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AHF eNews, January 2011 [Download the PDF]


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2011 Membership!
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AHF is an all-volunteer, non-partisan, independent, 501(c)(3) educational and charitable organization focused on common ground issues. Serving the community since 1906, we need your support! Only in unity can we find strength! [join and support us!]

Your membership and support makes this all possible. Help us! We are all volunteer, non-partisan, and need your support to continue to serve the community as we have done since 1906. In this new year, please consider how much your membership helps our community. In unity we find strength... join and support your AHF !

Additional Features

  • Looking Back: AHF History
  • Featured Member
  • Featured Book or Article

  • AHF Headlines

    Freedom House's 2010 rankings of Press Freedom in Europe1/11/2011 - AHF Issues its First Statement on Hungarian Media Law: "A Rush to Judgment: The Reaction to the Hungarian Media Law." Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy and liberty. The unprecedented rush to judgment and vitriolic media coverage of the Hungarian media law seems to have been based on a partial understanding of the law itself and, in some cases, appears to be motivated by bias or political considerations. [Read more]

    MTIMTI and other media outlets also covered AHF's statement, "Objektív véleményalkotásra szólít fel az Amerikai Magyar Szövetség médiaügyben." [tovább]


    Heti Valasz
    01/04/11 -
    Hungarian Media Law: In view of all the critical media play, moderate weekly Heti Válasz broadens discussion on Hungarian media law by adding another perspective. The Hungarian National Media and Infocommunications Authority releases English version of Media Law. It is available for download. [read more].


    On the recommendation of the Bolyai Committee (BKB), the Hungarian National Council of Transylvania (EMNT) bestowed the Bathory Award upon 15 awardees, including Frank Koszorus, Jr., President of the American Hungarian Federation. Previous awardees include US Congressman Tom Lantos and Gov. George Pataki11/7/2010 - Báthory Award for American Hungarian Federation President Frank Koszorus, Jr. On the recommendation of the Bolyai Committee (BKB), the Hungarian National Council of Transylvania (EMNT) bestowed the Bathory Award upon 15 awardees, including Frank Koszorus, Jr., President of the American Hungarian Federation. [read more]


    AHF participates in 9th MÁÉRT (Magyar Állandó Értekezlet or Hungarian Permanent Conference) in Budapest. Made up of organizations representing ethnic Hungarians who live outside of the borders of Hungary, MAERT hadn't met in over 6 years due to the lack of support from the former Socialist government.11/5/2010 - AHF participates in 9th MÁÉRT (Magyar Állandó Értekezlet or Hungarian Permanent Conference) in Budapest. Made up of organizations representing ethnic Hungarians who live outside of the borders of Hungary, MAERT hadn't met in over 6 years due to the lack of support from the former Socialist government. AHF President Frank Koszorus stated “I am especially proud that our Federation publicly and vigorously objected to the termination of the Conference." [read more]


    AHF participates in the fifth Hungarian-Americans Together (HATOG) conference, held in Chicago, October 9-10, 201010/25/2010 - AHF participates in the fifth Hungarian-Americans Together (HATOG) conference, held in Chicago, October 9-10, 2010. Thirty-five Hungarian-American leaders of 22 organizations from eight states participated. The Conference aims to build a network of communication and collaboration among Hungarian organizations in the United States and to develop a strategy for saving and strengthening our Hungarian heritage and culture. [read more]


    Lyukas Zaszlo10/23/2010 - AHF Honors the heroes of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, the first tear in the Iron Curtain. Hungarians from all walks of life rose up against insurmountable odds to fight the brutal Soviet-installed Hungarian communist government. Thousands died fighting, others tortured and executed, while 200,000 were forced to flee. 2010 marks the 54th Anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution. President Obama issues statement. AHF sponsored a historical display and showed the Walter Cronkite film chronicling those hopeful turned tragic days. AHF Executive Chairman Bryan Dawson gave a presentation on "why Hungary." AHF thanks the HRFA Kossuth House in Washington, D.C. [read more] about 1956.


