Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has named his minister of European Union affairs, János Bóka, as the country’s envoy for combating antisemitism.
The announcement came on Monday during a cultural event in Budapest hosted by MERKAZ—The Hebrew and Israeli Cultural Centre, marking 77 years since Israel’s founding.
“The Government of Hungary has a long-standing policy of zero tolerance towards any manifestation of antisemitism. The Hungarian Government remains committed to this policy,” Bóka wrote on X.
“We guarantee the security of the diverse and vibrant Jewish communities in Hungary and promote their development. We feel responsible for the security and prosperity of all European Jewish communities, as European Jewish life is part of our common European heritage,” Bóka added.
He told attendees on Monday that the government’s commitment to standing against antisemitism includes forms disguised as anti-Zionist or anti-Israel.
Bóka said his role will include developing policy recommendations, maintaining dialogue with international and E.U. institutions, and promoting domestic and international initiatives to combat antisemitism.
“This is more than symbolic. It shows true commitment,” Maya Kadosh, Israel’s ambassador to Hungary, said regarding the appointment, deeming it a statement of responsibility and leadership.
Hadassa Getsztain of the World Jewish Congress and Andor Grósz, president of the Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities (Mazsihisz), also praised Hungary’s public support of Israel. Their organizations were among more than 30 participating in Monday’s event.
The 46-year-old Bóka has served as minister for European Union affairs since 2023 and was previously state secretary for E.U. affairs.
