Two opposing demonstrations took place simultaneously in central Budapest on Friday afternoon, with a pro-Palestinian solidarity rally held near the Central Market Hall and a pro-Israel demonstration organised outside the Dohány Street Synagogue.
Both events began at 2 PM, reflecting the sharply divided views surrounding the war in Gaza and the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Pro-Palestinian protesters call for freedom and peace
The pro-Palestinian demonstration took place on Vámház Boulevard and was organised by the Community of Palestinians Living in Hungary.
According to Euronews, participants expressed solidarity with Palestinians detained by Israel, particularly Dr Husam Abu Safiya, a paediatrician and obstetrician who, according to organisers, has been held without charge or trial since 2024.
Demonstrators called for freedom for Palestine and a genuine peace in the Middle East. A small number of counter-protesters carrying Israeli flags were also present.
One participant accused Israel of presenting itself as a victim while Palestinians were being detained and called for the country’s international isolation. Another questioned why Hungary continued to maintain relations with Israel.
Pro-Israel rally held near Budapest synagogue
At the same time, a separate demonstration was held outside the Dohány Street Synagogue, where participants said they were standing up for the rights and security of Hungary’s Jewish community and expressing solidarity with Israel.
One participant said the demonstration was intended to make clear that Hungary should not allow rallies supporting Hamas. The participant argued that the pro-Palestinian demonstration was not simply about supporting Palestinian civilians, but also amounted to support for a person described as a terrorist.
The two demonstrations took place within the same central Budapest area, with opposing groups expressing sharply different interpretations of the conflict and the status of Palestinian detainees.
Israel rejects portrayal of Abu Safiya as a political prisoner
Israel’s ambassador to Hungary, Maya Kadosh, addressed the issue in a video message earlier this week. She said the organisers of the pro-Palestinian demonstration “support terrorism” and argued that the Hungarian public has a right to know the facts before Abu Safiya is portrayed as an iconic hero.
According to Kadosh and Israeli government-linked sources, Abu Safiya is a Hamas colonel who was detained by Israel based on intelligence information and is being held lawfully.
The status and treatment of Abu Safiya have been strongly disputed, making his case a focal point of the competing demonstrations in Budapest. The protests also mark a change from the policy of Hungary’s previous government, under which pro-Palestinian or pro-Hamas demonstrations were not permitted in Hungary.
If you missed it: Pro-Palestinian rally for Abu Safiya in Budapest draws Israeli and Jewish protest
