Hungary reaffirms ties with Israel during Herzog visit, condemns antisemitism

Israeli President Isaac Herzog met with Hungary’s president and prime minister in Budapest on Tuesday, with Hungarian leaders emphasizing cordial relations with Israel and pledging to maintain the country’s opposition to antisemitism.

Herzog met with Hungarian President András Baka at the Sándor Palace before holding talks with Prime Minister Péter Magyar at the Hungarian Parliament. The visit marked the first high-level meeting between Israeli and Hungarian leaders since Magyar replaced longtime Prime Minister Viktor Orbán earlier this year.

“Relations between Hungary and Israel remain cordial and stable,” Baka stated at the Sándor Palace in Budapest.

Herzog praised Hungary for its friendship with Israel and the Jewish people, highlighting the country’s opposition to antisemitism and its role in promoting relations between Israel and the European Union.

“Hungary has been a friend and an ally on this long and difficult path,” Herzog said. He also hailed Hungary’s “clear and unequivocal policy of zero tolerance for antisemitism."

“It was a pleasure and a real privilege to have you here in Budapest,” Magyar told Herzog, adding, “See you in Israel.”

Herzog thanked Baka for the “warm and gracious reception” and congratulated him on becoming president in August. The Hungarian Jewish chess icon Judit Polgar had previously declined a nomination to become Hungary’s next president.

The visit came ahead of Hungary’s Oct. 23 commemoration of the 1956 Revolution, when Hungarians rose up against Soviet-backed rule before Soviet troops crushed the uprising.

Herzog drew a parallel between Hungary’s struggle for freedom and Israel’s own history, saying the two countries shared an understanding of the importance of defending liberty.

“Hungary has long stood out as a nation that has fought hard for freedom,” Herzog assessed.

“Hungarians tore the symbols of tyranny from their flags and bravely asserted their aspiration for liberty and sovereignty. Ultimately, the Iron Curtain did fall. But it took courage, determination, and faith,” the Israeli president noted.

“This story is a familiar one to us in Israel,” Herzog continued, stressing that freedom “cannot be taken for granted.”

Herzog also praised Hungary’s support for Israel as the Jewish state faces security challenges on multiple fronts following the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, massacre and the subsequent war in Gaza.

“You have been a main actor in the European arena and have played an important role in promoting balanced and constructive relations between Israel and the European Union,” Herzog told Baka, likely referring to Hungary’s previous efforts to block EU measures critical of Israel.

Hungary is home to one of Central Europe’s largest Jewish communities, estimated at at least 50,000 people. The country has also sought to position itself as a safe environment for Jewish residents and visitors, while condemning antisemitism.

“Hungary is a safe place for Jewish people and for visitors of all backgrounds,” Baka stated, emphasizing that Hungary condemns and rejects all forms of antisemitism.

During a visit to Hungary in 2024, Israeli Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli similarly praised the country as a safe haven for Jews amid rising antisemitism in Europe.

“It is Hungary’s robust conservative leadership that ensures Jews can walk through the streets safely, unlike in other European capitals, where, notably in London, Jews require armored vehicles for safe passage,” the Israeli minister stated.

Turning to economic ties, Baka described Israel as an “important economic partner” for Hungary.

During his visit, Herzog was also scheduled to address the International Voice of the People conference, an initiative aimed at connecting Israelis and Diaspora Jews. He was also scheduled to meet with leaders of Hungary’s Jewish community.