We’ve had lots of posts recently here at HP on the rise of the far-right and the growth in racism and anti-Semitism in Hungary. But alongside these disturbing developments is another story, less often told and greatly cheering.
Budapest is home to mainland Europe’s third largest Jewish community, around 80,000 strong. Over the last few years there has been a unrivalled revival of Jewish culture, much of it focused in and around the 7th and 6th districts, the historic Jewish quarter which is also the hippest part of Budapest. This year young Jewish activists have organised the city’s biggest ever Hannukah festival, which kicks off tonight, with 130 events across 30 venues.
Read more in my column in Monocle magazine.
And Happy Hannukah!