It’s difficult to determine at the moment exactly how many refugees will be entering Hungary, but the Defense Minister stated that Hungarian forces must be prepared to accept tens of thousands.Continue reading
The Federation of Jewish Communities in Hungary (Mazsihisz) has expressed its concern over Russia’s attack on Ukraine, adding it has begun preparations to help any potential refugees coming to Hungary.
“We sympathise with the citizens of Ukraine, especially the Hungarian community in Transcarpathia, and specifically our Jewish brothers and sisters there,” Mazsihisz said in a statement on Thursday.
The federation said it had begun making preparations to help any refugees from Ukraine that may come to Hungary. Mazsihisz has reached out to the competent Hungarian authorities and international Jewish organisations, and is constantly monitoring the situation in Ukraine, it added.
“We pray that the weapons are silenced and that peace is restored as soon as possible,” the statement said.
The United Hungarian Jewish Community (EMIH) also expressed its support for the Jewish community in Ukraine.
EMIH chief rabbi Slomó Köves has held consultations by phone with Meir Stambler, Chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, and offered him the Hungarian Jewish community’s help, the organization said in a statement.
Köves has talked with Mendel Wilhelm, the rabbi of Uzhhorod (Ungvar) and promised him that members of the ethnic Hungarian community would get continued help from Hungary if necessary. Köves has also offered financial support to Shmuel Azman, head of the Anatevka Jewish Refugees Community.
EMIH has also offered help for rescuing Israeli citizens from Ukraine.
In the featured photo illustration: András Heisler, the president of the Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities (Mazsihisz). Photo by Zoltán Balogh/MTI