 The American Hungarian Federation® (AHF) is a national, non-partisan, all-volunteer, independent, non-profit, charitable and educational 501(C)(3) organization representing the interests of its members and a broad cross section of the Hungarian-American community. Founded in 1906 in Cleveland,
Ohio, AHF (Amerikai Magyar Szövetség or AMSZ in Hungarian) is the largest Hungarian-American umbrella organization in the United
States and among the oldest ethnic organizations in the country.
AHF was established as an association of Hungarian societies, institutions
and churches to "defend the interest of Americans of Hungarian origin
in the United States."
The American Hungarian Federation
strives to unite the American Hungarian community through work that supports
common goals. Over the past 100 years, AHF's mission has broadened to include support
of people of Hungarian descent on both sides of the Atlantic and in the
successor states of the Carpathian Basin.
Common Ground, Inclusivity,
Reaching Out (Miért van ez Angolul?)
AHF believes in focusing on common ground issues and working with ALL
Hungarian-American individuals and organizations, regardless of political,
religious, or other affiliation, that share our values. We have all heard, "a nyelvben él
a nemzet" (in the language lives the people). While positive in principle
and important historically as a measure of national and cultural identity, today there
are many Hungarian Americans who feel strongly about their heritage but
may not speak the language. Many of these individuals have felt alienated.
With the lack of educational opportunity, others never had a chance to
learn Hungarian properly. The lack of language skills does not make them any less Hungarian or welcome to contribute to our efforts. AHF believes in an inclusive, "big tent," and these individuals represent an important
and largely untapped resource of new energy. AHF strives to make sure its communication includes English to 1) reach
out to next-generation Hungarian-Americans who may have lost their
ability to speak Hungarian, but who have a love for their heritage and
desire to work toward a better future for their people; and 2) to communicate
our message to the Western media and to the world. Hungarian causes have
been largely unknown outside the Hungarian community. We feel we must make others
aware of our issues and seek friends and allies who may have been unaware
of our concerns due to poor communication or exclusive use of Hungarian.
Hungarian and American - from the start!
AHF's Motto, "Fidelissimus ad Mortem" (Faithful Unto Death),
was taken from a letter to Benjamin Franklin written by the Father of
the US Light Cavalry when he offered his sword in service to the United
States. The former Hussar Officer, Col. Commandant Mihaly Kovats, whose
life and service is celebrated annually by US Military Cadets at the Citadel
Military Academy, died in battle against the British in Charleston, S.C.
in 1779. Our Motto reflects our virtues and historically and inextricably
ties Hungarians and Americans together and symbolizes Hungarians' contribution
to America right from the start.
 AHF established the Colonel Commandant
Michael Kovats Medal of Freedom to honor outstanding individuals and recognize
their life's achievements, dedication to freedom and democracy, promotion
of transatlantic relations, and meritorious contribution to society. The
award, AHF's highest honor, is open to Hungarians and non-Hungarians alike. Inscribed
on the medal is AHF's Motto, “Fidelissimus ad Mortem" or "Most Faithful
Unto Death” (Híven Mindhalálig in Hungarian) representing
Hungarian American historical committment to the United States.
A Brief History [See more on Looking Back: AHF History]
 In
1902, a movement started to build a Kossuth statue in Cleveland. The movement
was spearheaded by the "Szabadsag" Hungarian language newspaper
and its editor Tihamer Kohanyi. The needed funds were raised within few
short weeks. Some 60,000 people attended the unveiling, but there were
no representatives from Hungary.As a sign of unity and to symbolize that
Hungarians and Americans were tied together inextricably from the start,
Hungarian American
leaders conceived an idea to place a statue of George Washington in Budapest.
AHF's "Statue Committee" was organized and the collection started
with the Szabadsag's donation of $100. Fundraising was again successful
and construction began on a site in Budapest's beautiful City Park (Város
Liget). In 1906, several hundred American Hungarians traveled to Hungary
for the unveiling led by Tihamer Kohanyi, AHF's first President. The group
laid wreaths on the statues of Szechenyi, Petofi and visited the last
resting place of Kossuth.
 On February 22, 2006, U.S. Ambassador to Hungary George Walker joined
distinguished Hungarians at the wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the
founder and first President of the United States George Washington. In
his remarks, Ambassador Walker noted that September would mark the 100th
anniversary of the erection of the statue, and expressed great appreciation
on behalf of the people of the United States that Hungary has so honored
the founder of their nation.
