AHF News Archive

3/24/2008 - Hungary and the United States Sign Visa Waiver Agreement... On Monday, March 17, 2008, Hungary, Slovakia and Lithuania signed a Visa Waiver Program memorandum of understanding with the United States.  This agreement is intended to pave the way to help the three countries qualify for visa waiver free travel to the United States later this year. Washington Times publishes AHF Letter to the Editor. [read more]

3/5/2008 - American Hungarian Federation Raises Issue of Vojvodina Hungarians With Senator Senator Clinton’s Foreign Policy Advisor, Ron Asmus...On March 3 representatives of the 19 member organizations of the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) spoke via conference call with Dr. Ron Asmus, foreign policy adviser to Senator Hillary Clinton's campaign. The discussion, which was a follow-up to a meeting with Secretary Madeline Albright and Senator Clinton's Campaign National Security Director, Lee Feinstein held last week. [read more]

3/5/2008 - American Hungarian Federation Participates in Meetings With Senator Obama’s and Senator Clinton’s Foreign Policy Advisors...The Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) and the American Hungarian Federation (AHF), discussed a number of policy issues with both candidates' top advisors. [read more]

3/1/2008 - Zoltan Bagdy writes in support of national self-determination in reaction to February 19 Anne Applebaum article: "... it is doubly puzzling why she now seems to be ringing the alarm-bell about other ethnic groups seeking their own self-determination. Why not the Basques?  Her list doesn’t even mention the Kurds, so I will add it myself:  Why not the Kurds?  Don’t they deserve self-determination?  There are 2 million ethnic Hungarians living outside of Hungary, they are not allowed to use their native language, their cultural and educational opportunities are constrained. Aren’t they entitled to their freedom?" [read more]

2/29/2008 - As Kosovo gains independence, AHF calls attention to the largest minority in the region: The Hungarians in the former Yugoslavia and within the Carpathian Basin. The recent independence of Kosovo and resulting violence deeply concerns the Federation. In a Letter to the Editor, AHF's Geza Cseri writes: "What is also bothersome and surprising is that there is no overall analysis of minority rights in Central Europe, which is crucial to the peace of the region as well as the whole of Europe. [read more]

10/20/2007 - “Hungarians are the cancer of the Slovak nation, without delay we need to remove them from the body of the nation” - Jan Slota. AHF releases statement on the Benes Decrees and recent extremist developments in Slovakia. "Having taken a step that has fueled ethnic hatred and assaulted good relations with Hungary, the Slovak Parliament on September 20, 2007 adopted a resolution proposed by extremist Jan Slota ratifying and confirming the Benes decrees." [read more]

10/3/2007– Hungarian-American Organizations join Local Community to Commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Darr Mine Disaster. Key AHF member organizations joined forces to remember the worst mining disaster in Pennsylvania history. On December 19, 1907 an explosion in the Darr Mine took the lives of an estimated 239 men and teenage boys. Though most of those killed were Hungarian immigrant laborers, AHF honors all those that sacrificed their lives. Many of the miners were buried in a common grave above which AHF placed a memorial in 1909 seen here. [read more]

10/2/2007 - Senator Larry Craig and the Hungarian (Dis)Connection: The Hungarians of Voivodina. AHF's chair of the International Affairs Committee recaps the effort to protect the minority rights of the Hungarian community in the Vojvodina region of northern Serbia and the Senator's role in blocking those efforts. The bi-partisan, bicameral measure had stated that "during the past 10 years...ethnic cleansing has already driven 50,000 ethnic Hungarians out of the province of Voivodina." [read more]

9/14/2007 - Nicholas Sarkozy visits Hungary, the first stop in a tour of Europe, comments on his Hungarian ancestry... "I do not forget that this the birthplace of my father. And after all, it's not everyday that there is a president of the republic who is half-Hungarian." AHF had earlier congratulated Sarkozy on his election as French Prime Minister. [read more]

8/28/2007 - Ambassador Simonyi bids farewell to Washington, Thanks "Hungarian Community" for Support. AHF Issues Statement: "In addition to government officials and personalities, Simonyi expressed his appreciation to the “Hungarian community who have [sic] embraced us, supported us, and rooted for us” and highlighted several individuals. The Ambassador overstated the case. There have been few Hungarian-American individuals or organizations that fell into the category of uncritical supporters." [read more in English] [tovább magyarul]

8/13/2007 - Video of the 2007 Memorial Day Commemoration and Wreath Laying at Arlington National Cemetery. AHF's annual Memorial Day Commemoration was held on May 27, 2007 at Arlington National Cemetery. This special 100th anniversary year included wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. [read more] or [click to see video] now!

