Hungary’s foreign minister has met with representatives from leading Jewish organizations in New York and assured them of the country’s continued fight against anti-Semitism.
Péter Szijjártó, minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, stressed that the Hungarian government will continue its commitment to a policy of “zero tolerance” for anti-Semitism and would fight to maintain Europe’s Judeo-Christian heritage.
The minister said his government “disapproves of movements aimed at leaving nation states and Christianity behind”.
Minister Szijjártó voiced concern about recent developments “indicating a rise of anti-Semitism in certain parts of western Europe” and said it was a consequence of “massive and uncontrolled migration”.
The minister insisted that “parallel societies” have developed in many parts of western Europe, which pose not only a security challenge but may give rise to religious extremism.
Minister Szijjártó highlighted the continued success of relations between Hungary and Israel, and said that Hungary considers Israel a strategic partner and supports “an honest and balanced approach” in international organizations concerning that country.
The minister added that Hungary has “never supported dishonest or politically motivated” decisions against Israel.
Minister Szijjártó also noted that the Hungarian government has recently proposed a joint statement against anti-Semitism in the UN Human Rights Council, an initiative which was supported by 25 countries.