The Israeli Embassy in Hungary has strongly criticized the decision to invite former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a known Holocaust denier, to speak at a Budapest university. The invitation extended by the National University of Public Service (NKE) has sparked outrage among the Israeli Embassy in Budapest and Hungary’s Jewish community.
Ahmadinejad, who is infamous for his anti-Israel stance and denial of the Holocaust, is scheduled to deliver two lectures at NKE at the invitation of its dean, Gergely Deli. The Iranian politician was invited to speak on “common values in the global environment” at a scientific meeting, as reported by Iranian newspapers.
The Israeli Embassy in Hungary expressed deep concern over Ahmadinejad’s visit, stating that it is a grave insult to the memory of the approximately 600,000 Hungarian Jews who perished during the Holocaust. They highlighted Ahmadinejad’s history of Holocaust denial and his calls for the destruction of Israel during his presidency.
The Association of Hungarian Jewish Congregations, Mazsihisz, also condemned the invitation, calling it incomprehensible that a university would allow someone with such anti-Semitic views to speak. They demanded an apology from the university leadership and an explanation from the Hungarian government regarding Ahmadinejad’s visit.
Ahmadinejad’s visit to Hungary has reignited discussions about his controversial views and actions during his presidency, including his denial of the Holocaust and inflammatory statements against Israel. The decision to invite him to speak at a prestigious university has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for accountability.