Hungarian Jewish groups extended their congratulations and appealed for cooperation with Tisza party president Peter Magyar following his Sunday electoral victory, including those that had prospered under outgoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s reign.
The Association of Torah-Observant Communities (EMIH) and the Federation of Jewish Communities in Hungary (MAZSIHISZ) both issued statements after Magyar was charted to win a parliamentary majority and end Orban’s 16-year leadership tenure.
EMIH, which is affiliated with Chabad, praised Orban for his public service in a Sunday statement, explaining that he had brought about significant changes for the Jewish community.
“During this period, the sense of security among the Jewish community strengthened, and Hungary became one of the safest countries for Jews in the Western world. It is important to note that the Hungarian right – once carrying a political legacy from the pre-World War II era that was deeply tainted by political antisemitism – underwent a substantial transformation under Orban’s leadership toward dialogue and friendship with Israel and the Jewish people,” said EMIH. “This change did not occur on its own, but was the result of deliberate leadership and ongoing cooperation with Jewish community leaders.”
The Chabad-affiliated community group said that Orban had implemented a policy of zero tolerance for antisemitism, banned pro-Hamas demonstrations, and amended educational materials to address the Holocaust and Jewish-Christian relations.
Jewish orgs congratulate Magyar
Magyar was urged to continue the “special friendship” between Hungary and Israel and to cooperate with the Jewish community.
EMIH Chief Rabbi Slomo Köves sent a letter of congratulations to Magyar, saying that the “celebration of Hungarian democracy strengthens, time and again, our shared belief that shaping the destiny of a nation is a noble and responsible mission.”
“We also see great value in Hungary maintaining friendly relations with the only Jewish state in the world, Israel, and in this issue not being subject to internal political disputes,” said Köves.
“We sincerely congratulate you, Mr. President, and the TISZA Party, and believe that in the coming years, through joint efforts, it will be possible to preserve this security and contribute to the strengthening of Hungary’s prosperity and development in all areas.”
Mazsihisz President Dr. Andor Grosz offered Magyar congratulations in a Monday statement on behalf of much of the largest Jewish organization in the country.
Grosz said that the community considered it important to cultivate a partnership based on mutual respect and values with the Hungarian government.
“As the largest Jewish denomination in Hungary, following the teachings of our ancestors, we consider not only the strengthening of our community and the living of our Jewish identity, but also the prosperity of our country, Hungary, as our main task,” said Grosz. “In this spirit, we look at the dialogue with the new government, and we trust that our cooperation based on mutual respect and values will be fruitful for all of us.”
Israeli leaders offered their congratulations to Magyar, ahead of a phone call between the two on Wednesday. According to the Israeli Government Press Office, Magyar said that he intended to maintain a close relationship between the two countries and invited Netanyahu to the Hungarian Uprising 70th anniversary ceremony.
Netanyahu reportedly accepted the offer and reciprocated with an invitation to the prime minister-elect to a meeting in Jerusalem. GPO said that Netanyahu was confident that the warm relations established by Orban would continue into Magyar’s term.
Magyar said on Sunday that he would aim for a “pragmatic relationship” with Israel, but would not provide a blanket block of the European Union’s decisions regarding Israel, instead approaching “each case and decision” individually.
“Hungary is home to a strong Jewish community – one of the largest in Europe – fortunately living in peace and security,” Magyar said. “Many Hungarian nationals live in Israel, and many Israeli citizens come here.”
Reuters and Tzvi Jasper contributed to this report.