Despite rising antisemitism across Europe, Hungary's Jewish community is experiencing unprecedented growth and security, with community leaders declaring it the safest European country for Jews today. The renaissance of Jewish life, particularly in Budapest, is backed by strong government support and practical security measures.
"When I explained several years ago that Viktor Orban is an ally of the Jewish people and that it's better to work with him, I faced anger from many circles who view him as someone who acts against democratic values," reveals Rabbi Menachem Margolin, chairman of the European Jewish Association (EJA), referring to Hungary's controversial prime minister. "But Orban's approach to promoting Jewish life is clear and unequivocal, unlike many other European leaders."
When asked whether the Hungarian leader is considered a friend of the Jews, Rabbi Margolin offers a nuanced response: "I don't know if Orban loves Jews or if he's acting as he sees fit – I care less about his motivations. He has taken responsibility for ensuring that the Jewish community in Hungary flourishes and feels secure, and he's doing everything necessary to make that happen."
"Actually, what does a Jewish community need to flourish? It needs security and religious freedom, and it needs proof from the government that Jews are welcome in the country, through backing and statements from leaders and punishment of antisemites. It needs financial support from the establishment for the Jewish community, and public support for the State of Israel," Margolin explains.
"The combination of all these elements is essential for the existence and promotion of a Jewish community in any country, and the Hungarian government under Orban creates conditions that make Hungary a place where Judaism thrives."
180,000 identify as Jewish
Similar to many other countries worldwide, it's difficult to know exactly how many Jews live in Hungary today, but according to various estimates, there are about 100,000 Jews in the country, with approximately 85% living in Budapest, alongside a minority residing in cities like Debrecen and other smaller localities. Notably, about a year and a half ago, Hungary's national statistics organization conducted a survey in which around 180,000 people identified themselves as Jewish.
"Hebrew can be head everywhere"
"Hungary is undoubtedly one of the safest places for Jews," agrees Eran Berkowitz, Eastern Europe regional director for the Jewish Agency. "You walk around here in summer and 180,000 people identified themselves as Jewish There has also been significant Israeli migration to Hungary in recent years. Here we have a government that supports Israel, with a tough immigration policy that prevents Muslims from countries hostile to Israel from coming here, and there's a pro-active Jewish community that's growing and expanding, strongly supports Israel, and has influence in the country. There's almost no antisemitism in the public sphere here, and very few demonstrations against Israel, and when they do occur, Hungarian police don't allow them to get out of control. Several factors come together here that enable the flourishing of a significant Jewish community, which is becoming one of the largest in Europe."
Hungary's broad support for Israel was demonstrated less than 24 hours after the International Criminal Court in The Hague announced arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant last month. Hungarian Prime Minister Orban quickly invited Netanyahu to visit his country and announced that Hungary would not enforce the court's warrants.
"Hungary's prime minister has been one of Israel's greatest supporters for many years, and he backs his support with pro-Israel decisions in various European Union votes," explains Jonathan Megyeri (48), a Jewish resident of Budapest and editor-in-chief of the Jewish news site Neokohn. "These votes are a significant anchor for Israel, because EU decisions require consensus from all member states, and many times Hungary stands almost alone, or even completely alone, to prevent harsh decisions against Israel."
"I also agree that Hungary is the safest place for Jews in Europe. I walk around Budapest wearing a kippah and tzitzit. On Shabbat, I wear a hat and speak Hebrew, and people don't even look at me. If they do look, it's because they recognize me from television or YouTube, because I have a regular segment about Judaism on Hungary's main television channel."
"In recent years, several new synagogues have opened in Budapest, and historic synagogues have been renovated. They've opened institutions, schools, and restaurants. There are between six and eight kosher restaurants in Hungary – one in Debrecen and the rest in Budapest – and this has continued to expand in recent years. There's an Israeli grill restaurant, and even fast food options."
PR initiative
Despite the optimistic picture, antisemitism remains present in Hungary, and the country's Jews understand that Jewish life flourishes because the current regime allows it. They hope the positive treatment of Jews and the fight against antisemitism will continue after Viktor Orban's rule ends.
"Antisemitism is still present, mainly among the far right, but their voice isn't strong – because they understand the government opposes it," Megyeri explains. "Fifteen years ago, a survey on antisemitism revealed that almost a quarter of Hungarians held antisemitic views. In practice, only a small percentage would be actively hostile toward Jews, the kind who might make statements like 'I'll send you on a train to Auschwitz.' The rest express classic antisemitism with views like 'Jews control the banks and media' and 'I wouldn't want to live next to a Jew' – but this doesn't hurt in daily life. So what if they don't like Jews."
"In my opinion, the best place for Jews is Israel, but in the current reality, I see advantages in Jews living in the diaspora. The State of Israel needs diaspora Jews to help from their positions. I, for instance, do everything I can to assist Israeli public diplomacy in the media, to explain Israel's position. I speak Hungarian because I was born in Hungary, and I do things I couldn't do for Israel if I lived there."
