No one has to fear expressing his identity, religion or culture in Hungary – Csaba Latorcai said at a press conference held on Tuesday on the soon-to-be-finished renovation of the Pásti street synagogue in Debrecen and on the “Travel through the Jewish heritage of the Northern Great Plain” project of the Jewish community in Debrecen.

The Deputy State Secretary emphasized that the cooperation between the local government of Debrecen and the local Jewish community on the partially EU-funded investment worth almost half a million forints is exemplary. He also added that as a result of a previous cooperation, the other synagogue of Debrecen in Kápolnás street was also renovated with the help of EU funds in the framework of a cross-border project.

Mr Latorcai emphasized that preserving the Jewish cultural heritage is a “shared responsibility”, as it is an integral part of the nation’s cultural heritage. He also added that in the framework of the synagogue renovation programme starting in 2015, fifteen synagogues will be renovated all over the country.

Mayor of Debrecen László Papp (Fidesz-KDNP) pointed out that the renovation programme of the Debrecen Jewish-district started in 2013, as a result of which the Kápolnás street synagogue has been renovated. He added that once the renovation of the Pásti street synagogue is finished, it will not only serve religious purposes but it will also host cultural and educational events. “The Jewish community wants to live, it is able to live and to develop” – the mayor said, reminding of the fact that Debrecen has the largest Jewish community in Hungary.

The President of the Jewish Community of Debrecen expressed his hope that the renovated Pásti street synagogue will become a fort of culture and education. The past and traditions of the Jewish community will be presented in a permanent exhibition, he said.

Tamás Horovitz also announced that the pilgrimage route together with the Nagykálló Jewish cemetery will also be renovated in the framework of the programme, adding that a pilgrim’s hostel was established close to the synagogue as part of the project.

Source: Prime Minister's Office

Related article:

Zero Tolerane Policy Brings Thousands Of Israeli Students To Hungary