A Roman Catholic deputy’s attack in Parliament on the “detestable persecution” and “demagogic attacks” against the Jews of Hungary has cheered Jewish leaders here.
“It is not true that a Jewish question exists in Hungary,” declared Deputy Rudolf Rupert. “What does exist is an artificially-stimulated, demagogic movement against the Jews, and this movement does irreparable harm to the Hungarian nation, its honor and its material interests.”
The address, which featured a long recital of Jewish contributions to Hungary’s economic and cultural life, was a commentary an the recent speech of Premier Koloman Daranyi, who had spoken of a “Jewish question” and advocated a halt in immigration of Jews from Eastern Europe.
Deputy Rupert, declaring he was “forced to stand up for the Jewish people as a Christian who has no connection whatsoever with Jewish big business,” gave a long list of “the great Jews who deserved well of Hungary.”
He credited Jews with founding Hungary’s cotton, sugar, leather, lumber and timber, sap and candle, printing, incandescent lamp, beer and shipping industries, as well as contributing to the development of many others.
“The Hungarians of the Jewish faith have done their duty to their country, but we Christians are in duty bound to recognize this,” he asserted.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
