About the American Hungarian Federation



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The American Hungarian Federation (AHF), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in 1906 in Cleveland, Ohio. Among the oldest ethnic organizations in the US, 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. AHF is a national, non-partisan, independent umbrella organization representing the interests of the Hungarian American community.

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. We have all heard, "a nyelvben él a nép" (in the language lives the people). While positive in principle and important historically as a measure of national 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. AHF feels these individuals represent an important and largely untapped resource or new energy. AHF's own president, Stephen Varga, who doesn't speak Hungarian states, "I dare anyone to find someone that feels more Hungarian than I do."

AHF strives to make sure its communication includes English to 1) reach out to 2nd and 3rd 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. Hungarians Rather than tell each other about our problems in Hungarian, 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, "Faithful Unto Death," seen at the top right was taken from a letter to Benjamin Franklin written by the Father of the US Cavalry when he offered his sword in service to the United States. The former Hussar Officer, Mihaly Kovats, whose life and service is celebrated annually by US Military Cadets at the Citadel, 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.

A Brief History

After a slow start, the aftermath of WWI and the tragic consequences that befell Hungary at the Treaty of Trianon, the American Hungarian Federation was reorganized at 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 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.

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. Although Rumania, herself created only in 1862, switched to the French side almost at the very end of the war, she 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.

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 American Hungarian Federation in the United States Capitol Rotunda. The welcoming text was delivered by Honorable Tom Lantos (D-CA), and the Bust was presented by Rev. Tibor Domotor, President of the American Hungarian Federation. The sculpture was unveiled by the sculptor, Csaba Kur of Youngstown, OH. The "Father of the Rumanian Revolution," Rev. Tokes of Transylvania, was also present. Much of the work behind the scenes was done by Mr. Imre Beke. After the Ceremonies there was a reception given by HRFA, William Penn and the Congressional Human Rights Foundation in the Statuary Hall of the US Capitol.

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 and Rumania, the lack of formal education opportunities in the mother tongue, the forced confiscation of private and church/synagogue property in Rumania, and Serb vandalism and violence 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.