Hungarian Government Recognizes Chabad of Hungary

Today, the government of Hungary officially recognized EMIH, the Orthodox Jewish Communities Association, the umbrella organization of Chabad of Hungary, and granted them “special status.” The title, which has been held by churches and other Jewish organizations, and until now has not been granted to any Orthodox Jewish organization, will allow EMIH to accept specific government funding and grants for educational work.

“We are pleased that the government has chosen to strengthen its relationship with EMIH, to recognize our achievements and acknowledge us as being one of the most vibrant Jewish communities in central Europe.” says Rabbi Shlomo Koves, Executive Rabbi of EMIH, and now an official representative of the Jewish community of Hungary.

Seventy percent of Jews who partake in Chabad’s activities, in eight synagogues led by the country’s seventeen Chabad rabbis, have not had much previous Jewish education and experiences. “The agreement that was signed today marks a significant milestone in the resurrection of the Hungarian Jewish community, which was almost wiped out during the Holocaust,” says Koves.

The title was signed by Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén in the presence of Rabbi Baruch Oberlander, Chief of Budapest’s Orthodox Rabbinate, and Israel’s Chief Rabbi Dovid Lau.

Chabad of Budapest  recently celebrated the completion of two new Torah scrolls and the opening of two new synagogues, in a ceremony on the shore of the Danube.