Hungarian Anti-Semitism
 

As a Jew contemplating traveling to Hungary I have been quite dismayed after some easy research. It seems that anti-Semitism is on the rise in Hungry. So bad in fact that members of their Parliament have been outspoken about it during sessions. Also JDL opinion polls show significant increases amongst the general public.

My question to others is whether or not this is evident in everyday life? Though I am having a hard time turning this city down, I do not want to give my hard-earned money to people who hate me, or people like me.

Any help would be great!

Well the government is not the people. Hungary has managed to get itself in a silly financial position by borrowing in Euros but earning in Forints. Despite this the situation is not so bad just not as everyone would like.

I don't think that you will see anything against Jews. Is there racial tension in the country, yes but relatively minor but probably instituionalised.

Without sounding facetious, unless you go around with a large star of David sewn on your jacket, nobody will know about your ethnic/religious origin. To them you are just a Western tourist bring much needed foreign currency into the beleaguered economy. You are most unlikely to have any problems. While the standard of service etc isn't the best in the world, I find Hungarians friendly and open.

This really is a conundrum. I'd feel the same way, but I wouldn't let attitudes of people like that hold me back.

WorminRome:
If you're looking for a country anywhere in Europe that doesn't have some implied, tacit or real anti-Jewish (anti-Semitism does not quite fit the picture here) actions or words in it's portfolio of shame, either stay home or let me know when you find it.

Just go, and enjoy the Hungarian nation of today which has not yet come to grips with the fact that it's Jewish population of well over 60,000 is an active, vibrant and productive remnant community...despite being brutally reduced from it's one-time, pre-war population of over 800,000.

I have traveled in and around Hungary and Romania, quite overtly during the past 50 years and I have never witnessed anything remotely appearing as anti-Jewish. And this is a testimony from one whose writings have taken many European contries to task for their complicity as "hilfwiligers"
Hitler's willing helpers, in genocidal "aktions" throughout Europe,in the 30's and 40's.

Have a great trip...look for the beauty, not for the hate, though both will be there.
Go to the metal weeping willow memorial tree in the courtyard of the Great Dohany Street Synagogue, and defiantly shout out..."I am here, Magyars! My people are still here! We will always be here!"

Great comment, Tower!

Well said Stu.

It's not a matter of "looking" for hate." it's a matter of supporting a country that is, apparently openly anti-Semitic, which is the correct term by the way. But that is another discussion for another forum.

And yes there is shared sentiment throughout Europe, but it is usually not institutionalized or preached in government quarters.

I am also not worried about my safety, I just wanted to know if anyone has seen or heard anything anti-Semitic as it seems to be a growing concern. Thank you for the feedback.

I do no believe what is going on in Hungary should be so easily dismissed. Following is an article from today's Forward, an English language edition of what at one time the largest Yiddish newspaper in the US. The ariticle reports an action taken by members of the US Congress just two days ago.


"Fifty U.S. congressmen urged Hungarian leaders to 'use their authority to speak out against anti-Semitism.'

Their call came in an open letter dated June 22 addressed to Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban. The letter focused on “anti-Semitic and homophobic positions espoused by members of the Jobbik Party. Jobbik, a nationalist extreme-right movement, is the country’s third largest political party.

Among other issues of concern, the letter mentioned statements by Jobbik’s presidential candidate, Krisztina Morvai, who called Israelis “lice-infested, dirty murderers.”

Such positions “have no place in civilized discourse and must not be allowed to go unchallenged,” the letter read. The initiative was led by Joseph Crowley, a Democrat and representative for New York’s 7th District.


Among the cosignatories were Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Fincher Lee (R-Tenn.), Howard Berman (D-Calif.), Alcee L. Hastings (D-Fla.), Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Jim McDermott (D-Wash.).

The president of Hungary’s Jewish community said June 21 that Hungarian Jews “feel increasing danger” in a country with a government that condones anti-Semitism. Peter Feldmajer made the remark in a speech before members of the European Parliament committee on combating anti-Semitism.

Feldmajer said the government had a “two-faced feature” in its attitude to anti-Semitism. While officially condemning it, the government also condoned anti-Semitism, he said. He cited the inclusion of openly anti-Semitic writers in the national curriculum and commemorations of fascist Miklos Horthy, the Hungarian Quisling, in municipalities across the country."

