A startling claim has emerged from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán: he asserts that Budapest offers the safest haven for Jewish communities in all of Europe. This declaration arrives against a backdrop of escalating antisemitism across the continent, a trend documented by organizations tracking hate crimes and incidents.
Orbán’s statement, shared publicly, highlights a perceived difference in Budapest – a “zero tolerance” approach to antisemitism, a lack of hate crimes, and a controlled immigration policy. He paints a picture of a modern European capital where Jewish life can flourish without fear, a stark contrast to the anxieties growing elsewhere.
The claim received public support from Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli, who echoed the sentiment that Budapest is welcoming and safe for both Jewish communities and Israeli citizens. He specifically cited Hungary’s willingness to host a Zionist Youth Congress after another European city declined, showcasing a perceived commitment to supporting Jewish life.
This perceived safety net in Hungary is attributed to a combination of factors, including a firm stance against radical Islam and a government policy that uncompromisingly combats antisemitism. These policies, according to supporters, create an environment where Jewish citizens can live without constant threat.
However, this assertion unfolds as the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reports a deeply concerning surge in antisemitic incidents throughout Europe. The ADL’s analysis reveals a dramatic increase in harassment, vandalism, threats, and physical attacks, particularly following the October 7th attacks and the subsequent conflict in Gaza.
Countries like France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are experiencing a marked rise in these incidents, forcing Jewish communities to increase security measures and prompting many to conceal visible religious symbols in public for fear of reprisal. The ADL warns that antisemitism is becoming increasingly normalized in European discourse.
Hungary itself is home to a significant Jewish population, estimated between 80,000 and 100,000, largely concentrated in Budapest. While some Jewish leaders within Hungary acknowledge government investment in cultural preservation and strong diplomatic ties with Israel, others express concerns about nationalist rhetoric and historical interpretations.
The history of Hungarian Jewry is tragically marked by the horrors of the Holocaust. Before World War II, Hungary boasted one of Europe’s largest Jewish populations, numbering around 825,000. During the German occupation in 1944, a devastating deportation to Auschwitz resulted in the murder of approximately 430,000-440,000 Hungarian Jews in a matter of weeks.
Orbán’s government consistently refutes accusations of antisemitism, emphasizing its close relationship with Israel and its vocal opposition to antisemitic violence. Officials frequently draw a comparison between Budapest and Western European cities grappling with heightened security needs for Jewish institutions and violent protests.
The ADL’s findings reveal a disturbing trend: antisemitic narratives are now permeating the entire European political spectrum and spreading rapidly online. This creates a climate of fear, even in nations previously considered safe havens for Jewish life, underscoring the urgency of addressing this escalating crisis.