Later that year, top
Hungarian leaders, U.S. Embassy officials and members of the Hungarian
public celebrated the 100th anniversary of the unveiling of the George
Washington statue in Városliget (City Park) on September 16, 2006.
 With
the aftermath of WWI and the tragic consequences that befell Hungary at
the Treaty
of Trianon, the American Hungarian Federation organized the 1st Hungarian
American National Congress, a grand assembly of all Hungarian organizations
held on May 29, 1929 in Buffalo, New York. The Federation obtained full
support and was recognized by the United States government as the official
spokesman of Hungarian-Americans. One
of the American Hungarian Federation's early purposes was to coordinate
efforts for the revision of the Treaty of Trianon and bring to the attention
of politicians and lawmakers the importance of such a revision.
 With its
new mandate, a few months later in Budapest, AHF became a founding member
of the Hungarian World Alliance at the first International Congress of Hungarians
whose members included representatives of Hungarian communities from many
parts of the world and friends of Hungary from foreign countries. One
of the more spectacular projects
aimed at calling attention to the plight ofHungary after her dismemberment
at Trianon was the
historic trans-Atlantic flight named "Justice for Hungary," marking the first time that an airplane crossing the ocean had radio contact
both with the starting and landing aerodromes and also the first time
such a flight was used for political purposes.
AHF's original mission was:
"...to direct immigrants of Hungary into such parts of this country
where they are mostly needed; to further the cultural development of Americans
of Hungarian birth or decent; to spread the knowledge of American Institutions
among them, so as to further their Americanization; to give material and
moral aid to those who need it; to get free legal advice aid to American-Hungarians
without means; to promote cordial commercial relations between this country
and Hungary; to defend the good name and reputation of Hungary against
attacks and defamations; and to organize branches for the purpose of accomplishing
the several aims of the Federation." But With the tragic events unfolding
in Europe in WWI, WWII, and then again in 1956, AHF's mission evolved.
 The
reluctant player in WWI was punished heavily, paying a price no other
modern nation had ever before been subjected to. The French, despite American
protests and calls for plebiscites, with troops in Northern Hungary in
violation of the peace, pushed through the Treaty
of Versailles (Trianon) which cost Hungary 2/3 of it territory, 1/3
of its Hungarian population, and up to 90% of its resources, railroads,
and industry. Rumania, herself created only in 1862, switched
to the French side almost at the very end of the war, gained all of
Transylvania and majority of the Banat. The Czechs got all of Northern
Hungary to create Czechoslovakia, the Serbs got Southern Hungary (Vojvodina)
and Croatia, and most amazingly, the Austrians who were responsible for
getting Hungary into the war in the first place, got Western Hungary (Burgenland).
AHF was instrumental in organizing the American Hungarian Community in
efforts to influence US policy in order to illuminate the unjust dismemberment
of Hungary at Trianon and seek re-unification.
In the aftermath of WWII, AHF worked closely with the Hungarian Reformed
Federation of America and started the first Hungarian Relief Program.
A total of $1,457,743.00 was sent to the needy people of Hungary in the
form of money, clothing and medicine.
In 1956 the American Hungarian Federation activated the second Hungarian
Relief program for the refugees of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, providing
$512,560.00. With the support of the American Hungarian Federation, over
65,000 refugees arrived in the USA, many to historic Camp Kilmer.
The AHF has been a stalwart supporter of freedom both at home and abroad,
often sending memoranda to the US President and Congress, as well as testifying
before Congress on the "Desperate Plight of the Hungarian People."
On December 13, 1974 a bill was passed in the Senate, in response to energetic
lobbying by the American Hungarian Federation, on the basis of the text
drafted by Szabolcs Mesterhazy. The bill provides that any country desirous
of acquiring the status of the "most favored nation" must agree
to allow the free emigration of its citizens who wish to join their relatives
in the United States. This bill was submitted by Jesse Helms (R-North
Carolina) and is humorously referred to as "the Hungarian Amendment."
In 1974, AHF published a two volume set containing the speeches and correspondences
of various distinguished members of the US Senate and House of Representatives
with references to the Hungarian questions.
