EUPJ congregations in Hungary face legitimization issues

Part of the work of the EUPJ (assisted by the WUPJ where appropriate) is to assist our communities in various countries where there are matters of legal standing relating to state recognition and associated funding.

In Hungary a change to the so called “Church Law” disadvantages our two Budapest congregations Bet Orim and Szim Shalom in not placing them on the “A list” of recognised religions. This is a complex matter which has engaged our two com-munities, their legal advisors, the EUPJ and the WUPJ for several months and has led to a coordinated lobbying effort in the US and Germany. During their recent four day visit to Budapest, WUPJ President Rabbi Stephen Fuchs and EUPJ President Leslie Bergman held meetings with senior politicians, government ministers and state officials, arranged by EUPJ Vice Chairman, Alexander Dembitz.

We indicated in the strongest terms that we expect the Hungarian government to act to change the law and remove our second class status, and we held a press conference. We also met with the leaders of Mazsihisz, the state recognized Jewish organization which has effectively had a monopoly over recognition and major funding, and which refused Szim Shalom membership some years ago. Again we indicated that we wished for a peaceful resolution of matters relating to the lack of progress in recognition of the pluralistic nature of the Hungarian Jewish community and in particular, the disadvantaged status of our communities.

Most significantly, intensive meetings were held with the leaders of our two communities and their rabbis on moving towards a cooperative relationship leading to the formation of an umbrella Hungarian Progressive Jewish Association. On successive evenings Rabbi Fuchs and Leslie Bergman were warmly received at well attended and vibrant social and “question and answer” gatherings of both communities at their premises. Finally, a joint Kabbalat Shabbat service was held with Rabbis Katalin Kelemen and Ferenc Raj officiating and Rabbi Fuchs giving the sermon.

This was a historic visit to a country with a large Jewish community, about 100,000, mostly unaffiliated. The EUPJ and WUPJ demonstrated a strong commitment to our Hungarian movement by sending its two most senior leaders for an extended visit. Both leaders felt that there are significantly improved chances for enhancing our recognition status and moving our two communities in a common direction with respect to Progressive Jewish representation to the public. Under the leadership of Alexander Dembitz, follow up activities continue.

Leslie Bergman, President, EUPJ