New York, NY, July 18, 2017 …

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) welcomed today’s strong statement from Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary acknowledging his country’s “sin” in failing to protect its Jews during World War II, and calling anti-Semitism unacceptable. The prime minister’s statement came during a state visit by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

            Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO, issued the following statement:

            “We welcome Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s strong words earlier today acknowledging his country’s “sin” in not protecting Jews during World War II, as well as his clear commitment that his government will pursue a “zero tolerance” policy toward anti-Semitism. His words, coming during an historic state visit by the Israeli prime minister, are reassuring and help send a clear message that his government does not condone anti-Semitism.

            His words are significant in light of his government’s previous praise of former Hungarian leader Miklos Horthy as an exceptional leader and statesman, which we viewed as an effort to rehabilitate the reputation of a notorious figure in Hungarian history, a man who was directly responsible for introducing anti-Semitic legislation and the deportation of Jews during World War II.  Horthy’s actions should not be forgotten or glossed over by history.

            We hope the government of Hungary will continue to ensure the safety and security of the thriving Hungarian Jewish community by speaking out loudly and forcefully against anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial, and indeed any effort at historical revisionism when it comes to the deeds of the Nazis and their enablers across Europe.”