I am deeply disappointed to see the false and politically motivated accusations of anti-Semitism being directed toward Hungary, for what now must be the hundredth time. Since Prime Minister Orbán's government took power in 2010, these allegations have become a recurring theme in the communication tactics of our left-liberal critics.
Accusations of anti-Semitism are being brought up again, this time by the Berliner Zeitung’s Hanno Hauenstein in another textbook example of the German leftist media trying to depict Hungary as “racist” or “antisemitic” in an attempt to support their twisted agenda. Making matters worse, Berliner Zeitung is not alone. Two weeks ago I read some similarly rubbish journalism in the columns of the once-prestigious Wall Street Journal.
Quite frankly, I do not understand the fascination of German journalists with the old, tired anti-Semitism claim year after year. It’s as pointless as it is completely unfounded.
Let’s make something clear. Since PM Orbán’s government took office in 2010, Jewish life in Hungary has been experiencing a renaissance. No government has done as much for the Jewish community in Hungary as we’ve done in the last 12 years. Among other major programs, it was the Orbán government that committed funding to the construction of the first new synagogue in Budapest in 80 years, Budapest hosted the European Maccabi Games 2019, and Hungary has introduced a zero-tolerance policy on anti-Semitism.
What’s more, it was Prime Minister Orbán who spoke explicitly of Hungary's guilt in collaborating with the Nazis during the Holocaust. It was also the Orbán government that made Holocaust education a mandatory part of the national curriculum and saw to it that our new constitution specifically identifies the Jewish community as a constituent part of the Hungarian nation.
These accusations against Hungary are particularly egregious when you consider that Hungary is one of the few countries in Europe where anti-Semitism is steadily declining, as opposed to other EU member states, particularly those with pro-migration policies.
I saved my personal favorite for last. Our political opponents often like to argue that we are anti-Semitic because of our opposition to George Soros. I’ve already covered this question in at least two dozen blog posts in the last couple of years, but here it is once again:
Our qualms regarding George Soros have nothing to do with religion or background. It’s about his politically driven activity aimed at undermining national governments that oppose his open-society, pro-migration utopia.
Dear German media, please just stop with the nonsense and let us, and our Jewish communities, finally live in peace.