7/28/2007 - AHF Board meets at the Bethlen Home in Ligonier, PA, confirms 2007 programs, declares July 15 "Justice for Hungarians Day." The AHF Board of Directors met for two days to discuss 2007 programs and the state of the Federation. Topics included increasing support for the Hungarian Scholarship Fund, supporting the October 23 Civil Defense Committee in Hungary (Civil Jogász Bizottság), Congressional and media relations, support of the historic Hungarian communities in Vojvodina, Transylvania, Slovakia and Carpatho-Ukraine, and commemorating the Darr Mine diasaster of 1907 and the Federation's 100th Anniversary. [read more]

7/25/2007 - AHF Calls for protection on minorities in both Kosovo and Vojvodina. With independence of Kosovo inevitable, and the potential for violence, the Federation calls international attention to the other large minority in the former Yugoslavia: The Hungarians of Vojvodina who lost autonomy by Serbian totalitarian regime of Milosevic. AHF publishes Letter to the Editor regarding Kosovo Independence: "Because intolerance toward minorities characterizes the region, minority rights guarantees – a prerequisite to democracy and stability -- must not be entrusted exclusively to the local political elites." [read more]

7/27/2007 - The Armenian Assembly announced that the Armenian Genocide resolution (H. Res.106) achieved a major milestone by garnering the support of a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives. H. Res. 106 now has 218 cosponsors. The Assembly publicly thanked the American Hungarian Federation and other organizations for their support. [read more]

7/17/2007 - Hungary's Accession to NATO: An expanded report. The American Hungarian Federation of Metropolitan Washington expands report on Hungary's accession to NATO to provide researchers a unique perspective on key events relating to NATO’s enlargement and the debate to include Hungary in the alliance. [read more]

6/14/2007 - Enduring Strains of Communism in Central and Eastern Europe: A distinguished panel of experts convened by Hudson’s Center for European Studies offered their perspectives. Panelists included The Honorable Dr. János Horváth, member of the Hungarian Parliament and Professor of Economics Emeritus at Indiana’s Butler University; Keith Smith, senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, consultant on international energy affairs, and former diplomat to Europe for over thirteen years, including a final posting as U.S. ambassador to Lithuania; and Frank Koszorus Jr., former chairman of the private-sector NATO Enlargement Working Group’s steering committee and co-president of the American Hungarian Federation.[read more]

6/14/2007 - "There are no Nationalities in Romania?" The American Hungarian Federation Co-Hosts Lecture by Bishop Arpad Szabo from Kolozsvar... The Federation and the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America (HRFA) sponsored a presentation by Dr. Arpad Szabo entitled "In Europe, but . . ." at the HRFA Kossuth House. Bishop Szabo is the head of the Unitarian Church in Romania and is in the United States to attend the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association. The Federation’s program was the latest in its series of lectures relating to Central and Eastern Europe. [read more]

6/12/2007 - The Victims of Communism Memorial was dedicated by President George W. Bush in a morning ceremony on Tuesday, June 12th. Washington's newest memorial honors the 100 million people who have been killed by communist totalitarian regimes worldwide. AHF is proud to have contributed to this great effort. AHF leaders attended the Gala Awards Ceremony that same evening where Bishop Laszlo Tokes delivered a stirring convocation. [read more]

6/4/2007 - "Trianon: Tragedy, Dissolution, and Remedy." Frank Koszorus, Jr. and the AHF International Relations Committee release essay on treaty's 87th anniversary. "...Ostensibly in the name of national self-determination, the Treaty dismembered the thousand-year-old Kingdom of Hungary, a self-contained, geographically and economically coherent and durable formation in the Carpathian Basin and boasting the longest lasting historical borders in Europe. It was imposed on Hungary without any negotiation by vengeful leaders... it also transferred over three million indigenous ethnic Hungarians and over 70% of the country's territory to foreign rule." [read more]

5/27/2007 - AHF lays wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The American Hungarin Federation's 2007 Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery included a wreath laying the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 40 members and guests and throngs of tourists witnessed the special ceremony as AHF President Atilla Micheller was escorted by Lt. Col. Steve Vekony (US Army) and the First Califiornia Hussar Regiment. Arlington National is the final resting place for a number of Hungarian American Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. Following the wreath laying, the program included a remembrance and walking tour of Hungarian-American gravesites. [more]

5/8/2007 - Representatives of the American Hungarian Federation met with the Honorable Janos Horvath on May 2, 2007 in Washington, D.C. at the Kossuth House.... Dr. Horvath generously spent over three hours with representatives of the American Hungarian Federation and gave a detailed presentation of his work and the situation in Hungary, including why Hungary is not living up to its potential. Dr. Horvath holds the distinguished title of ‘Senior Member of the Parliament’ and focuses on political/economic matters and foreign affairs. He was also a 2006 recipient of the Federation's highest honor, the Col. Commandant Michael Kovats Medal of Freedom for his lifetime achievements and committment to democratic values awarded during his US voting rights awareness campaign. [read more]

