The rise of hate speech and public antisemitism in Hungary

12 Aug

Antisemitism in Hungary is being normalised in the media, in public spaces, and by politicians, according to a recent report on antisemitism.

The “Antisemitism Report 2019-2020” produced by researcher Anikó Félix, executive director at Goldziher Ignac Institute of Jewish History and Culture, and adviser to the World Jewish Congress, highlighted that, while the number of antisemitic cases is considerably lower than in Western Europe, and the number of physical atrocities is extremely low, antisemitism is present in everyday life in Hungary.

The report combined incidents recorded by the Security Service of Mazsihisz, Association of Jewish Communities in Hungary, with data collected on news sites and social media.

The report was produced by Aniko Felix, Case Manager for Combating Antisemitism in Hungary, and member of the World Jewish Congress.

Incidents that were recorded included physical attack, threat, damage, hate speech, antisemitic conspiracy theories and public antisemitism.

Actors and characteristics of antisemitic incidents

Offenders do not have a definable socio-demographic profile. Antisemitic speech appears in all parts of the political spectrum, but it comes primarily from far-right actors, largely the Our Country Movement in Hungary.

Antisemitism, racism, and sentiments against Israel are intertwined and are still primarily a characteristic of far-right politics.

The report shows that there has been an increase in the appearance of far-right ideas, persons and organisations in public life.

Further, pro-government actors and the media played an important role in the increase of public antisemitism, mainly through statements concerning historical or symbolic events or actions.

There are recurring events and themes that define public discourse from time to time and fall within the scope of antisemitism.

One such event in 2019 and 2020 was the far-right event honouring the troops who broke out from besieged Buda Castle, referred to as Breakout day, which became an internationally prominent event for the far right.

Regional patterns of hate speech found in Hungary are different from those seen in Western Europe. The number of physical atrocities is small, but the number of incidents in the category of hate speech and public antisemitism is relatively high.

The impact of Covid-19

Covid-19 has had an impact on the development of antisemitic incidents in Hungary.

“From February 2020, there has been a significant rise in antisemitic conspiracy theories, which can be partly attributed to the worldwide spread of the coronavirus,” the report states.

In the context of Covid-19, “background power” theories have gained new impetus worldwide; the “background power” or often more explicitly, Jews or Israel have been associated with the development, and spreading of the virus, or anti-virus measures.

Categories of antisemitic incidents

Hate Speech