Fascist 'Jobbik' party wants Jews out of Hungary
2013, in a major European capital, hundreds of members of third largest party in country’s parliament hold anti-Semitic demonstration against gathering of World Jewish Congress, which opens Sunday night in Budapest
Hungarian authorities have taken large-scale measures to secure the meeting of the upcoming congress, and they had forbidden the demonstration to be held. But the courts canceled the government order, saying it would stifle the group’s freedom to demonstrate.
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Several hundred people took part in the event, which was held near the Hungarian Parliament building, and in close proximity to the hotel housing the congress delegates. The demonstration was held under the banner, “A march memorializing the victims of Bolshevism and Zionism.”
Standing out in their black uniforms were members of the “Hungarian Guard,” the self-proclaimed militia of the party. They held a military inspection and carried nationalistic flags and crosses.
Gabor Vona, leader of Fascist 'Jobbik' party (Photo: Reuters)
Even though they appeared in military uniforms, which are forbidden in demonstrations, and even though they have been outlawed in Hungary, the police securing the demonstration allowed them to proceed.
Speakers at the demonstration included the leader of Jobbik, Gabor Vona, plus parliament delegates representing the party, who demanded that Jews apologize for “the crimes they have committed against Hungary under the Communist regime.”
They also said, “Better use could be made of compensation money that the Hungarian government paid to the Holocaust survivors,” and they blamed Israel for “carrying out genocide against the Palestinian people.”
Some of those present wore kefiyas (a traditional Arab headdress) and the speakers called the Palestinians “Holocaust victims on the part of Israel.”
In an attempt to deflect claims that they are anti-Semitic, the speakers included quotes from anti-Zionist Jews and Israelis claiming that “Israel is committing crimes against mankind and following an apartheid policy.”
One of the speakers who won extended cheers from the audience was the party’s parliamentary deligate, who called on those present to create lists of Jews serving in the country’s government, stating that they were likely to be disloyal.
Several speakers read the names of Jews and Israelis “who were taking control of Hungary and acting against its national interests.”
Speakers also made statements against the Israeli Ambassador to Hungary Ilan Mor, and against Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who had agreed to host the World Jewish Congress.
The Congress will last for three days, and will focus, for the most part, on growing anti-Semitism in Europe. The event will be opened by the Hungarian prime minister, Congress President Ronald Lauder and Minister Silvan Shalom.
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