4/16/2007 - Dr. Ibolya David, head of the Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF / Magyar Demokrata Fórum) discusses current political affairs in Hungary. In an event co-sponsored by the American Hungarian Federation (AHF) and the Hungarian American Coalition and hosted by the Hungarian Reformed Federation, Dr. David addressed concerns expressed by the organizing committee ranging from US-Hungarian bilateral relations to Hungarian energy policy and relations with Russia. [read more]

3/18/2007 - Washington-area Hungarians commemorate the 1848 Revolution... AHF Vice-President Yvette Görög-Boone delivered the keynote address calling on the Hungarian community to rekindle the spirit of 1848 and to guard Hungary's place in the community of democratic nations. AHF Co-President Frank Koszorus, Jr.'s address, "Kossuth and the Meaning of Democracy," focused attention on the dangers of "illberal democracy" and the "tyranny of the majority" in Central and Eastern Europe. The program included performances by members of the Hungarian Scouts of Washington. [read more]

3/5/2007 - ACTION ALERT: Help build the Congressional Friends of Hungary (CFH)... On February 12, Congressman Tom Lantos (D-CA), Chairman of the U.S. Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT) circulated a "Dear Colleague" letter inviting Members of Congress to join the Congressional Friends of Hungary (CFH). The purpose of the caucus, as noted by the co-chairs, is "to recognize the contributions of Hungarian-Americans to the United States and to strengthen the ties between the United States and Hungary." We need your help to build the CFH! How can you help? [read more]

2/24/2006 - Annual Leadership Conference in Venice, Florida... AHF Members are welcome to join AHF Leadership to discuss implementing AHF's 2007 program and strategies aimed at strengthening the Federation in its 100th anniversary year. [read more]

12/18/2006 - The American Hungarian Federation Condemns Latest Minority Rights Violations By Romania: Sanctions Against Hungarian Professors At Babes-Bolyai University For Promoting Bilingualism. "Although Romania joined NATO and will be accepted into the EU, the irrefutable record demonstrates that its laws and practices fail to conform to European and Western standards relating to human and minority rights. A few examples of Romania’s less than exemplary record will suffice..." [read more]

12/1/2006 - Budapest Needs to Support Legitimate Aspirations of Hungarian Minorities, Not Eliminate Institutions. The American Hungarian Federation is concerned that revised policies by Hungary may not be sufficient to protect the Hungarian minorities living in the Carpathian Basin. The Federation hopes that other organizations and individuals, especially those who address minority rights issues, will join the Federation in its expression of concern. The full text of the Federation's statement, in English and Hungarian can be viewed below.

• AHF Statement (English) [read more]
• AMSz Nyilatkozat (Hungarian/Magyarul) [tovább]

11/17/2006 - AHF Co-President, Imre Toth attends Washington Premiere of Andrew Vajna's stirring film, "Freedom's Fury." The Hungarian Embassy hosted the premier of the documentary film "Freedom's Fury," the story of the 1956 olympic water polo match between a "free" Hungary (the match took place during the revolution) and the Soviet Union which led to blood in the water. Imre Toth, a filmmaker himself, was asked to present technical questions from the production crew of Colin Gray and Megan Aarons (the Sibs.) Imre reports "It was a fantastic experience. This will be a collector's item for Hungarians for the next 50 years to come." [read more]

11/16/2006 - Federation Leaders Meet with White House Official. On November 16, members of the American Hungarian Federation's leadership, including its President, Istvan Fedor, and several members of the Federation's Executive Committee Zoltan Bagdy, Bryan Dawson, Atilla Kocsis, and Frank Koszorus, Jr. met with Adam Sterling, the newly appointed Director of Central and Eastern European Affairs of the National Security Council. The meeting took place in the Executive Office of the White House. [read more]

11/5/2006 - American Hungarian Federation Criticized for Speaking out in Favor of Democracy... The article, “Az Amerikai Magyar Szövetség botrányos nyilatkozata,” published in the November 5, 2006 edition of Amerikai Magyar Nepszava Szabadság ("Népszava") is punctuated with inaccurate, unsubstantiated and malevolent assertions. Népszava criticized the Federation for expressing its concern over reports of alleged police brutality directed against peaceful demonstrators on October 23, 2006 and for supporting an impartial investigation of those allegations.