    AHF helps plan Advocacy Day in US Congress, drafts human / minority rights Policy Brief... The Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) held its Fall Advocacy Day - an all-day event during which the members visited scores of Congressional offices9/23/2010 - AHF helps plan CEEC Advocacy Day in US Congress, drafts human / minority rights Policy Brief... The Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) held its Fall Advocacy Day - an all-day event during which the members visited scores of Congressional offices, including the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), to discuss key policy issues relating to Central and Eastern Europe such as human and minority rights concerns relative to Hungarians in the region, U.S. assistance, Russia's influence, NATO and energy security, and visa matters. [read more]


    Erika Fedor, Chair of AHF Social Committee, born in Slovakia, visited the Reformed Church Hungarian Language Elementary School of Vaján (Magyar Tanitasi Nyelvu Reformatus Egyhazi Alapiskola Vaján) and personally delivered a check to Rev. Dr. Dr. Hudak Balint, seen here8/21/2010 - AHF supports Hungarian School in tiny Hungarian Village in Slovakia. The school is located in a little ethnic Hungarian village of under 800 people, Vaján (or Vojany in Slovak after annexation following the Treaty of Trianon) in the Kassa District (Kosice) of Slovakia. [read more]


    AHF donates to the Rákóczi Szövetség (Rakoczi Foundation)8/15/2010 - AHF donation to the Rákóczi Szövetség (Rakoczi Foundation) supporting ethnic Hungarian communities in the Carpathian Basin. The donation was targeted at providing scholarships and other support to students and families in Slovakia. Anti-Hungarian practices in Slovak state school registration and the Slovak Language Law forbidding the use of Hungarian in official business make it difficult for these historic communities to preserve their over 1000-year-old heritage. Support Us ! [read more] (includes 2009 Annual Report / Beszámolo (magyarul)


    1956 Statue Prototype by Gyuri HollosyContinuing News: AHF continues call for support of a 1956 Statue for the Nation's Capital...AHF's 1956 Commemoration Committee is seeking your help to erect a statue in Washington, D.C. devoted to the heroes of the Hungarian Revolution. The AHF plan calls for an actual-size statue to be placed prominently in Washington while we raise funds for its bronze replacement. Seen here with his prototype design is renowned sculptor Gyuri Hollosy, who was responsible for the Boston Liberty Square memorial. At the recent Capitol Reception honoring 1848, Congressman Tom Lantos mentioned his intent to place a 1956 memorial in Washington. We must ensure this remarkable design is selected! [read more]


    AHF Store on Help AHF by purchasing products using the AHF Amazon Store!
    Help AHF by purchasing all your products using the AHF Amazon Store! You pay nothing more and AHF earns a small percentage:

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    Help AHF by purchasing products using the AHF Amazon Store!

    Featured member books:

    Gogins, Kitty: My flag Grew StarsKitty Gogins: "My flag Grew Stars" by [Read more] about the book or purchase the book on "Life Behind the Iron Curtain" by Susanna (Zsuzsánna) Lápossy is available on AHF's Amazon bookstore! Click to order

    "Life Behind the Iron Curtain" by Susanna (Zsuzsánna) Lápossy is available on AHF's Amazon bookstore! Click to order!Lapossy, Susanna (Zsuzsanna):
    Life Behind the Iron Curtain. [Read more] about the book or purchase the book on "Life Behind the Iron Curtain" by Susanna (Zsuzsánna) Lápossy is available on AHF's Amazon bookstore! Click to order

    "The Old lady and the Fawn," the first bilingual edition of "Öreg néne ozikéje" (Hungarian)Simon, Paul M: "The Old lady and the Fawn," the first bilingual edition of "Öreg néne ozikéje" (Hungarian)
    Order now at Simpa Books

    For 12 days, countless Hungarian teenagers fought in the bloody Hungarian Revolution against Communist tyranny and overwhelming Soviet armor. They set up tank barricades, tossed Molotov cocktails, and with their confiscated Russian submachine guns made a stand on the streets of Budapest, hoping to hold out until help arrived from the West. But there was no help. Nobody came to their aid. Peter Hargitai's "Daughter of the Revolution," is the story of one such brave freedom fighter-a 14 year-old girl.Professor Peter Hargitai's Daughter of the Revolution: A Novel (2006 - A story of a brave freedom fighter - a 14 year-old girl)
    [read more]

    Rebecca McEldowney's "Soul of Flesh: A Novel of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution"Rebecca McEldowney's "Soul of Flesh: A Novel of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution" [read more]
     
    Dr. Katalin Kadar Lynn's "Tibor Eckhard in His Own Words: An Autobiography"Dr. Katalin Kadar Lynn's "Tibor Eckhardt in His Own Words: An Autobiography" [read more]

    Strength can only be found in unity! Please join and Support AHF

    [Click] to Help Our Community Now!

    Join the American Hungarian Federation!

    Join online! AHF accepts all major credit cards and checks. AHF is a 501c(3) non-profit organization. Your donations may be tax deductible. Your information is secure not shared with anyone. If you are uncomfortable or unable to process an Internet transaction, download the AHF Membership Registration Form and mail it in with your check payable to "American Hungarian Federation." NOTE: If you are sending a donation for a specific fund, please be sure to include that on the form.

