Increased Hostility Against Jews And Roma In Hungary

NPR:  Prejudice and violence against the Roma population in Europe has reached a new threshold. Reports say that the violence in Hungary is particularly hostile and anti-immigrant. The stigma against Roma people (colloquially known as Gypsies) usually revolves around economic and social inclusion. Surveys of Hungarians found that 60% believed having Gypsy blood was a crime. Another 40% believed it was okay to have restaurants where Roma are not allowed in. One of the political parties in power in Hungary is the Jobbik party. As the third largest in the country, with 43 out of 386 seats in Parliament, they hold political influence. Although they define themselves as a Catholic/conservative/principled party, many see them as a radical organization that unfairly targets minorities. Human rights organizations have noted that this anti-minority climate in general is having detrimental effects on the population. There has also been an increase in paramilitary and extremist groups that target the LGBT community as well as the Roma and Jews. Critics note that a more diversified education along with cultural education would solve many of Hungary and other Eastern European countries.

Emily Goodfellow
PSC 222