The remarkable journey of Hungary’s Jewish community

I could start this piece by complaining about the lack of democracy in Hungary, and I will because it definitely affects Hungarian Jews and their daily life. Not necessarily in the way you might think; we do live in a safe country for Jews and antisemitism is on the decline.

But the Jewish community mimics Hungarian society in many ways. It has, after all, been an integral part of it for at least 300 years. For example, there are two big blocs of Hungarian Jews: a united and strong movement that was imported after democratic change, and a fragmented, colourful, traditional community with debates, disputes, and sometimes arguments. Just like the Hungarian political scene.

Bear with me, I’ll cheer you up soon. Autocracy, populism, friendship with Russia, and the state’s ongoing battle against various minorities are dangerous for the Jewish community because the wind can change very easily.

Hungary’s Jewish community, the largest in central Europe, has embarked on a remarkable journey to rebuild its cultural identity. Through the unwavering commitment of Hungarian and international Jewish organisations, this community has embraced its heritage, transformed individual lives, and created a more inclusive society.

But what if we zoom out for a second and look at all the wonderful work done by Hungarian and international Jews over the past three decades?

Hungary’s Jewish community, numbering between 80 000 and 100 000 people, has a distinct position as a local community rather than as a product of migration. While Budapest’s Jewish community managed to survive the horrors of World War II, tragically 600 000 Jews from the Hungarian countryside weren’t so fortunate, underlining the dark chapter that forever remains in the community’s collective memory.

Because of the Shoah and the following decades of communism, Jewish Hungarians stopped telling their children the great Passover story of the exodus, the heroic struggle of the Maccabees at Chanukah, and so on and so forth. In fact, they stopped telling their children that they were Jewish at all. At the time of democratic change in 1989, only 2 000 people identified as Jewish. But within a generation, that number has risen to more than 20 000. This resurgence is the result of a profound process of self-discovery.

The remarkable revival of Hungarian Jewry owes much to the tireless efforts of Hungarian Jewish organisations, which have played a crucial role in fostering an environment in which individuals can reconnect with their roots and embrace their Jewish heritage. These organisations, often backed by the generous support of donors, particularly from the United States, have been instrumental in igniting the flame of self-rediscovery.

At the forefront of this movement is the Jewish Community Centre (JCC) of Budapest, a secular organisation inspired by Judaism, Jewish values, and Jewish culture. The JCC Budapest serves as a nurturing space where individuals can embark on their personal journeys of discovery. It provides a platform for them to ask questions, participate in their first seder, and engage in enriching family programmes.

By cultivating a positive Jewish identity among the younger generation, the JCC Budapest aims to build a future where being Jewish is a source of pride rather than shame. Our organisation recognises the importance of empowering individuals to contribute to the betterment of their own lives and the wider community. Through the principles of tikkun olam, the Jewish concept of repairing the world, the JCC Budapest inspires individuals to make a positive impact.

As we reflect on the past and look to the future, Hungary’s Jewish community stands as a testament to the power of self-discovery, resilience, and collective commitment. This remarkable journey of cultural rediscovery and empowerment inspires communities far beyond Hungary’s borders. By recognising and supporting the ongoing efforts of Hungary’s Jewish organisations, we’re fostering a future where identity is embraced, diversity is celebrated, and the world is repaired, one act of kindness at a time.

• Born and raised in Budapest, actor and producer Gergő Borbás has played an active role in several Hungarian Jewish organisations and is now the creative director of the JCC Budapest. He is also the founder of Personal History Budapest, a theatre production by Holocaust survivors and high school students.
• He will be hosted at Limmud Cape Town (Sunday 20 August); Durban (Monday 21 August); and in Johannesburg (Friday 25 to Sunday 27 August). For information or to register, visit limmud.org.za.