Pro-Israel Summit in Hungary: A Unified Stance

At Hungary’s annual pro-Israel summit, a clear message echoed: “No to immigration, no to anti-Semitism, no to terrorism.” Leaders from Hungary, Israel, and the United States united to assert that Central Europe is safeguarding its values as many Western nations face moral challenges.

The third international pro-Israel summit, hosted by the Center for Fundamental Rights, gathered prominent figures at Budapest’s Ethnographic Museum recently to reinforce a collective effort against terrorism, anti-Semitism, and open-border ideologies.

Dr. Miklós Chanteau, the center’s director, opened the event with a pointed caution. He argued that Brussels is attempting to undermine both Hungary and Israel, alleging that EU authorities are engaging in a legal and political campaign against conservative governments in favor of foreign interests. He expressed hope that Hungary could remain an “island of peace,” suggesting that Budapest might soon be seen as the “capital of peace.”

Israel’s Education Minister, Yoav Kish, spoke next, commending Hungary’s firm stance against anti-Semitism and calling Prime Minister Viktor Orbán “a true friend of Israel.” Reflecting on the October 7 Hamas attack, he labeled it a “barbaric and brutal massacre,” stating that Israel has emerged from terror’s “ruins” and is committed to neutralizing threats posed by Iranian-aligned groups, asserting that Gaza no longer threatens Israel.

Kish dismissed claims of racism and genocide against Israel during the conflict, contending that Hamas exploited civilians as human shields. He praised the ethical conduct of the Israel Defense Forces, noting that past military actions have not compared in terms of ethics. Additionally, he credited former President Donald Trump’s firm stance on preventing Iran from developing nuclear capabilities, which he believes enhanced both U.S. leadership and Israel’s security.

However, Kish also warned that cultural decline in Western nations is aggravating anti-Semitism. “Education is more powerful than law,” he emphasized, pointing to incidents on college campuses—like the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk—as outcomes of severe incitement.

Hungarian Defense Minister Krzysztof Szalai Bobrovnitsky characterized Israel as both a friend and strategic partner. He urged Europeans to regain a strong moral perspective and firmly support Israel. He highlighted that no Hungarian entity is partaking in the BDS boycott movement and mentioned that the Israeli national team would hold its home games in Hungary. “Both Israel and Hungary are small countries with vast histories,” he noted.

Yair Netanyahu, an Israeli commentator and son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, joined discussions on regional security and Europe’s future. He perceived Israel as undergoing a significant shift in its geopolitical standing, indicating that, prior to October 7, Israel was encircled by threats from Iran. Following Israel’s recent military operations, he claimed that “for the first time in decades, Israel’s existence is no longer in doubt.”

On the topic of Europe, Prime Minister Netanyahu cautioned that “Western Europe is in free fall” due to a rise in illegal immigration, which has created “no-go zones” in cities like London and Paris. He lauded Hungary as “the safest place in Europe” for Jews, noting they can walk in Budapest adorned with Jewish symbols, but expressed concern over the EU’s plans to impose immigration quotas that could jeopardize security. He regarded Prime Minister Orbán’s collaboration with his father as a “genuine alliance aimed at defending a shared Judeo-Christian heritage.”

Fred Fleitz, formerly with the National Security Council and now with the America First Policy Institute, framed the conversation in the context of President Trump’s peace initiatives. He argued that Trump’s strategies for the Middle East, including the Abraham Accords, provide a real opportunity for peaceful coexistence, warning that if terrorism prevails against Israel, “Christian Europe would be next.” He deemed Hungary “Israel’s best ally in Europe” and urged more nations to support pathways toward lasting peace.

The summit also saw participation from Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev (via online), parliamentary members Ohad Tal and Simcha Rosman, Foreign Ministry Director Eden Bar Tal, and Israel’s Ambassador to Hungary Maya Kados. Hungarian participants included Secretary of State Péter Starai and Ambassador Szaborc Takacs, along with U.S. representatives like former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie and former U.S. Special Envoy Jason Greenblatt.

As the event concluded, U.S. advocate Brian E. Leib lauded Hungary’s commitment to uphold “faith, family, and freedom.” He asserted, “There isn’t a place in Europe where Jews feel safer than in Hungary,” calling it a nation of decency, peace, and stability.

Throughout the summit, the message was unmistakably clear: Hungary is charting its own course—rejecting mass immigration, standing with Israel, and defending Judeo-Christian values against global pressures.