At the beginning of his talks with the Israeli head of state at the presidential residence, the Prime Minister highlighted that Hungary is home to the largest Jewish community in Central Europe, and this gives the Government a special responsibility. It protects every Hungarian citizen, he said, and so the Jewish community is also under the protection of the Government, which means that there is a policy of zero tolerance towards anti-Semitism.
Mr. Orbán said that modern forms of anti-Semitism are spreading in Western Europe, while in Central Europe anti-Semitism is decreasing. He added that Hungary supports the cultural revival of its Jewish community.
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Regarding economic relations, he said there are two hundred Israeli businesses operating in Hungary and providing jobs for five thousand Hungarians. These companies, he noted, are satisfied with Hungary. He pointed out that he had also spoken with the Israeli prime minister about ways to enhance this cooperation.
Mr. Rivlin stressed Israel’s recognition for the efforts which Hungary is making to combat anti-Semitism, and Hungary’s support for Israel in relation to international organisations.
[2]He said that it is important to fight neo-fascism, as it opens the way to racism and hatred, and as such poses a major threat to the free world.
The Israeli president stressed the importance of democracy, and said that Israel is building a Jewish democracy in which the free practice of religion is a given.