The Hungarian Prime Minister’s Envoy responsible for combating antisemitism and Minister for European Union Affairs János Bóka has unveiled a new action plan aimed at addressing the rise of antisemitism across the European Union.
The plan builds on Hungary’s National Strategy against Antisemitism and reinforces the government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy, as well as the promotion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.
The plan identifies key areas of intervention and launches short-term pilot projects which, if successful, could form the basis for broader, long-term policy measures.
The plan emphasises that antisemitism can be most effectively addressed by supporting Jewish life and strengthening personal and community ties. A central initiative is the establishment of the Brüll Alfréd House – Hungarian Jewish Heritage Park, which will serve as a Holocaust memorial site and a venue for temporary exhibitions and programs highlighting the diversity of Hungary’s Jewish community. It will also function as a community and family gathering space, hosting cultural and civil events, sports activities, and providing modern services for Jewish organisations.
The action plan further focuses on improving support for victims of antisemitic incidents and implementing preventive measures, both online and offline. Local systems will help individuals, particularly young people, identify and respond to antisemitic and hate-inciting content while providing practical knowledge and reinforcing the message that victims are not alone. The plan noted that addressing antisemitism online, including expressions hidden behind claims of free speech, requires international coordination and long-term planning.
Education and community engagement are central to the plan, with projects that encourage students to explore the history of local Jewish communities, linking historical experiences to contemporary society. Participants will gain practical skills such as research, data visualisation, and presentation, while building personal connections that foster social cohesion. Although Hungary has not yet experienced the resurgence of antisemitism observed in some Western universities, preventive measures are being introduced to address emerging anti-Zionist sentiment and conspiracy theories. The preservation of Jewish heritage sites is also a priority, reflecting the government’s commitment to social responsibility.
Ensuring the safety of Jewish communities and their institutions remains a key concern, particularly following the events of 7 October 2023. While Hungary is considered safe by international standards, the government emphasises continuous vigilance and cooperation with European partners. Plans include a large-scale international security conference to share best practices and define general security standards. Sporting events are also intended to strengthen community ties, promote mutual respect, and reduce prejudice and discrimination, reflecting the role of sport as a tool for social cohesion.
At the European Union level, the plan calls for more active and effective measures to combat antisemitism. It proposes updating the current EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism (2021–2030) to better reflect recent political realities. The plan also recommends increasing EU funding specifically earmarked for antisemitism prevention and introducing stronger transparency safeguards to ensure that resources are used in full alignment with EU values and objectives.
Through these initiatives, the Hungarian Prime Minister’s Envoy aims to provide practical solutions, strengthen Jewish life, foster understanding between communities, and contribute to a coordinated European effort against antisemitism.
