“We are specifically encouraged by your Government’s commitment to a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy against anti-Semitism,” write Congressman David Cicilline and Congresswoman Lois Frankel, both members of the Democratic Party who serve on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The letter, which is addressed to Hungary’s Ambassador György Szapáry, is remarkable. Unlike so many others who have spoken about anti-Semitism and extremism in Hungary, Reps. Cicilline and Frankel have actually taken the trouble to acquaint themselves with the facts of what this government has done on these difficult issues.

For example, recognizing the government’s zero-tolerance policy, the letter cites Prime Minister Orbán’s speech earlier this year at the opening of the World Jewish Congress where he said that “anti-Semitism is unacceptable and intolerable.” It also quotes his clear condemnation of Hungary’s far-right party. “If we want to protect democracy,” said the prime minister, “we must take a firm stand against Jobbik.”

The letter goes on to cite several other specifics. It mentions the government’s establishment of the Hungarian Holocaust 2014 Memorial Committee and the legislation mandating school visits to the Holocaust Memorial and Documentation Center. It also commends “the Hungarian government for passing a new law which…specifically designat[es] violence on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity as a hate crime.”

Yes, the letter also has its critical points. The representatives express concerns about the “continuation of paramilitary activities” and “homophobia and transphobia and the violence they precipitate.” They request to be kept updated about what they see as indicators of extremist trends and emphasize the need to enforce laws on hate crime. But this letter is a far cry from what we usually hear, the criticism that is based on clearly biased, incomplete information and no acknowledgement of the concrete steps the Orbán Government has taken.

“Thank you,” write Reps. Cicilline and Frankel in closing, “for the commitments and efforts against anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred.”

Source: A Blog About Hungary

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