Hungary stands in solidarity with Israel and recognizes its right to self-defense.Continue reading
On Monday October 9, the first International Pro-Israel Summit was held in Budapest. The event was organized by the Center for Fundamental Rights. Originally arranged in a spirit of sympathy for Israel, the conference took on a new meaning following the weekend’s terrorist attacks. Speakers at the conference included, among others, Gergely Gulyás, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, Yacov Hadas-Handelsman, Israeli Ambassador to Hungary, and Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, Minister of Defense.
In his speech, Gergely Gulyás underlined that Hungary fully supports Israel in its struggle for its territorial sovereignty, its security, and its right to defense. He added that unity is the priority now, as the coalition behind Israel must be strong. He also warned that terrorists could enter Europe from the Gaza Strip if the borders are not protected.
For this reason, border protection is a particularly important task for Europe to carry out and if we do not act, “the current conflict could have tragic consequences for Europe.”
Gergely Gulyás speaking at the International Pro-Israel Summit. Photo: MTI/Bruzák Noémi
Yacov Hadas-Handelsman, Israeli Ambassador to Hungary, noted that they were caught off guard by Saturday’s attack,
“It is like a combination of 9/11 and the massacre in Bucha.”
Yacov Hadas-Handelsman, Israeli Ambassador to Hungary. Photo: MTI/Bruzák Noémi
Those responsible must pay a similar price, he said, adding that Israel must prevail in a war that “will not be short.” Hadas-Handelsman expressed gratitude to the Hungarian government for its steadfast stand against discrimination against Israel in international forums and for its zero tolerance of antisemitism. He also pointed out that the Jewish community in Hungary is safe, free to express itself and live its culture, because Jews in Hungary do not have to fear attacks like in other European cities.
Minister of Defense Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, said at the summit that in order “to defend the homeland, we need soldiers, as many as possible, and a strong, modern military force. Israel is setting an example in these difficult times.” The Minister of Defense stressed that Hungary’s relationship with Israel is deep and meaningful, even from a military point of view, honvedelem.hu reports. As he explained, in order to strengthen its military forces and increase its national resilience, Hungary has acquired and is acquiring a number of Israeli-made and developed military equipment.
Minister of Defense Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky during his speech. Photo: honvedelem.hu
“Hungary considers Israel as one of the most important actors of stability in the Middle East, whose activities in the region contribute to the security of Europe and our country,”
the Minister of Defense added at the conference. He concluded: “We are with Israel, they can count on us in times of trouble!”
Via MTI, Honvédelem.hu; Featured image: Facebook/Alapjogokért Központ