On 7 October 2024, a year after the brutal massacre of Hamas, many gathered to remember the victims and to pray for the quick release of the hostages in the Dohány Street Synagogue in Budapest at an event organized by Israel in Hungary, the Hebrew and Israeli Cultural Center and MAZSIHISZ, the Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities. Israeli Ambassador to Hungary Yacov Hadas-Handelsman, Minister of Justice Bence Tuzson, and President of Mazsihisz Prof Dr Andor Grósz made remarks at the event.

The commemoration began with the singing of the Hungarian and Israeli national anthems performed by the Hamsa band, after which the civilian and military victims and hostages of the 7 October atrocities were remembered by lighting candles and observing a minute of silence.

Prof Dr Andor Grósz, President of the Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities, was the first to speak. ‘The lives of our brothers were extinguished by senseless violence before they could fulfil their dreams, develop their talents, raise their children or see their grandchildren grow up,’ he said, stating:

‘Instead of looking for explanations as to why this terrible thing happened, I suggest that we respond to death with life and fulfil everything that was not given to them, to those who died on 7 October. The murderers robbed them of their dreams, their hopes and their future; we have only one answer: let’s stand up together for them!’

The Mazsihisz President highlighted that the Jewish communities in Hungary can live safely and that the government of Hungary plays an essential role in ensuring this by using all of its power to maintain the security of its Jewish citizens.

Following the speech of the President, Hungarian Justice Minister Bence Tuzson declared: ‘We can never forget 7 October 2023! A year ago, terrorists in Israel killed 1,300 people with unimaginable brutality, destroyed homes and kidnapped hundreds, many of whom are still in captivity. Today, Hungary is a safe place where antisemitic demonstrations cannot be held, and we protect Jewish people and communities. The government has declared zero tolerance for antisemitism and terrorism, and in the past year, it has been the only one in Europe to support Israel on all issues.’

He added that in Hungary the government considers the protection of Jews to be of utmost importance. The politician called Jewish people a sensitive community, and he stated that every state has a duty to protect these sensitive communities.

‘Today, Hungary is a safe place where antisemitic demonstrations cannot be held’

In his speech Yacov Hadas-Handelsman, Ambassador of the State of Israel to Hungary, emphasized the heroic role of the Israeli soldiers during the last year, saying:

‘Now we not only mourn the victims of 7 October, but we also remember the civilians and soldiers who lost their lives in the fight against the terrorist organizations Hamas and Hezbollah; we can never forget them, and their memory gives strength to the ongoing struggle. And the fight must be continued since, to this day, there are 101 hostages held by the terrorists in inhumane conditions.’

‘The people who died are not just numbers or statistics, but fathers, mothers, babies, children, friends, neighbours,’ he reminded. The ambassador emphasized that the explosion of extreme antisemitism and the abuse of Israel that is currently being experienced in the world contradicts decent morals. ‘We must recognize the true face of the enemy,’ the Ambassador declared.

At the event the video message of one of the survivors of the 7 October attack, Almog Holot, was also an emotional part. She spent 12 hours in the shelter that day in Kibbutz Nirim. As she said, many people want to return to the kibbutz, but she does not because she no longer feels safe there. Almog Holot mentioned that she, as a leftist, thinks that the current fight is not between the Arabs and the Israelis but between the darkness and the light, and in her video message, she asked everyone to stand by the good and Israel in this fight. At the same time, she criticized international women’s organizations that do not make their voices heard on behalf of Israel and the victims, even though the recordings of the terrorists are evidence of the brutalities committed against women.

During the day several other commemorations were held in Budapest to remember the victims of 10/7. 2nd district Mayor Gergely Őrsi, with the volunteers and leader of the Kidma Association, he paid tribute to the innocent people murdered and abducted by attaching yellow ribbons on trees. ‘This symbolic act reminds us of those who suffered and are suffering and that we must stand together for community and peace,’ he said.

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