Amnesty International had issued a similar statement calling for investigations of alleged excessive use of force during September demonstrations. [read more]

Az Amerikai Magyar Népszava Szabadság (mostantól Népszava) 2006. november 5-én Az Amerikai Magyar Szövetség botrányos nyilatkozata címmel pontatlan, megalapozatlan és rosszindulatú kifejezésekkel terhelt cikket közölt, bírálni próbálva a Szövetséget, amiért az aggodalmát fejezte ki az 2006. október 23-án, a békés tüntetokkel szemben foganatosított, állítólagos rendori eroszakról érkezo jelentések kapcsán, és egyúttal támogatta az állítások részrehajlás nélküli kivizsgálását. [tovább magyarul]

11/2/2006 - American Hungarian Federation Expresses Concern Over Excessive Use of Force. On October 31, 2006 the American Hungarian Federation issued a statement concerning the recent developments relating to demonstrations against the government of Hungary.  The Federation expresses its concern over the excessive use of force against the demonstrators, and questions the official inaction concerning the events; it also calls for a thorough and timely investigation of the police actions.  The full text of the statement, in English and in Hungarian, can be viewed below. 

• AHF Statement (English) [read more]
• AMSz Nyilatkozat (Hungarian/Magyarul) [tovább]

10/22 - 10/29 - Texas AHF Chapter Grows with successful commemorations of the 50th Anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. The University of St. Thomas hosts symposium and photo exhibit and the Hungarian American Cultural Association hosts commemoration in Houston where Dr. Robert Ivany is awarded the Col. Commandant Michael Kovats Medal of Freedom, AHF's highest honor. The same photo exhibit displayed in the state Capitol in Austin. Dallas Hungarians dedicate the “emlékoszlopok” ("memorial poles" are traditional Transylvanian carved wooden monuments) in honor of the 1956 Revolution and the 50th year of the Cistercian Abbey. [read more]

10/25/2006 - AHF President Istvan Fedor Expresses Thanks to President Bush for His Proclamation About the 1956 Revolution. On this page below, President Bush's October 18 Proclamation honoring the 1956 Revolution is printed. On October 25, AHF President Istvan Fedor thanked President Bush for his Proclamation and for his personal involvement in the events commemorating 1956, such as his address at the Capitol in March of this year, and his visit to Hungary in June. Read more of Istvan Fedor's letter to President Bush. [read more]

10/22/2006 - AHF Chairman, Akos Nagy provides keynote address at 1956 Memorial unveiling at Miami's Kossuth Club. Miami's Hungarian community commemorated 1956 with a service at the First Hungarian Church of Christ followed by the unveiling and unveiling of its 1956 Memorial. The consecration ceremony began with the Ringing of Bell for the martyrs [read more]

10/20/2006 - The American Hungarian Federation Commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolt. The American Hungarian Federation honored the memory of the heroes of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, at a gala dinner at the prestigious Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C., on October 20th. Close to 150 Federation members, American Hungarians, their American friends and relatives attended the dinner. Seven American Hungarians received the Federation's "Michael Kovats Medal of Freedom Award" in recognition of their efforts on behalf of Hungarian causes. [read more]

10/18/2006 - President Bush issues a proclamation honoring the 1956 Hungarian Revolution... "The story of Hungarian democracy represents the triumph of liberty over tyranny. In the fall of 1956, the Hungarian people demanded change, and tens of thousands of students, workers, and other citizens bravely marched through the streets to call for freedom. Though Soviet tanks brutally crushed the Hungarian uprising, the thirst for freedom lived on, and in 1989 Hungary became the first communist nation in Europe to make the transition to democracy." [download the resolution]

10/16/2006 - AHF Co-President Imre Toth guest speaker at the Goethe Institute during 1956 film screenings. As part of the 50th Anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution commemorations, the Goethe-Institut presented films where each evening’s screenings were followed by a discussion with an expert. The event screened films by AHF members Klaudia Kovacs ("Torn from the Flag"), Jake Borritt (Budapest to Gettysburg), Reka Pigniczky ("Journey Home"), Arthur Rasco ("No Greater Love"), and Steven Fischer ("Freedom Dance"). Other films included "Szerelem" by renowned director Károly Makk and BBC documentary footage. [download the press release]

10/15/2006 - 1956 Anniversary Gala Concert at Carnegie Hall. New York City’s Carnegie Hall hosted a Gala Memorial Concert commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution organized by the Coordinating Committee for the Commemoration of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. [read more]

10/14/2006 - Eisenhower, Khrushchev, and AHF's own Imre Toth participate in "Cold War Conversations: The Uprisings and Revolutions of 1956." The American Hungarian Federation is proud to have co-hosted the event. The Cold War Museum convened panels of diplomats, officials and historians to discuss the 1956 Polish and Hungarian uprisings against the Soviets and Communism. [read more]

