In a message written to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Rabbi Menachem Margolin, Chairman of the European Jewish Association (EJA) thanked the Hungarian Prime Minister for the Hungarian government’s position related to Jewish settlements in the West Bank, for Hungary’s consistent support of Israel and for the comprehensive agreement concluded with the Unified Hungarian Jewish Congregation, Bertalan Havasi, the Prime Minister’s press chief informed the Hungarian news agency MTI on Wednesday evening.

In his message, Mr Margolin recalled that there are disputed territories in a number of countries around the world, and it is unfair to judge Israel by different standards. He therefore welcomed the fact that the Hungarian government “adopted a position contrary” to the European Union’s statement criticising Washington. The United States has recently made it clear that it no longer regards the establishment of Jewish settlements in the West Bank as contrary to international law.

“The test of true leadership is to stand up for something that is fair and right, and to stand up against something that is not, even contrary to an evident consensus. It shows integrity, courage and determination,” the Chairman of the European Jewish Association pointed out.

In addition to Hungary’s position contrary to that of the EU, the rabbi, who is also the founder of the Brussels-based European Jewish Association, also thanked Mr Orbán for the agreement which the Hungarian government concluded with the Unified Hungarian Jewish Congregation on Monday.

“Your commitment to the Jewish people is evident, as is the fact that you support the important role that the Jewish community has played in your great country’s cultural, civic and economic development,” the rabbi wrote.

(MTI)