Hungarian Prime Minister Declares Budapest Safest City for Jews Amid Rising European Antisemitism
BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has publicly asserted that Budapest stands as the safest city for Jewish communities in all of Europe, a claim that has drawn attention amid a troubling increase in antisemitic incidents across the continent. Orbán’s statement comes as the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) released a report highlighting a sharp rise in antisemitic harassment, vandalism, threats, and physical attacks in several European countries.
In a post on the social media platform X, Orbán emphasized, “Jewish communities are safer in Budapest than anywhere else in Europe. Zero tolerance for antisemitism, no hate crimes, no violent migrants. This is how a modern European capital ought to be.” His remarks were publicly supported by Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, who echoed the sentiment by describing Budapest as “one of the safest and most welcoming European capitals for its Jewish community and for Israeli citizens alike.”
Chikli pointed to a recent decision by the Swiss city of Basel to cancel hosting a Zionist Youth Congress, an event involving approximately 200 Jewish youths, noting that Hungary stepped in to host the gathering instead. He also highlighted a speech delivered by a senior Hungarian minister at the event, attributing Hungary’s approach to a “responsible immigration policy that recognizes the danger posed by radical Islam” and an “uncompromising government policy against antisemitism.”
The ADL’s 2024–2025 report, titled Take Action: Antisemitism Is Escalating in Europe, documents a disturbing rise in antisemitic incidents following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza. Countries including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have seen significant increases in threats and attacks against Jewish individuals and institutions. The report warns that antisemitism is becoming increasingly normalized in public discourse, leading to heightened security measures at Jewish sites.
Hungary, home to the largest Jewish community in Central Europe with estimates ranging from 80,000 to 100,000—most residing in Budapest—has a complex history regarding its Jewish population. While some Jewish leaders in Hungary have praised government efforts to restore synagogues, maintain Holocaust memorials, and foster Jewish cultural life, others have expressed concerns about nationalist rhetoric and political trends within the country.
Orbán’s government has maintained close diplomatic ties with Israel, and the prime minister’s comments reflect a broader narrative emphasizing national security and cultural preservation. The Hungarian approach to immigration and counterterrorism has been a central theme in Orbán’s administration, which often highlights the risks posed by radical Islamist groups, a concern echoed by Israeli officials.
In the context of escalating antisemitism across Europe, the Hungarian government’s stance and Orbán’s declaration have sparked debate. While the ADL’s findings underscore a continent-wide challenge, Hungary’s position as a relatively safer environment for Jews is notable. The U.S. Department of State’s 2025 Report on International Religious Freedom also monitors such trends and highlights the importance of government policies in protecting minority communities.
As antisemitic incidents continue to rise in many parts of Europe, the discourse surrounding safety, immigration policy, and government responsibility remains critical. Budapest’s role as a haven for Jewish life in Central Europe may serve as a case study in balancing security and cultural preservation amid broader regional challenges. For more information on global antisemitism trends, the FBI’s Hate Crimes Statistics provide insight into similar issues in the United States, underscoring that vigilance against hate remains a worldwide priority.
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