PM Orbán tasked minister to coordinate actions against anti-Semitism

Hungary maintains a policy of zero-tolerance against anti-Semitism, the EU affairs ministry said on Sunday, after announcing that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has tasked the minister, János Bóka, with coordinating action against anti-Semitism.

Bóka will present proposals to curb alarmingly growing anti-Semitism in Europe and liaise with the relevant European and international players and EU institutions, the statement said.

He will also “use his experience in the EU to promote the fight anti-Semitism with active and conscious communication, and with domestic and international initiatives,” the ministry said.

Hungary’s government has maintained a zero-tolerance policy against anti-Semitic phenomena and actions for a long time, it said.

Zero-tolerance against all forms of anti-Semitism

“The Hungarian government guarantees the safety of the varied and robust Jewish community in Hungary and supports its activities. [The government] feels responsible for the security and prosperity of all European Jewish communities, because European Jewish life is part of our shared European heritage,” it said.

Later on Sunday, Bóka told an event marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel organised by the MERKAZ Hebrew and Israeli Cultural Centre in Budapest, that Hungary had a responsibility to fight anti-Semitism and promote “Jewish life”.

As the coordinator of action against anti-Semitism, Bóka said he was preparing to perform “visible, pro-active work based on partnerships”. “We have a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of anti-Semitism, including anti-Semitism disguised as anti-Zionism and as opposition to Israel,” he said.

Read also:

• Hungarian history teacher at a Budapest school: “You are a Jew; you should be in a Jewish school”
• Hungary’s first Micva Mobile in service – photos