10/8/2006 - AHF Co-President, Imre L. Toth, featured in US News and World Report on 1956. "Revolution! The Hungarian uprising 50 years later; how it changed the Cold War" by Alex Kingsbury is the Special Report in the latest issue of U.S. News and World Report magazine. This story appears in the October 16, 2006 print edition of U.S. News & World Report. [see the article]

9/20/2006 - Professor Peter Hargitai and the American Hungarian Federation publish novel about child freedom-fighter, "Daughter of the Revolution." 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. This is the story of one such brave freedom fighter-a 14 year-old girl. [order now]

9/19/2006 - AHF issues statement in reaction to political crisis over Gyurcsany "Pinnochio Gate" speech. Peaceful demonstrations were held worldwide as Hungarians reacted to an aired audiotape of Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany telling members of his ruling Socialist Party that his government had lied about the state of the country's economy throughout its two years in office. "We lied throughout the past one and a half or two years," he said. "We lied in the morning, we lied in the evening and also at night."

• Hungary's HVG Magazine covers the story and the AHF statement
• Hungary's Magyar Nemzet covers the story and the AHF Statement
• Read Prime Minister Gyurcsany's speech in English (BBC).
• See video coverage of the speech and demonstrations (BBC)
• In pictures: Aftermath of Budapest clashes (BBC)
• Hungarian Ambassador to the US Simonyi's reaction in the Washington Times

AHF Statement /
Az Amerikai Magyar Szövetség Nyilatkozata
A demokrácia egyik alapelve, hogy a szavazók szavazó urnákon keresztül gyakorolják a közhatalmat. Ezt mind a gyozteseknek, mind pedig a veszteseknek tiszteletben kell tartaniuk. Bár a szólasszabadság, beleértve a békés tüntetést is, része a demokráciának, a rendbontás és eroszak nem. De a provokálás sem. Az érem másik oldala, hogy akik megnyerik a szavazópolgárok bizalmát, azok tisztességgel, becsültettel és legjobb tudásukkal szolgálják a nemzet és az ország érdekeit. Mivel a Gyurcsány-kormány bevallotta, hogy nemcsak, hogy hazudott, de gazdaságilag is sokat rontott az ország helyzetén, ezért nyilvánvalóvá vált, hogy visszaélt azzal a bizalommal, amellyel a választók felruházták. - ifj. Koszorús Ferenc
Társelnök, Washington, D.C., 2006. Szeptember. 19

[download the statement (in Hungarian)]

8/1/2006 - Virginia's Governor Kaine honors the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Virginia answers AHF's call and joins Texas, Colorado, Ohio, and Maryland in issuing a proclamation honoring the 1956 fight for freedom. AHF is pursuing resolutions in all 50 states. How can you help? [read more]

6/22/2006 - American Hungarian Federation submits Letter to President Bush Prior to his trip to Budapest. On June 17, 2006, the Federation submitted a letter to President Bush in connection with his trip to Budapest. While expressing thanks for the visit and for honoring the 1956 Hungarian revolution, (the Federation recommended such a visit last year, but only after Hungarian elections), the letter noted that “there are Hungarian communities living in states neighboring Hungary who do not yet fully enjoy the benefits of freedom because of the discrimination and intolerance they experience solely due to their nationality.” It suggested how fitting this 50th anniversary year would be it if it were to be “capped by a commitment by every country of the region to promote genuine democracy (and stability) by respecting the minority rights and legitimate aspirations of their respective minorities.” [download the entire letter] [read more about AHF's 1956 activities]

6/16/2006 - AHF outlines key issues in Open Letter/Nyílt Levél to Hungarian Prime Minister Gyurcsány (in English and Hungarian). The Federation decided to publish this letter because it has watched with growing concern how the Medgyessy/Gyurcsany governments ignored or failed to adequately address several key issues – economic reforms, support for families, aspirations of Hungarian minorities in countries neighboring Hungary and voting rights. [read more in English] [tovább magyarul]

6/13/2006 - Yugoslavia: Then and Now. The Washington Times publishes AHF letter to the editor. "Jeffrey T. Kuhner observes that Yugoslavia is dead ("Yugoslavia, rest in peace," Commentary, Thursday). Actually, Yugoslavia was stillborn. Even as it was being cobbled together as part of post-World War I peacemaking, Croats (and other nationalities) resented Belgrade's domination..." [read more] [see more articles in the news]

