7 October Commemorations in the West and Hungary: Two Different Realities

The number of antisemitic incidents perpetrated by pro-Palestinian mobs in Western countries did not decrease on the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack—in fact, the hatred only intensified. A video showing a pro-Israel demonstrator being assaulted by an enraged pro-Hamas mob is rapidly spreading across the internet. In contrast, Hungary remains an island of peace and security for the Jewish community, as evidenced by Monday’s commemorations.

Attendees light candles in memory of the victims of the 7 October terrorist attacks in Budapest on 7 October 2024 outside the Dohány Street synagogue.

Hungary Remembers 7 October: ‘We will never forget the victims’

‘Instead of looking for explanations as to why this terrible thing happened, I suggest that we respond to death with life and fulfil everything that was not given to them, to those who died on 7 October. The murderers robbed them of their dreams, their hopes and their future; we have only one answer: let’s stand up together for them!’, Andor Grósz, President of the Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities said at the Dohány Street synagogue commemoration in Budapest.

German police confront pro-Palestine supporters in Berlin on the first anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attacks on 7 October 2024.

Germany Tightens Laws in Response to Pro-Palestinian Protests

The crackdown on antisemites has sparked controversy, with critics accusing the government of infringing on free speech and conflating legitimate political expression with antisemitism. Notably, the German police have been actively disrupting pro-Palestinian gatherings for some time now. For example, a recent conference in Berlin was shut down after authorities raised concerns that speakers might incite violence or express antisemitic sentiments.

Christian Ranger Ricky Gillespie, retired military, brings a donated generator to a home in a remote community after a main road was washed out in Bee Log, Burnsville, North Carolina, on 6 October 2024, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Kamala Takes Aim at Hungary

‘When Hungarians see emissaries from the imperial city on the Potomac expressing “concerns” about Hungarian policies, they should know that the U.S. ruling class is also “concerned” about ordinary Americans who don’t shut up and obey Washington diktats. That is cold comfort, but at least we patriotic conservatives, both Hungarian and American, are in the struggle together.’

People light candles after a ceremony of commemoration for the victims of the 7 October Hamas terrorist attack at a synagogue in Budapest, Hungary on 7 October 2024.

7 October Anniversary: A Year of Mourning and Unbroken Resolve

The events of 7 October will forever be etched in Israel’s history as a day of immense tragedy and resilience. That day was a moment when the nation confronted the depths of brutality, but also discovered a strength it never knew it needed. Amid the profound loss and an escalating fight for the right to exist free from terror and fear, one message reverberates louder than ever: Israel will endure, and its people will not be broken.

IDSF Research Department Head Or Yissachar (at the podium) and Danube Institute President John O’Sullivan (via video) greet the participants of the conference on 8 September 2024 in Jerusalem.

IDSF and Danube Institute’s Joint Conference: The October Effect

The pro-Israel experts and politicians who gathered at the Israel Defence and Security Forum (IDSF) and the Danube Institute’s conference titled October Effect: Strategic Implications for Israel and Europe in the Middle East War, held on 9 September at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center in Jerusalem, discussed and analysed the rise of antisemitism in the West, the ramifications of Israel’s war in Gaza, and the emerging Russia –China–Iran axis.

A Synthesis of Traditional Conservatism

‘I believe that the true ontological essence of conservatism is contained in the definition: conservatism is the making present of actuality. In this way, conservatism is bound both to the particularities of specific belonging cultures and to the wider belonging civilization…Conservatism as a political philosophy arises when the address of the aforementioned actuality is threatened.’

Viktor Orbán Sends New Year Greetings to Hungary’s Jewish Community

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán marked the Jewish New Year by sending a letter of greetings to Hungary’s Jewish community, emphasizing the country’s role as a ‘calm and safe island’ in a world of growing challenges. Just last week, Israeli Ambassador Jakov Hadas-Handelsman met with Mazsihisz President Andor Grósz to underline the unity between the Jewish people in Hungary and Israel ahead of the upcoming Rosh Hashanah celebrations.

Szijjártó Calls on UN to Facilitate US–Russia Dialogue, Meets Lavrov in New York

Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó called on UN Secretary-General António Guterres to mediate a dialogue between the United States and Russia. Following talks in New York, Szijjártó emphasized the pressing global security risks posed by the lack of communication between major powers, warning of the danger of a new Cold War and urging a return to the UN’s founding mission of fostering international dialogue.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó addresses the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations in New York on 25 September 2024.

Hezbollah Pagers: Szijjártó Denies Hungarian Involvement in JNS.org Interview

In a recent interview with the Jewish News Syndicate outlet conducted in New York, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó underlined that Israel is ‘a strategic partner, a strategic ally’ to Hungary, while Budapest has a ‘pragmatic, practical relationship’ with Iran, based on economic cooperation. However, ‘it is obvious that on many issues, we see the world in a totally different way,’ he clarified.