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    The 1907 Kohányi Szózat (Appeal)

    “Amerika egy millió magyarja,
    nemcsak hogy követeljük, de keresztül is visszük azt, hogy Magyarország népének ugyanabban a szabadságban, ugyanabban az igazságban, ugyanabban a jólétben legyen resze, mint a mely szabadság, igazság, es jólét abban az Amerikában van amelynek lakósai, polgárai vagyunk.”

    “We, America’s 1 million Hungarians, do not just demand, but will work to ensure that the people of Hungary may partake in the same freedom, the same justice, the same prosperity as we, citizens of America, partake.”
    - Kohanyi Tihamer, AHF President, 1907

    Strength can only be found in unity! Please join and support your AHF

    [Click] to Help Our Community Now!

    Join the American Hungarian Federation!


    Support us!FELHÍVÁS! ALERT!
    SUPPORT THE AHF DISASTER RELIEF FUND!

    On Monday, October 4th, a large reservoir filled with toxic red sludge in western Hungary ruptured, releasing approximately 700,000 cubic meters (185 million gallons) of stinking caustic mud, which killed many animals, at least four people, and injured over 120 - many with chemical burns.Environmental Disaster in Hungary! Governor Pataki Designates AHF as one of three organizations to receivedonations for the “Red Sludge” fundraising effort - At the request of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, former New York Governor George Pataki is spearheading efforts to raise money to assist the victims of the toxic "Red Sludge" disaster in Hungary.
    [CONTRIBUTE to the Governor's efforts]
    Donate Now!
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    Devastating Flooding in Hungary - Help now!The 2010 AHF Disaster Relief Fund has raised over $225,000.00 to help victims of devastating flooding and Toxic Sludge in Hungary!

    The American Hungarian Federation joined forces with its sister organization in Hungary, the Amerikai Magyar Klub, under its "Amerikaiak a Magyarokért Közhasznú Alapítvány," to raise funds to help families affected by devastating flooding. Do your part and and add your name to the Wall of Honor [Read more and DONATE]
    Donate Now!
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    Announcements and
    Upcoming Events

    We are thrilled to announce the DVD RELEASE of 8-time-award-winning documentary TORN FROM THE FLAG!
    Klaudia Kovacs’ multi-award-winning sociopolitical historical documentary is about the international decline of communism and the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Torn from the Flag was the last film of legendary cinematographer László Kovács.
    Klaudia Kovacs’ multi-award-winning sociopolitical historical documentary is about the international decline of communism and the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Torn from the Flag was the last film of legendary cinematographer László Kovács. As Klaudia and krew continue their '56 AROUND THE WORLD campaign, the public-use DVD continues to be available for rental in the USA, Canada and now in Australia and New Zealand for educational screenings. (Kindly note that private/personal-use DVDs may not be used for group/public screenings.)

    [Buy or Rent] this historic film, movie posters, post cards, and invite the producer to your event! [read more]
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    a concert celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Hungarian Composer and Pianist Ferenc Liszt by the Hubay Concert EnsembleWashington, DC - Wednesday, 2/9, 7:00 pm
    The Ambassador of Hungary requests the pleasure of your company at a concert celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Hungarian Composer and Pianist Ferenc Liszt by the Hubay Concert Ensemble
    Embassy of Hungary
    2950 Spring of Freedom Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008
    R.S.V.P. by February 4
    (202) 362-6730/201
    E-mail: rsvp.was@kum.hu
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    Washington, DC -
    Sunday, January 23 at 11 am the Hungarian Reformed Church of
    Washington, DC will celebrate an ecumenical religious service together with the St. Stephen of Hungary Catholic Community.
    Chapel of the Wesley Theological Seminary
    4500 Massachusettes Ave. NW
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    ONGOING Washington, D.C. - Péter Bacsó Film Club, Tuesday's, 7pm
    Embassy of Hungary
    2950 Spring of Freedom Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008
    Dress code: Casual
    For further information: www.huembwas.org
    R.S.V.P. by (202) 362-6730/201
    or email: rsvp.was@kum.hu
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    Open Call - International Artists in Residencies, Budapest 2011
    Deadline: February 6, 2011
    The Hungarian Multicultural Center, Inc. ® (HMC), 501(c)(3), is a Dallas, TX/Budapest, Hungary based non-profit organization. The HMC invites interested visual artists, writers, performers to submit application for its residency program in Budapest, Hungary. [more]
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    New York, NY - Kreatív Mûhelysorozat
    A Tízezer Lépés Magyar Könyvesbolt szervezésében 2011. januártól kezdve kreatív mûhelysorozatot (vizuális nevelés, mozgáskultúra, kreatív irodalmi-történelmi foglalkozás, drámapedagógia, stb) indítunk magyar nyelven különbözô korcsoportok számára.

