also spoke at the event, reinforcing the importance of remembering history to prevent the recurrence of such atrocities. He highlighted the Holocaust Memorial Centre as a powerful testament to the consequences of discrimination and hatred, stating, “We learned the lesson at the cost of 6 million lives. We need a lot of effort to vanquish antisemitism.”
The ceremony served not only as a remembrance of the past but also as a call to action for the future, urging ongoing vigilance and cooperation in the fight against antisemitism and the protection of Jewish communities in Europe.
