Lauder said Orbán’s letter “refers to a statement that I never made, nor is it one that I believe”. The WJC president said “my high regard for you and the people of Hungary has not wavered and I appreciate all that you have done for the World Jewish Congress, especially joining us in our convention in 2013.”

Lauder said that Orbán was, no doubt, also aware that one of his highest priorities as WJC president “has been strengthening the ongoing and strong bond of friendship between the Christian and Jewish communities, not just in Hungary, but throughout the world. Like yours, this policy has both moral and theoretical reasons and serves to better the coexistence for all people.”

He suggested “going forward together, in friendship” and asked Orbán to feel free to call on him first so as to avoid any further miscommunication. Lauder expressed hope to meet the prime minister soon and wished him success in guiding his “great country through these turbulent times”.

In a letter sent to Lauder on Friday, Orbán said that Hungary and its citizens were “deeply insulted” by public comments made by the WJC president, concerning the move from Budapest to Berlin of the Open Society Foundation.