6/7/2006 - "Trianon Binds No One Except Hungarians," AHF Issues Statement on the 86th Anniversary of the Trianon Tragedy. Hungarian American communities join in protest. AHF's Assoc. President Frank Koszorus, Jr., writes, "Montenegro’s declaration of independence from Serbia on June 3, 2006, is but the latest nail in the coffin of the long-crumbling, outdated and superseded post-World War I peacemaking, including the Treaty of Trianon. Arguably the most severe of all the post-World War I settlements, one is struck by how ephemeral the artificial progeny of the ill-conceived Treaty of Trianon really was." [read more]

6/6/2006 - AHF pursuing resolutions commemorating 1956 in all 50 states! Ohio and Colorado follow Texas in adopting the Resolution and congratulate the American Hungarian Federation on its 100th anniversary. AHF's 1956 Commemoration Committee announced a nationwide effort urging state houses and governors to adopt resolutions honoring the heroes of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Texas became the first state to adopt the resolution. Ohio and Colorado were next. Special thanks to the Hon. Péter Ujvági, Ohio State Representative (D) who successfully pushed the resolution through both state houses and Jeno Megyessy for introducing a joint resolution that also makes Octbober 23, 2006 "Hungarian Freedom Fighter's Day" in Colorado! The Houston Chronicle also published an Op-Ed calling attention to the resolution. We need your help! AHF is calling on all member organizations and friends to promote this important effort! How can you help? [read more]

5/29/2006 - Successful Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. About 40 members and guests which included representatives from NATO, both the US and Hungarian military, Hungarian American leaders, and representatives from the Hungarian Embassy witnessed the Memorial Day ceremony. Arlington National is the final resting place for a number of Hungarian American Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. Following the program that included a roll call in honor of those in present and past military service and a presentation on Hungarian and American military traditions, the group proceeded on a walking tour of 8 additional Hungarian American gravesites scattered throughout the sprawling grounds.

Bryan Dawson-Szilagyi, AHF Executive Committee Chair (seen here placing the AHF commemorative ribbon on the grave of Capt. Akos Szekely who died a hero's death in Vietnam), wrote, "Most special to me was that our commemoration had such a unique historical perspective... A perspective that gave us a deeper understanding of the noble depths of the Hungarian military tradition - a tradition that so many families carried on and one we must honor by remembrance...[With the descendants of Gens. Asboth and Kozlay there with us] We literally touched history - a history across generations, centuries, and continents..." See additional photos, information on the Hungarians buried at Arlington National, and highlights of this very special event >> [read more]

4/28/2006 - Texas House of Representatives adopts 1956 Resolution and congratulates the American Hungarian Federation on its 100th anniversary. AHF's 1956 Commemoration Committee announced a nationwide effort urging state houses and governors to adopt resolutions honoring the heroes of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Texas became the first state to adopt the resolution. The Houston Chronicle also published an Op-Ed calling attention to the resolution. We need your help! AHF is calling on all member organizations and friends to promote this important effort! How can you help? [read more]

4/26/2006 - The American Hungarian Federation announces Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on May 29, 2006. Representatives from NATO and both the US and Hungarian military, Hungarian American leaders, and the Ambassador and representatives from the Hungarian Embassy are expected to attend. Arlington National is the final resting place for a number of Hungarian American Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. [read more]

4/25/2006 - AHF shows unity and elects new leadership at National Meeting. The American Hungarian Federation held its National Convention at the Garfield Hungarian Club in New Jersey on April 22nd. AHF Members from across the United States met to ensure unity and common purpose and successfully elected a new leadership to lead the organization in its Centennial Year. [read more]

4/18/2006 - The American Hungarian Federation responds to European Commissioner Rehn's view that conditions relating to the Hungarian historical community living in Romania are satisfactory. The letter states, "More than a decade after the collapse of communism, Romania has yet to fulfill its promises to its more than 1.5 million strong ethnic Hungarians." [read more]

4/10/2006 - The American Hungarian Federation and the Hungarian Scouts of Washington, DC announce May 20th Gala Fundraiser. Proceeds of the evening to support a series of events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and the Hungarian historical communities living in the countries neighboring Hungary. Honorary Chairs include outstanding community leaders and Congressmen Tom Lantos, Daniel W. Lipinski, Thaddeus G. McCotter, and Frank R. Wolf. [read more and reserve]

3/26/2006 - AHF of Washington, DC's annual 1848 commemoration. The Chapel at Wesley Theological Seminary at American University was the setting for this year's commemoration which featured speeches on Louis Kossuth and the implications of 1848 on recent Hungarian politics and ethnic relations in the Carpathian Basin. Speakers included Ambassador Andras Simonyi, AHF DC President Frank Koszorus, Andras Ferenc Bodor, and performances by local youth and the Bátori József Hungarian Scouts [read more]

3/15/2006 - President Bush Honors Hungary's Contributions to Democracy. March 15th marks Hungary's National Day and the anniversary of its historic 1848 democratic revolution led by Louis Kossuth. “I believe the example of Hungary proves that freedom is universal. I believe everybody desires to live in freedom,” Bush said. “It's an example that tyranny can never stamp out the desire to be free.” Numerous AHF members joined the event chair, Congressman Tom Lantos and distiguished speakers and guests that included Congressmen Hastert and Pelosi, Defense Secretary Rumsfeld, and Hungarian Ambassador Simonyi. [read more] With Video!