    Az év elsô családi programja: Kreatív mûhely gyerekeknek Bolla Rita képzômûvésszel.
    Trans Art Area Gallery
    545 E. 12th St, NY NY 10009
    Idôpont: 1:00PM Sunday, January 23rd

    Az elsô alkalommal fôképp a vizuális kreativitást érintve készíthetnek a gyerekek (illetve a felnôttek is, ha csatlakozni szeretnének) a karneváli idôszakra készülve magyar vonatkozású bábokat (János vitéz, magyar huszárok, stb..) természetes anyagokból változatos ötletekkel. Ôrizzük és fejlesszük magyar kultúránkat a kreatív önkifejezés segítségével! Kiváló családi program. Ajánlott adomány: $10/család
    Info: www.bollarita.com

    A gyerekprogrammal parhuzamosan:
    Inspiracios Otthon Klub Talalkozo

    Ido: Sunday, January 23 • 1:00pm - 5:00pm
    10 Thousand Steps Hungarian Bookstore
    545 E. 12th St, NY NY 10009

    Kötetlen beszélgetés, nyitott szellemiségû kreatív véleménycsere könyvekrôl, spirituális élményekrôl, önismeretrôl, szolidaritásról. A találkozót 11. alkalommal rendezzük meg, folyamatosan bôvülô létszámmal. Szeretettel várunk bárkit, aki nyitott szellemiségû magyar baráti kört keres New York-ban és környékén. A találkozóval egyidôben kreatív gyerekfoglalkozást biztosítunk azoknak a családoknak, akik gyermekeiket is szeretnék elhozni a könyvesboltba. A klubban valo reszvetel ingyenes.

    Mikky & Timea Zsedely
    10 Thousand Steps Hungarian Bookstore/Trans Art Area Gallery
    545 E. 12th St, New York, NY 10009
    Call: 646-484-5525
    info@hunbookstore.com
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    Come take a trip with The Csűrdöngölő Folk Ensemble on the Hungarian State Railway en route to an authentic Hungarian village wedding. Artists include the Eletfa Folk Band, Hungarian American Athletic Club Folk Dance Band and more.New Brunswick, NJ - Lakodalom van a mi utcánkban!
    (There's a wedding on our street!) Come take a trip with The Csűrdöngölő Folk Ensemble on the Hungarian State Railway en route to an authentic Hungarian village wedding. Artists include the Életfa Folk Band and the Hungarian American Athletic Club Folk Dance Group.

    March 19th, 3 & 7:30 pm
    Crossroads Theatre
    Contact: csurfolk@gmail.com


    Looking Back... AHF History

    AHF 100 YEARS DISPLAY: AHF relief efforts during WWIIWWII and the American Hungarian Relief Program... The American Hungarian Relief Program, under the auspices of the American Hungarian Federation, collected and sent $1,216,167.00 in clothing, medicine, foodstuffs and money. In all, 200,000 care packages were sent by countless local and national groups. Total estimated costs of the relief program exceeded three million dollars. [read more]


    AHF Members' Corner

    Featured Member

    Kitty Gogins' maiden name is Kitty Aniko ZoltaiKitty Gogins' maiden name is Kitty Aniko Zoltai. Her parents have always called her 'Kati' or 'Katika'. Since her early childhood, she has been active in the Minnesota Hungarians, especially volunteering at the Festival of Nations, helping with the Christmas party, and as a Videki Hungarian dancer. From an early age, she has been fascinated with her parents’ journey to become Americans. The longer she worked in leading strategic and cultural change, the more appreciation she felt for their incredible cultural journey. "I feel honored to have had the opportunity to recently publish their story, 'My Flag Grew Stars: World War II Refugees’ Journey to America," she said. [read more]

    Featured Book

    AHF features books and articles written by distinguished AHF members. AHF encourages all members to submit scholarly essays, books, and other materials which will be featured on our Publications page. 1956 Revolution-related materials are also featured on www.hungary1956.com

    The book is about Kitty's parents, who were World War II refugees from Hungary. Based on extensive original documents, interviews and research, the author recreated their story fleeing Hungary, surviving postwar Europe as refugees, immigrating to North America as indentured servants, and embarking on their journey to become Americans.The current selection is "My flag Grew Stars" by Kitty Gogins - Their Homeland destroyed, teenagers Olga Wagner and Tibor Zoltai independently flee Hungary near the end of World War II, carrying only rucksacks. The book is about Kitty's parents, who were World War II refugees from Hungary. Based on extensive original documents, interviews and research, the author recreated their story fleeing Hungary, surviving postwar Europe as refugees, immigrating to North America as indentured servants, and embarking on their journey to become Americans. [read more & buy it!] Order on AHF's Amazon Store


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