UK Jewish Group Told to ‘Mind Its Own Business’ By Hungary
- By C Barnett --
- 14 Feb 2019 --
Video screenshot
Prime Mininster Orban’s remarks violated international anti-semitism laws.
Vince Szalay-Bobrovniczky, the Hungarian secretary of state, accused Marie van der Zyl, president, Board of Deputies of British Jews, of lying with clear political motives. He said she “whitewashed” the anti-Semitism streak of the UK Labour party and is not harboring even a smidgen of respect for Hungary. The board revealed the fractious conversation to the public after President van der Zyl met Szalay-Bobrovniczky.
UK Jewish Group Told to ‘Mind Its Own Business’ By Hungary[/tweetthis]
The two representatives met to discuss several concerns, including a certain front cover of a Hungarian magazine which showed the Jewish community of Hungary taking a cash shower. Van der Zyl raised multiple “longstanding concerns” like the usage of anti-Semitic tropes to describe George Soros, the Hungarian Jewish philanthropist. Soros’ democracy foundation has consistently criticized the current premier of Hungary, Viktor Orban. The Hungarian Prime Minister fiercely attacked Soros during a 2018 election rally, describing the billionaire as a crafty individual who is dishonest and earns not by hard work but by speculation. He also alleged that Soros acts like he owns the world.
The list of other issues discussed between the two included the attitude of the Hungarian Government towards migrants and Muslims. Also discussed were relations between the Hungarian Jewish community and the Orban regime. The British delegation made special mention of the language adopted by Prime Minister Orban when he described Soros. According to van der Zyl’s team, the said language whether intentional or not is extremely anti-Semitic and must be stopped.
Szalay-Bobrovniczky, in an email to van der Zyl, robustly rejected all anti-Semitism allegations against the Hungarian Government and Prime Minister Orban. He then said such an attitude is shameful not only for the UK Government but also for the cause. The Hungarian Jewish community and in the UK, he reiterated, deserves more than the clearly politically motivated words. Szalay-Bobrovniczky then alleged that Soros facilitates illegal migrants to reach Europe which undermines the security of Europe and also Jews living in the continent. Szalay-Bobrovniczky expressed regret for the Jews van der Zyl claims to represent and said “With due respect, please mind your own business and we will equally not interfere with yours.”
Van der Zyl expressed disappointment at the official response. She said the British delegation approached Hungary in a constructive spirit. She pointed out that the comments made by Orban regarding Soros violated the anti-Semitism definition as stated by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.
Hungary tells UK Jewish group to 'mind its own business' over antisemitism …
Those jewish organisations lies so much, and is full of anti-semitism against the Palestinians. #BoycottIsrael
— shelteringwind (@shelteringwind) February 13, 2019
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