Sunday, May 5, 2013

Hungary's Prime Minister Denounces Anti-Semitism


The Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary spoke to an international assembly of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) and expressed the government’s “zero tolerance” of anti-Semitism.  The audience was highly disappointed that PM Orban failed to mention the far-right Jobbik party that has been known for its anti-Semitism within the region.  One member of the WJC stated “we regret that Mr. Orban did not address any recent anti-Semitic or racist incidents in the country, nor did he provide sufficient reassurance that a clear line has been drawn between his government and the far-right fringe.”  In regards to banning the Jobbik party completely, one WJC member stated there “should be limits on democracy. It's a very politically incorrect statement ... but it's (what) life demands from us. Otherwise we'll have a disaster."

I thought this article was a good follow-up to Maddie's post that seemed to explain a little more about the root of the conflict.  There is obviously still great hostility within the region in that the Jewish people perceive structural violence to be occurring as the government seems "soft" on the Jobbik party.  It will be interesting to see how this issue plays out, or if we will hear anything else post-assembly.  


Erin Burneson

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