The Israeli Embassy in Budapest has publicly commented on Hungary’s election campaign, expressing concern over the use of Nazi symbols in political contexts. In a Facebook post, the embassy underscored that such actions are particularly troubling when they involve politicians in key positions, and called on the Tisza Party to condemn any extremist gestures.
Tisza Party responds to old allegations
The controversy stems from photos of Tisza Party spokesperson Zsolt Tárkányi at football matches. Government-aligned media previously alleged that Tárkányi performed a Nazi-style salute and wore clothing associated with far-right subcultures, referencing a two-decade-old photograph. The Tisza Party acknowledged the photo depicted Tárkányi but denied any extremist intent, stating the gesture was not a Nazi salute and that he is “as far as possible from extremist ideologies.” They also highlighted that the image was over 20 years old (government-close media falsely stated it was 10 years old), from 2006, and unrelated to his current political activities.
Embassy criticism draws backlash
The Israeli Embassy’s intervention has started a wave of online reactions. Commenters questioned why the embassy is focusing on decades-old photos while ignoring what some call decades of antisemitic rhetoric in Hungary. Others criticised Israel’s perceived alignment with government propaganda, with some comments referencing wider geopolitical concerns (Gaza, Iran).
Critics describe the post as “unnecessary” and argue that it effectively sides with the Hungarian government’s narrative. Several people also took issue with the fact that the embassy had not previously commented on the similar hand gestures of pro-government politicians.
Historical context: Football gestures under scrutiny
The issue of football gestures and their political implications is not new in Hungary. According to 24.hu, in 2021, Ferencváros chairman Gábor Kubatov, also a Fidesz vice-president, had to publicly clarify proper fan gestures to avoid Nazi associations before a Europa League match.
What comes next?
In a response letter to Hetek, the Tisza Party has promised to release more recent photographs showing Tárkányi in professional settings, such as Debrecen’s battery factories and the problems surrounding them, which they say are more relevant to voters.
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Featured image: illustration, depositphotos.com
The problem the Israeli embassy SHOULD have commented on is the fact that, if elected, Tisza is going to make Hungary unsafe for Jews.
Magyar will sign up to the E.U.’s migration pact and import tens of thousands of Somalis, Afghans, Algerians, Syrians… – you name it. All young, fighting-age men. All vicious Jew-haters.
Jews will no longer be able to walk around freely wearing any identifiable symbols. Jewish graves will be desecrated. Jewish institutions will be firebombed. Jewish kids will get stabbed. The same scenario that happened all over Western–and quite a few parts of formerly Eastern–Europe will play out here.
Of course, the same will happen to non-Jews: Hungarian women, kids, elderly, and everyone else. They’ll be getting raped, robbed, run over, blown up…
But hey, at least a Tisza government won’t be “corrupt,” right! Except it will, in conjunction with the hopelessly corrupt Brussels, and they’ll both be covering for each other.
Same bullshit Steiner?
even parasites develop and you don’t? 🤣🤣🤣
@michaelsteiner – you are predicting a refugee wave. Please educate us – why would these people all of a sudden flee their homes with nothing but a Wizzair-size backpack?
Couldn’t possibly have anything to do with a “War!” instigated by our Politicians BFFs Mr. Trump and Netanyahu? “Peace!”
I think it is good that they brought up a 2 decade old photos rather than a historical figure from 3500 years ago!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