Speaking at a conference in Strasbourg on “The role of education in the fight against anti-Semitism,” MEP Tamás Deutsch, head of the Fidesz delegation in the European Parliament, said that "anti-Semitism's new form is hostility against Israel," and argued for the "timely and necessary" review of school materials related to anti-Semitism, Israel, and Judaism in Europe. He emphasized that "only through knowledge and imparting information" can we prevent history's repetition and protect the Jewish community from extremism.
MEP Deutsch criticized the left's participation in protests following the October 7 terrorist attack against Israel, claiming that these events are "pro-Palestinian in appearance, but actually glorify terrorism and terrorists." In his view, "excusing terrorist acts is not only proof of the left's moral corruption but also confirms the historical fact that socialism, whether national or international, is inherently and consistently on the side of anti-Semitism." He added that "in Hungary, the government enforces zero tolerance against all forms of anti-Semitism," declaring Hungary "one of the safest places for Jews."
He also mentioned the work of the Tett és Védelem Alapítvány (Action and Protection Foundation), established "to prevent anti-Semitic manifestations through authentic transmission of knowledge about Judaism and strengthening the identity and traditions of the Jewish community in Hungary."
In a statement at the conference, MEP György Hölvényi said that building a society free of anti-Semitism, based on democracy and tolerance, "starts in the classrooms." He asserted the state's responsibility to ensure education promotes these values and said that it is each state's duty to make classrooms places where radicalization can be fought.
Parliamentary and Strategic State Secretary Miklós Panyi discussed the "indisputable connection between anti-Semitic acts, terrorist acts, and unregulated, illegal migration." He criticized Western European countries for their inability to control this situation and suggested that "migrants do not side with liberal ideology," potentially threatening the foundations of Judeo-Christian society.
Fidesz MEP Kinga Gál argued that the need to fight against growing anti-Semitism is evident and condemned hate movements, particularly in Western European cities. She pointed out that these movements demonstrate the flaws in European migration and integration policies.
Representatives of the Action and Protection Foundation also spoke up at the conference, warning against increasing voices that demand Israel's destruction and incite hatred against Jews. They stressed that these extremist ideas do not stop at Jews but attack the foundations of European states and values. Kálmán Szalai and Ferenc Olti called attention to the importance of education in preventing anti-Semitism, mentioning the foundation's initiative to expand information on Judaism in Hungarian education.