Israeli Minister discusses anti-Semitism and assimilation with Hungarian Jewish community live online 28 October 2009) – Israel Minister of the Diaspora and Public Diplomacy Yuli Edelstein addressed members of the Hungarian Jewish community in a live satellite broadcast on Wednesday 28th October.
MK Yuli (Yoel( Edelstein
Minister of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs
Israeli Minister discusses anti-Semitism and assimilation with Hungarian Jewish community live online
(28 October 2009) – Israel Minister of the Diaspora and Public Diplomacy Yuli Edelstein addressed members of the Hungarian Jewish community in a live satellite broadcast on Wednesday 28th October.
This was the second meeting of a project formed together with Leadel.NET, funded by the European Jewish Fund (EJF). The project is called “Shevet Achim”.
The EJF was established in 2006 at the initiative of Dr. Moshe Kantor, President of the European Jewish Congress, for the very specific goal of strengthening Jewish life and Jewish identity in Europe.
Members of the Hungarian Jewish community appear deeply concerned by the rise of the far-right and rampant anti-Semitism in Hungary. Kantor noted the worrisome foothold that anti-Semitism has continued to gain in Europe, particularly in areas hard hit by the world economic crisis.
One example of this is the rise of the neo-Nazi party Jobbik, which picked up nearly 15% of the Hungarian vote in June elections for the European Union parliament. Also in June, the “Prepared for Action” newsletter of a police union in Hungary that is edited by Judit Szima, a right-wing candidate for the European Parliament in Hungary, who also serves as the secretary-general of the police union.
According to news reports, as editor, Szima has run multiple racist articles, including one that noted that, „Given our current situation, anti-Semitism is not just our right, but it is the duty of every Hungarian homeland lover, and we must prepare for armed battle against the Jews.” News reports noted that nearly ten percent of Hungary’s police force belongs to this union.
Minister Edelstein is speaking to European Jewish communities to gain a greater understanding of their needs and how the State of Israel can assist them with their challenges.
“The rationale of our mission is to reach and strengthen ties with our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, and to learn more about their life in these communities,” Minister Edelstein said.
“It is important that the dialogue between the government in Israel and the Jewish Diaspora takes place in a regular and concerted manner. This part of the ongoing efforts by the European Jewish Congress and its affiliated organizations to strengthen Jewish identity in European communities and their bond with Israel,” Dr. Kantor said. “We also want Israelis to understand issues that are of concern to us as European Jews.”
Minister Edelstein is acutely aware of many of the pressing issues facing the Hungarian Jewish community.
“We are aware that European Jewry is facing difficult challenges trying to preserve Jewish life and their heritage on a daily basis,” Edelstein said. “Assimilation is rampant in places like Hungary and members of the Jewish community look to us in Israel to lead the way to gain greater interest in Israel and Judaism.”
Last month Edelstein had a very constructive dialogue with members of the Swedish Jewish community in the wake of the Aftenbladet scandal.
These online meetings focus not only on communal leaders, but will seek to attract young people to discuss Israel with Israeli public figures. Edelstein will invite figures from academia, the media, government and the military to participate in the discussions.
„The European Jewish Fund is working hard to connect communities in Europe to Israel using modern technology. It’s time to learn how to use the technology to build new bridges,” said Arie Zuckerman, Secretary General of the EJF.
BreuerPress-info