Budapest, Hungary — A notorious antisemitic assault occurred in the heart of Budapest about ten days ago, leaving eight haredi Israeli men reeling from the violence. The incident transpired shortly after the conclusion of Shabbat evening prayers as the group made their way to a friend’s apartment, visibly identifiable by their religious attire.
As they walked, the men were confronted by a group of approximately 15 young German tourists. Reports indicate that the assailants began shouting racial epithets, including “Heil Hitler” and “dirty Jews,” and threatened the victims with violence. Witness accounts describe a chilling escalation as one attacker left a taxi, shouting a personal threat and delivering a punch that left one victim unconscious.
One of the targets of the assault, who chose to remain anonymous, detailed the harrowing experience. Despite attempts to defuse the situation—including shaking hands with those who seemed uninterested in joining the altercation—he was struck and lost consciousness during the assault, resulting in injuries, including a broken nose.
In the aftermath, he faced an unsettling turn of events. While the initial assault was unfolding, he found himself detained by local authorities after a false accusation placed him at fault for the conflict. He recounted his experience at the police station as traumatic, highlighting conditions where he was left for hours without basic necessities, and struggled to communicate due to language barriers. It was only when the hate crimes unit intervened, bringing an interpreter, that he was released.
Yossi, as he is referred to for anonymity, shared that this encounter was unlike any he had faced in his previous visits to Hungary. “This was a violent antisemitic attack,” he said, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. He expressed dismay that an incident rooted in hate could occur merely because they were Jews.
In response to the attack, the local Jewish community has mobilized to provide legal assistance and support for the victims, pursuing justice for the assault. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring accountability for the assailants and addressing the broader implications of such acts of hatred within the city.
Local authorities reacted swiftly by apprehending one of the assailants, while others evaded capture. The chilling nature of this incident has reignited discussions about antisemitism in Europe, reflecting ongoing challenges in combating hate crimes.
The victims, grappling with the trauma of the attack, are currently working with legal representatives to ensure their voices are heard. The community’s efforts underscore a commitment to solidarity and resilience in the face of fear.