The anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution was commemorated with a formal reception at Hungarian Embassy in Tel-Aviv.
In addition to the leaders of the Hungarian Israelite community and representatives of the diplomatic corps, Minister of Justice László Trócsányi, who is on an official visit to Israel, Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Silvan Shalom and Hungarian Ambassador to Tel-Aviv Andor Nagy were also present and made speeches at the commemoration.
In his opening speech, Andor Nagy spoke about the extreme security situation characteristic of Israel in view of the wave of violence in recent days and weeks and mentioned the fact that he himself witnessed a stabbing in Jerusalem a few days ago. He condemned acts of violence against innocent civilians and declared that it is Israel’s fundamental right to maintain law and order.
In his speech, Minister of Justice László Trócsányi stressed that 23 October symbolises the pursuit of peace and freedom, which is common to both peoples. He also highlighted the close links between the two peoples, such as the centuries-old presence of Jews in Hungary and the successes achieved in economic and cultural life.
He drew attention to the importance of hope in times of tragedy and pointed out in historical overview that it had not been possible to commemorate the Holocaust for decades under the socialist regime.
Mr. Trócsányi also spoke about Jews who had fought for freedom and democracy during the Hungarian Revolution, especially including Auschwitz survivor and legendary revolutionary fighter István Angyal, who was executed following the quelling of the 1956 Revolution.
The Minister of Justice welcomed the Hungarian Jewish Renaissance and the renewed Hungarian-Israeli diplomatic and economic relations that developed following the 1989 regime change.
Silvan Shalom spoke about Israel’s current political and security difficulties, after which he expressed his pleasure with regard to the fact that Hungary also regards Hungarian Israelis as members of the Hungarian people and stressed the high level of diplomatic and scientific relations between the two countries.
Also present at the event were Israel’s delegated Ambassador to Hungary Ilan Mor, representatives from the City of Debrecen and its twin city, RIshon LeZion, and prominent members of the local Hungarian community including former Science and Technology Minister and President of the Bar-Ilan University Daniel Hershkowitz.