Mazsihisz-BZSH and its Rabbinate: On the threats of the Iranian regime and the developments of the war in the Middle East

The Federation of Jewish Communities in Hungary (Mazsihisz), the Budapest Jewish Community (BZSH), and the Rabbinate are observing with deep concern the war events unfolding in the Middle East for days now, for which the Iranian regime bears clear responsibility. Iran, which for decades has been financing and arming terrorist groups against Israel, is now, in retaliation, directly attacking civilians – this war crime demands a moral response from every civilized nation.

The Iranian regime’s open threat of nuclear weapons endangers not only the State of Israel but global security as well. This regime, which denies even the most basic human rights to its own people—especially to women, religious minorities, and dissenters—is now attempting to expand its oppressive ideology in the region through military means. At the same time, we must not remain silent about the brave voices either: a significant portion of the millions-strong Iranian diaspora has publicly welcomed Israel’s action to push back against the murderous regime in Tehran. They know better than anyone what the brutality of the Iranian regime means.

We call on the international community to take a firm and unequivocal stand against Iranian aggression and to support Israel’s right to self-defense. It is also a moral obligation for Hungary to represent a clear and consistent position in defense of peace, human dignity, and democracy.

We hereby call on the spiritual leaders of all denominations and churches—rabbis, priests, pastors—to especially remember in their prayers, during these decisive days, the peace and security of Israel and the protection of its citizens. The power of shared moral stand and prayer sends an important message to the world: Conscientious humanity does not remain indifferent in the face of evil.

The Hungarian Jewish community holds in its prayers the Israeli civilians, the soldiers, and all peace-loving people who, even in this difficult hour, stand on the side of life, truth, and hope.