3/1/2006 - The "Butcher of Budapest" - The Washington Post publishes AHF article on the "Consequences of the Secret Speech." AHF Assoc. President Frank Koszorus, Jr., wrote the article in reaction to Anne Applebaum's "Happy Anniversary, Nikita Khrushchev." "One consequence of the "secret speech" that Ms. Applebaum didn't mention was the destabilizing impact it had on Soviet-dominated Central and Eastern Europe." [download the article] [see more articles in the news]

3/1/2006 - Dr. Horváth János Washingtonban: Amerikai Magyar Szövetség Kitüntetése

A Washington DC környékén élö magyar közösség nagy érdeklödését kiváltó fórumot tartott Horváth János a Fidesz -Magyar Polgári Szövetség országgyulési képviselöjén a Kossuth Házban 2006. március 1-én. [tovább]

3/1/2006 - Dr. Horváth János Találkozik az Amerikai Magyar Szövetséggel

Észak-amerikai körútja washingtoni eseményei közepette dr. Horváth János - a Fidesz-Magyar Polgári Szövetség országgyülési képviselöje - nagy örömmel tett látogatást az Amerikai Magyar Szövetségnél és találkozott annak Washingtonban élö tagjaival. [tovább]

How Hungarian Citizens Abroad Can Vote: Dr. Janos Horvath's Awareness Campaign. [Magyarul]

2/18/2006 - Hungarians Abroad voting in Hungarian Parliamentarian Elections for the first time... Hungarian Parliamentarian on US Tour to help voters understand the procedures as DEADLINE approaches.

János Horváth, a senior member of the Parliament of Hungary representing the Fidesz-Hungarian Civic Party, is going to visit several North American Hungarian communities between February 26 and March 6. The key purpose of his trip is to underline the significance of the upcoming general Parliamentary elections to be held in April in Hungary, and to spread the news to those Hungarians with voting rights that they may cast their votes at the Hungarian Embassies and Consulates abroad including those in the US and Canada for the first time if they mail their requests with the selected location to the appropriate local authorities in Hungary within the somewhat restrictive statutory deadlines. [read more]

2/14/2006 - U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice hosts reception in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. American Hungarian Federation issues statement. "For 12 days in 1956, the Hungarian people caught a fleeting glimpse of their independence. Armed with little more than a love of liberty, the impatient patriots of Hungary rose up against the mighty Soviet empire," noted Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during a commemoration of the 1956 Revolution at the Department of State's Benjamin Franklin Room on February 13, 2006. The Federation honors the true heroes of the 1956 Revolution -- those who were unwilling to compromise and who, against overwhelming odds and standing alone, made tremendous sacrifices for the cause of freedom, democracy and independence. [read more]

1/28/2006 - AHF Leadership Conference in Venice, Florida... AHF members met at the Hungarian Christian Society's Hungarian Club in Venice to discuss AHF 2006/2007 plans, how to improve coordination at both a local and national level, and events related to the 50th Anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution. [read more]

1/26/2006 - Hungarian Reformed Federation's Washington Branch sponsors 1956 Roundtable Discussion...AHF members joined 1956 Freedom Fighters and Washington-area Hungarians in a roundtable discussion sponsored by the Washington Chapter of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of American (HRFA). Branch Manager, Frank Kapitan (seen here), opened the discussion and asked participants to share their personal experiences related to 1956 and discuss the lessons learned and implications of the revolution in today's world. AHF's Zsuzsa Toth transcribed those experiences which can be found by clicking [here]

12/21/2005 - AHF helps sponsor First Hungarian Christmas in Brooklyn, New York... Initiated by the weekly newspaper and member organization The American Hungarian Word / Amerikai Magyar Szo - A Hid, the event will be held at 12 noon on December 24th at the St. Rosalia Roman Catholic Church (6301 14th Ave.). After the noon mass, a reception will be held. A midnight mass is also scheduled. For more details, [download the announcement]

12/17/2005 - Tennessee Hungarians trying to organize. Please help the Tennessee Hungarian community join forces to preserve Hungarian American culture in the Volunteer State where Hungarian Americans have a long history and Col. Géza Mihalóczy became a Civil War Hero and organized the famed "Lincoln Riflemen." Contact Joe Pinter for more information at: 707bradplbjboro@bellsouth.net and see more Famous Hungarians.