 In
1990 March 15, a Lajos Kossuth Bust was dedicated by the leaders of the
American Hungarian Federation in the United States Capitol Rotunda. The
welcoming text was delivered by Honorable Tom Lantos (D-CA). The sculpture
was unveiled by the sculptor and AHF Board Member, Csaba
Kur of Youngstown, OH. The "Father of the Rumanian Revolution,"
Rev. Tokes of Transylvania, was also present. After the Ceremonies there
was a reception given by influential AHF members such as the Hungarian Reformed Federation (HRFA),
the William
Penn Association and the Congressional Human Rights Foundation in
the Statuary Hall of the US Capitol.
The Next 100 Years
In the 21st century, AHF continues its tradition of helping those in need and supporting educational and cultural preservation programs. AHF continues to support the Hungarian Scholarship Fund and the Hungarian Scouts, helped the Hungarians of Louisiana rebuild after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and in 2010 - 2011, raised over $200,000.00 to help victims of devastating flooding and Toxic Sludge. AHF also continues to raise its voice and regularly calls attention to gross violations of human and minority rights against Hungarians in the Carpathian Basin. Yes, we need your support now more than ever.
Despite many successes, the situation for millions of Hungarians, especially
in those areas lost after WWI at the Treaty of Versailles (Trianon),
remains grim. Oppressive language laws in Slovakia, the lack
of formal education opportunities in the mother tongue, the forced confiscation
of private and church / synagogue property in Rumania, falsification of history and defamation of Hungarian Holocaust Heroes in Slovakia, and vandalism
and violence against Hungarians in Vojvodina are but a few indicators that there is much
work still to do. The pathetic story of the tiny Hungarian village called Szelmenc that was literally divided in
two by two successor states sums it all up very well.
We need your support! Join us.
| Contact Us
American Hungarian Federation
2001 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20036
(567) AHF-AMSZ (243-2679)
[email]
About our Logo
AHF's logo was designed by Bryan Dawson, AHF Vice-President. The 13 stars represent the original 13 colonies during the American War of Independence in which the Founding Father of the U.S. Cavalry, Col. Michael Kovats de Fabricy, died while leading the Continental Army cavalry he had trained in Hungarian
Hussar tactics against a British siege of Charleston in 1779. At the "heart" of the logo is the historic Hungarian Coat of Arms representing our pride in our heritage and our goal to represent the interests of our members and the Hungarian-American community in these United States. Our logo represents Hungarian-American loyalty and unwavering historical commitment to the United States and to freedom, democracy, human and minority rights, and the ideals of our forebearers who, like Col. Kovats or the 1956 Freedom Fighters, were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for that freedom, "Fidelissimus ad Mortem / Most Faithful Unto Death."
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.”
- Kohányi Tihamér, AHF President, 1907
AHF Leadership
National President:
Akos Nagy
Co-President:
Dr. Imre Nemeth
Executive Committee Vice Chair
Dr. Istvan Horvath
Vice Presidents:
Barbara Bollok
Dr. Judit Kerekes
Treasurer:
Zoltan Bencsik
National Secretary
Ildiko Vass
General Counsel
Paul Kamenar
Chairman of Board Director
Adam Grosz
Vice Chairman of Board Director
Zita Szabo
Board of Directors
Magdolna Beke
Zsuzsanna Dreisziger Stricz
Paul Kamenar
Eva Kazella
Zita Szabo
Zsolt Vass
Edward Vass
Zoltan Bencsik
Dr. Judit Kerekes
More detail about those members with Websites can be found on [links].
Some of these have been [Featured Members].
If we missed you, please let us know!
(alphabetically - does not include individual)
- 1956 World Federation of Freedom Fighters in Mid-America - Professor László Gutay, Ph.D.
- American Hungarian Citizens League of Garfield NJ - Grósz Ádám
- American
Hungarian Executive Circle (AHEC)
- Horváth László
- American Hungarian Federation of Metropolitan Washington, DC
- Frank Koszorus, Jr.
- AHF Tennessee Chapter - Dr. Steven Csorna
- AHF Texas Chapter - Chris Cutrone
- AHF Virginia Chapter - Atilla Kocsis
- AHF Arizona Chapter - Elaine Landau
- AHF Georgia Chapter - Dr. Balint Kacsoh
- AHF California Chapter - Dr. Katalin Kadar-Lynn
- AHF Ohio Chapter - Prof. Bela Bognar
- AHF New Jersey Chapter - Csilla Molnar
- AHF Massachusetts Chapter - James Buzgo
- American
Hungarian Foundation
- Prof. Molnár Ágoston
- The American Foundation for Hungarian Youth and Culture - Andrew Evva
- Assumption Catholic Church
- Father Miskolczy Kálmán OPD
- The
Atlanta Hungarian Language Meetup Group
- Joseph Értavy
- The Bethlen
Home - Rev. Dr. Bertalan A Imre, Jr.
