Maya Kadosh succeeded Yacov Hadas-Handelsman, who had served as Israel’s ambassador to Hungary for five years before retiring. Ambassador Maya Kadosh, an experienced diplomat, will enhance relations between the two countries.
The Embassy of the State of Israel in Hungary has recently announced: ‘Maya Kadosh, Israel’s next ambassador to Hungary, has arrived in Hungary. Her Excellency has served the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more than two decades, and in recent years, she has worked as the head of the Foreign Minister’s political staff. In the coming years, the goal is to place even greater emphasis on strengthening the friendly alliance between the two countries. Welcome, Madam Ambassador!’
The Israeli cabinet approved the appointment of the new ambassador, proposed by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, back in January.
Maya Kadosh served as Saar’s Chief of Staff for Foreign Policy and was previously Senior Political Advisor to former Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz. Madam Ambassador posted the following on her X account after her appointment to Hungary: ‘A special and personal moment as I receive my letter of credence from FM @gidonsaar before heading to Budapest as Israel’s Ambassador to Hungary. After an intense and rewarding time as his Chief of Staff, I am honoured to continue serving Israel and strengthening our ties with Hungary. Excited for the journey ahead!’
On her first day the Ambassador visited the Shoes monument by the Danube, which, as she phrased, is ‘a deeply moving tribute to Holocaust victims.’ She added: ‘As the granddaughter of survivors, this moment is profoundly personal. I am proud to represent the Jewish state in Hungary, a country committed to preserving memory and fighting antisemitism. Looking forward to strengthening the strong ties between our nations.’
Maya Kadosh presented a copy of her credentials to Chief of Protocol of Hungary Anett Varga. She posted on her X account that she looks forward to the official ceremony with President Dr Tamás Sulyok in the coming weeks and to strengthening the ties between Israel and Hungary.
Maya Kadosh’s First Meeting with the Chief Rabbi
Maya Kadosh also met with Chief Rabbi of the United Jewish Community of Hungary (EMIH) Slomo Köves. At the start of her mission in Hungary, the new ambassador deemed it important to meet with him, emphasizing that her appointment ‘aims to further strengthen Israeli–Hungarian diplomatic, cultural and religious relations.’
The meeting addressed the current situation of the Jewish community in Hungary, including educational and religious initiatives, as well as the potential for joint programmes. EMIH has made a significant contribution to the revival of Jewish community life in Hungary over the past few years by opening new synagogues, establishing educational institutions, and preserving Jewish traditions. EMIH also actively engages with various organizations and religious leaders in Israel. The Ambassador’s visit provided a significant opportunity to learn firsthand about the life of the Jewish community in Hungary and the challenges they encounter.
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