The ultra-nationalist Jobbick party did not become the third largest party in Hungary because no one voted for them.

Having said that, my own attitude aligns with that of Stu.

Alec-- sorry but you have it backwards. WorminRome did not pose the question because he/she is concerned with personal discrimination or experience problems in Hungary. His moral question is whether he should engage in a personal boycott of the country based on what is an offensive happening there.

Tower- Thank you for the response. Though I disagree regarding semantics, I understand your points. I am just having trouble justifying looking the other way. Is the Jewish community within Hungary, but more importantly Budapest, active? Do they hide their religion or wear it openly?

If you look at the "fans" in the Ukraine and Poland during the EuroCup there was outward racism.

Once overt racism or anti-semitism is seen and accepted, all the bigots feel free to express their hatred.

worm:

Yes, Hungarian Jewry is exceptionally active compared to other countries in that region of Europe. In Budapest, The Dohany Synagogue is filled to capacity on holidays, and never a problem with minyan mornings and shabbat. The community is represented in parliament, all phases of law, medicine, science, education, etc. Why not support the community..donations are graciously accepted. No one is asking you to look the other way (that's your own perception).

Worm, I see by your profile that you are a happy visitor to France...and you're worried about leaving a few florints in Hungary? As for your "anti-semantics", go to Brittanica and look up anti-Semitism...and this is what you'll find.
..."anti-Semitism, hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious or racial group. The term anti-Semitism was coined in 1879 by the German agitator Wilhelm Marr to designate the anti-Jewish campaigns underway in central Europe at that time. Although this term now has wide currency, <u>it is a misnomer</u>, since it implies a discrimination against all Semites."

Hi W,

I suggest that if you are queasy about going to Hungary that you don't go.

Why spoil what is intended to be a pleasure trip?

You can support the Jewish community by sending a monetary contribution, by contacting your government and by supporting other institutions that combat anti-Semitism (Yes, Tower, I know I am being old fashioned.)

((I))

Remember when someone here asked about going to the state of North Carolina in light of the recent vote there as to same-sex marriage? The answer HERE was: go ahead because discrimination exists everywhere anyway.

Believe me, I know exactly how you feel.

Tower- it may be a misnomer, however its meaning and use is Generally accepted and understood. Your argument is akin saying that the historic racism found in America is not racism as we are technically all one race.

But thank you for putting me onto the sunogague. I am going to contact them and get there take on what I have been reading.

Sorry for my spelling errors, I am using my phone.

Tower- also, according to the JDL opinion poll, anti-Semitism is not as bad in France as one might think.

http://www.adl.org/Anti_semitism/adl...ruary_2012.pdf

Worm: In contacting the Great Dohany Street Synagogue of Budapest, write to the attention of or ask for Robert Turan. He's a longtime head docent at the synagogue's Jewish History Museum, and a respected Hungarian writer. I interviewed him several years ago, while doing research on Hungarian-Jewish relations c.19th and early 20th centuries. He may recall, so use my name if you wish.

Ira may have a point worth considering. If this is as upsetting as you indicate, just don't go. Although, as I've said, by using the same reasoning you may be severely restricting your travels.

For further information on Hungary's current posture, contact the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai Brith in NY or Washington, or better still contact the Museum of Tolerance Wiesenthal center in either NY or L.A. 212-697-1293 or 310-553-9036. There is also an 800 number for L.A. headquarters, 800-900-9036. Ask to speak to someone in Rabbi Marvin Hier's office, if not Hier himself (he's the Director and Founder).
Please keep this forum informed of the results.

Stuart Tower (L.A.)

I can be reached at sgtbranko at aol dot com and I would be pleased to hear from you.

Almost every European country has at one time or another exiled, persecuted, tortured, killed, or collaborated with some other country that has perpetrated the same on the Jews.

If that is your criteria for not visiting a country, I suggest you find another continent.

worm..by the way, it's ADL (Anti-defamation League), not JDL (Jewish Defense League, a far right wing organization, still active but greatly reduced in their PR power)