Foreign minister: Hungary committed to protecting Judeo-Christian heritage of Europe

Hungary is committed to protecting the Judeo-Christian heritage of Europe and proud of the Jewish community living in the country, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said on Thursday.

One of the largest Catholic churches in Hungary stands quite close to the Dohány street Great Synagogue in Budapest which well illustrates the peaceful coexistence of Jews and Christians in Hungary, Szijjártó said at the Israeli embassy in Washington DC, before an event commemorating Theodore Herzl, a 19th-century Austro-Hungarian writer also known as the father of the State of Israel.

Many in western Europe currently talk about a post-Christian and post-national period, yet if Europe forgets about its Judeo-Christian heritage and the fact that it is made up of nation states, it could lose much, Szijjártó said.

Hungary is proud of the Jewish community which has greatly contributed to the development of the country and the government has announced zero tolerance against anti-Semitism, he added.

Hungary supports the well-balanced and fair assessment of Israel in international forums and the two countries have many ties, with both of them considering the security of their citizens a priority, Szijjártó said.

He noted that Herzl was born in Budapest and said that Israel is a strong country with a strong nation.

Ron Dermer, the Israeli ambassador in Washington, DC, said Hungarian-Israeli relations are extremely good and the two countries have been developing strong cooperation in an increasing number of areas. Both countries consider innovation important, he added.

Israel greatly appreciates its friendship with Hungary and the support received in international organisations, as well as the Hungarian prime minister’s zero-tolerance policy against anti-Semitism.

It is no accident that the second largest Jewish community in Europe lives in Hungary, Dermer said.

Featured image: MTI

Source: MTI