- Catskill Hungarian Club - Beke Imre, Sr.
- Fathers and Sons of the Revolution
-
v. Juhász Ferenc
- First
United Hungarian Church of Christ of Miami
- Revs. Lászlo and Dr. Lukácsi Éva
- First
Hungarian Hussar Regiment of California
- Ferenc (Frank) Bakonyi, Colonel
- Friends
of United Way, Hungary - László Buda
- Honorary Hungarian Consulate of Houston
- Philip
Aronoff,
Honorary Consul General
- Honorary Hungarian Consulate of Miami
- George de
Pozsgay, Esq.,
Honorary Consul General
- Honorary Hungarian Consulate of Seattle
- Helen Szablya,
Honorary Consul General
- Honorary Hungarian Consulate of Los Angeles
- Eva
E. Voisin,
Honorary Consul General
- Hungarian
Association of Cleveland
- The Hungarian
America Foundation
- Dr. Végh Sándor
- Hungarian
AmericanReformed Federation HRFA
- Hungarian Christian Society / Venice Hungarian House / Petofi
Kulturalis Egyesulet
- President: Kovács Maria
- Honorary President: Nagy Kálmán
- Hungarian
Club of Colorado - Vass Tibor
- Hungarian Club of Orange County - Vass Ildikó
- Hungarian Cultural Association of Houston
- Eva Stubits
- Hungarian Cultural Foundation
- Hungarian Freedom Fighters Federation of America (Magyar
Szabadságharcos Szövetség)
- Bendeghuz Virág
- Hungarian Freedom Fighters Federation of New York (Magyar Szabadságharcos Szövetség New York-i Szervezete) - Mr. George Lovas
- Hungarian Friends Society, Elyria, Ohio
- Hungarian Historical Association - Bauer, Aloysius
- Hungarian Historical Society, NJ - George Redey
- Hungarian Ladies' Guild of NJ - Erdösi Margit
- Hungarian
Reformed Church of New York
- Rev. Drótos Arpád
- Hungarian Reformed Church of
Washington, DC
- Hungarian Scholarship Fund - Prof. Béla Bognár
- The
Hungarian Society of Massachusetts
Massachusetts-i Magyar Egyesület
- Dr. Agnes Virga
- Hungarians of Southwest Florida - Frank Dobos
- Hungarian Memorial Park,
N. Olmstead, Ohio
- Arpád Dobolyi
- The
Hungarian Multicultural Center - Beáta Széchy
- Hungarian Round Table of NJ - Micheller Attila
- Kossuth Club, Sarasota, FL
- Eva Kisvarsanyi
- Linden Hungarian Club - Micheller Attila
- Loraine
County Memorial Association, Ohio
- Lena Dohanyos / John Peters
- Lorantffy Zsuzsanna Home - Mrs. Dömötör Erzsébet
- Louisiana
Hungarians - Dr. Stephen Gergátz and Julia Bika
- The
Lyukas Zaszlo "Torn From the Flag" Project
- Kovács Klaudia
- Magyar Studies of America - Zsuzsa Lengyel
- Massachusetts Hungarian Society - Dr. Agnes Virga
- Meszaros International Center of Entrepreneurship (MICE) (Buffalo,
NY) - Mészaros Lászlo "Les"
- The MetroPlex Magyar Cultural
Circle
- Imre Gazda
- Perth-Amboy Reformed Church
- Vitézi Rend - András Simon
- Philadelphia Hungarian Club - Kiss János
- The Royal
Hungarian Gendarmerie Veterans Association (A Magyar Királyi
Csendörség Bajtársi Közösség)
- Zoltán Körössy
- Saint Laszlo Hungarian Reformed Church of Lorain Ohio - Rev. Tóth Péter
- Saint Stephen's Roman Catholic Church of NY
- Ft. Csorba Dömönkös
- SARA (Sharing America's Resources Abroad) / Ohio United Church of Christ
- Rev. Dr. Szilágyi István
- Society
of Hungarian Philately - Alan Hoover
- Transylvanian Committee / Erdélyi Bizottság
- Dr. Rev. Sándor Havadtöy
- United Hungarian Fund
- Dr. Papp Gábor
- William
Penn Association
- Stephen J. Varga
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