Hungary's President: Strong Israel Essential for Europe’s Security and Protection of Jewish Communities

Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok received Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Budapest. Following their meeting, Sulyok emphasized that Hungary firmly rejects all forms of anti-Semitism, which was a key focus during the Hungary's EU presidency. President Herzog expressed his gratitude for Hungary’s support.

Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok received Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Budapest (Photo: Arpad Kurucz)

A shared history with Israel

Herzog noted the long-standing relationship between the Jewish and Hungarian peoples. He referred to the October 7 attacks, the horrors of which still haunt the memories of Israeli-Hungarian families. One such family, whose member remains a hostage in Gaza, attended the event.

We will not rest until they all return home,

the Israeli head of state underlined. He also commemorated the victims of the Holocaust and thanked Tamas Sulyok and Hungary's government for their efforts to root out anti-Semitism.

There were times when Jews were called superior, times when they were called Bolsheviks. There were times they were hated for not having a country, and now they are hated for having one,

Herzog recalled, stressing the importance of standing together to ensure that antisemitism does not resurface.

Finally, Isaac Herzog invited Tamas Sulyok to visit Israel and the Hungarian president accepted the invitation.

Cover photo: Israeli President Isaac Herzog met with Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok in Budapest (Photo: Arpad Kurucz)