Israeli flag burned in front of Budapest synagogue
Ultranationalist party suspected; Hungary issues statement condemning anti-Semitism
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BUDAPEST, Hungary (JTA) — An Israeli flag was burned in front of a Budapest synagogue reportedly by members of Jobbik, an ultrarightist Hungarian political party.
Tuesday’s incident took place at the Dohany Street Synagogue, in the downtown central part of the Hungarian capital. Jobbik members reportedly were taking part in the day’s events recalling the Hungarian anti-communist revolution in 1956.
Israel’s ambassador to Hungary, Ilan Mor, appearing Tuesday on the liberal opposition’s Hungarian television program on the ATV channel, demanded that “Hungarian democratic forces should refuse this unacceptable anti-Israeli act and criticism.”
On Wednesday, Hungary’s foreign ministry released a statement condemning anti-Semitism, Haaretz reported.
“The government of Hungary is committed to fighting all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, and stands firm, employing all means necessary, against the dangerous manifestations of extremism… in response to the verbal and physical insult committed by extremists with anti-Semitic intentions in Budapest on October 23,” the statement read in part.
Jobbik leader Gabor Vona criticized any cooperation between Hungary and Israel, saying the “agreement between Hungary and Israel should be canceled.”
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
The Times of Israel Community.