After three years, Israel’s capital has once again hosted the largest global Jewish–Christian media gathering: the 2025 International Christian Media Summit. The event was organized by the Israeli Government’s Press Office. Israel’s Minister for Diaspora Affairs Amichay Chikli was gracious enough to grant us an interview.
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What would you say is your main message to the Jewish community in Hungary?
Just today I wrote about what is happening in the Netherlands. During Hanukkah, an outrageous incident took place: the army cantor had been invited to perform in Amsterdam’s main concert hall, yet the venue cancelled the event solely because he serves in the Israel Defense Forces. This is precisely the kind of threat and challenge Jewish communities across Europe are forced to confront.
We see the same in Belgium, in the Netherlands, and even in the United Kingdom, where only a few months ago, a man was detained for wearing a Star of David in public; authorities deemed the symbol ‘provocative’.
Hungary, however, is an entirely different case, at least in my personal experience. I arrived in Budapest on Shabbat, wearing a kippah and tallit as I walked through the streets. Not a word was said to me; no confrontation, no hostility, only calm. Hungary has a government that genuinely and actively supports its Jewish community.
Just a week ago I met with Minister János Bóka, responsible for EU affairs, and we discussed possible areas of cooperation: Holocaust education and intelligence-sharing regarding radical Islamist groups operating in Europe. The Hungarian leadership – Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at the forefront – consistently stands by Israel and takes a firm stance against antisemitism and Hamas. Hungary regularly votes with us in the UN and the European Parliament, often standing alone in Europe.
‘I truly believe the Jews of Hungary are lucky to have leaders who protect their borders and pursue a responsible immigration policy’
We deeply appreciate the commitment of Prime Minister Orbán and ministers such as János Bóka. We have a special friendship with this government, and I truly believe the Jews of Hungary are lucky to have leaders who protect their borders and pursue a responsible immigration policy.
It is precisely because of this that Hungary does not face the same level of radicalized Muslim immigration that other European countries struggle with. Across the continent, we see how individuals are radicalized in certain mosques or through Al Jazeera broadcasts, while Turkey and Qatar finance the strengthening of the Muslim Brotherhood. In many countries, Jewish life has become unbearable as a result.
And I say this sincerely: I never imagined that as Minister for Diaspora Affairs I would one day reach the point where I would have to tell the Jews of Belgium to leave their own country.
You really felt the need to say that?
Yes, I did. In light of the recent Dutch election results, I wrote again today about the direction things are heading. I am not yet at the point of saying that Jews must leave the Netherlands—it is not as severe as Belgium—but the situation is deeply worrying and becoming increasingly dangerous.
Overall, I can say that today, Hungary offers the best conditions for Jewish life among European nations. At the same time, across Europe, it is becoming harder and more challenging to live as a Jew.
What lessons could other European countries learn from Hungary?
First and foremost: immigration policy. If we momentarily set aside political correctness and look honestly at the pro-Hamas demonstrations and violent incidents—such as those recently seen in Manchester—the origins of the violence are clear. This is not to say, of course, that all Muslims are violent—far from it. But the fact remains: in Europe, almost every terrorist attack against Jews has been carried out by a Muslim perpetrator.
When mass immigration comes from Iraq, Syria, or Turkey—where, under President Erdogan, the past decade has seen significant radicalization—it represents a serious new threat to Jewish communities.
Hungary, by contrast, has made its position crystal clear: it does not wish to accept populations unwilling to embrace the values and culture of the country. This is entirely logical and responsible. We see similar thinking in the Czech Republic and Poland—each with somewhat different approaches, but the same fundamental philosophy. These countries pursue far more prudent and thoughtful immigration policies.
I am convinced that if we look 20 years into the future, cities like Warsaw, Budapest, and Prague will become Europe’s new economic and commercial hubs—not Brussels, not Amsterdam, and not London.
If Hungary is currently the best place in Europe for Jews, which country is the worst?
If I had to name one, unquestionably: Belgium.
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