The younger generations here must understand that what happened in their town forms a part of their identity, the ambassador said. “One should remember not only the Shoah but also the preceding coexistence of Jews and non-Jews here,” he said.

“The exhibition tells us what to do: take action individually and collectively against racism, no matter whether it targets Jews, the Roma or Israel” Mor said.

Mayor Árpád Potápi, of ruling Fidesz, noted that 1,200 Jews, 15% of Bonyhád residents, had been deported and 300 sent to forced labour during WWII. In 1942, local intellectuals organised a movement against the Volksbund alliance of ethnic Germans in Hungary supporting Hitler, he said.

“Nobody can question the responsibility of Hungary’s WWII political leaders. However, the entire Hungarian nation ... cannot be blamed for the sins committed by them. There are no guilty nations, only guilty people,” he said.

Source www.hungarymatters.hu

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