Seminar on the Protection of Jewish Cemeteries
On 21 July 2026, the European Jewish Cemeteries Initiative (ESJF), a non-profit organisation, opened a national seminar on the preservation of Jewish cemeteries, bringing together museum professionals, local history and cultural heritage enthusiasts, and educators. The seminar is being held on 21–22 July 2026 at the Bálint House (Bálint Ház) in Révay Street, District VI of Budapest.
Opening remarks were delivered by Prof. Dr Andor Grósz, President of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Hungary (MAZSIHISZ); Dr Ulrich Ernst, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Hungary; Dr Zsófia Barta, Head of Department for Social Affairs at the Ministry for Social Relations and Culture; and Ms Alexandra Fishel, Education Project Manager at ESJF.
On behalf of the Hungarian National Commission for UNESCO, participants were welcomed by H.E. President Ambassador Katalin Bogyay. In her address, she emphasised that preserving Jewish cultural heritage and Jewish cemeteries in particular, is not only an expression of respect for the past but also a fundamental prerequisite for safeguarding our shared memory, cultural diversity, and social cohesion. She highlighted that the protection of cultural heritage, the preservation of Holocaust remembrance, and the strengthening of education in the service of peace and mutual understanding lie at the heart of UNESCO's mission. Hungary possesses an exceptionally rich Jewish cultural heritage of outstanding European significance. In this context, Hungary may consider joining the European Route of Jewish Heritage, one of the Council of Europe Cultural Routes, as this could further enhance the international visibility, European dimension, and social recognition of this unique heritage.