12/2/2005 - AHF urges US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to call attention to Hungarian Minority on her visit to Rumania...

On behalf of the American Hungarian Federation, Frank Koszorus, Jr., submitted a letter to Secretary Condoleezza Rice, on the eve of her trip to Europe that includes Romania, calling attention to the fact that Romania must continue its reforms relative to its Hungarian minority. The Federation’s letter urges Secretary Rice to raise several issues. [read more]

12/2/2005 - Resolution in the House of Representatives to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution! The American Hungarian Federation applauds Congressman Tom Lantos (D-CA) for taking the initiative to introduce a resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. The resolution, H. Res. 479, which enjoys the broad support of the American Hungarian community and its various organizations, was referred to the House Committee on International Relations. [read more] and see how to help!

The American Hungarian Federation in the News. See the articles by AHF and its members published in the domestic and international press.
[click here]

• 2008 - April 01
• 2007 - October 5: Invitation to Congressional Reception Wreath Laying, and Award Ceremony Honoring 1956 and AHF's 100th Anniversary
• 2007 - September 24: Invitation/Meghivó - Darr Mine Disaster / Darr Bányaszerencsétlenség Megemlékezésére
• 2007 - September 13
• 2007 - July 2
• 2007 - June 4: Remember Trianon
• 2007 - May 21: Memorial Day Commemoration
• 2007 - April 24
• 2007 - March 14, ACTION ALERT
  Congressional "Friends of Hungary"
• 2007 - February 14
• 2006 - December 29
• 2006 - September 28
• 2006 - June 17
• 2006 - May 08
• 2006 - May 5, Invitations
• 2006 - February 22
• 2006 - January 12
• 2005 - December 21 - Year End
• 2005 - December 07 - Action Alert CLOSED
• 2005 - December 05 - Action Alert
• 2005 - December 04
• 2005 - November 03
• 2005 - October 21
• 2005 - October 4th - Invitations to 1956 Congressional Reception, Csango Ball, and 1956 Memorial Dedication
• 2005 - September 2 - AHF Action Alert: Disaster Relief Funds: Transylvania Floods and Hurricane Katrina
• 2005 - August 01
• 2005 - July 01
• 2005 - June 10
• 2005 - May 24 - AHF Action Alert: UPDATE 2
• 2005 - April 22 - AHF Action Alert: UPDATE 1
• 2005 - April 22nd - AHF Action Alert
• 2005 - April 8
• 2005 - March 11
• 2005 - February 4
• 2005 - January 21
• 2005 - January 11
• 2004 - December 30
• 2004 - November 05
• 2004 - January 23

The American Hungarian Federation turned 100 - Join and help us represent the interests of our community! The American Hungarian Federation (AHF), 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. [more about us] [join now]

Sign up for the AHF mailing list. Your information is not shared!

UPDATE 11/23/2003 - AHF distributes $4,500.00 in Disaster Relief Funds to Transylvania. The AHF Disaster Relief Fund targets Hungarian disaster victims, currently those affected by hurricane Katrina and Transylvania flooding. Overall, the fund has taken in $6,500.00. Earlier this month, AHF distributed $2000.00 to the Arpadhon (Albany, LA) Hungarian Settlement Historical Society to help them rebuild. The $4500.00 was sent to the mayor of Szekelyudvarhely in the heart of the flood-stricken region. [read more and GIVE!]

10/28/2005 - AHF spearheads joint letter expressing deep concern over the Hungarian Foreign Ministry’s decision to disclose selected statements taken from classified reports prepared by a former Hungarian Ambassador to the United States in his official capacity. [read more]

10/24/2005 - Rumanian Senate rejects minority status law. AHF Issues Statement. Rumanian Senator Paunescu's earlier statement telling Hungarians to "return to the depths of Asia" on September 29th (see the report from MTI) during senate debate on the law has even led the Rumanian government to express concern over nationalist movement in the Senate. AHF issued a statement (in Hungarian) which was read on Marosvasarhelyi Radio in Transylvania. [read more and access the article in Hungarian: A Szenátus elutasította a kisebbségi törvény tervezetét]

10/20/2005 - Successful 1956 Commemoration, Congressional Reception & Awards Ceremony

AHF kicked off a year of events devoted to remembering the heroes of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution at its Congressional Reception held on October 19. Congressmen Tom Lantos (D-CA) and Tom Tancredo (R-CO) were awarded the American Hungarian Federation’s Col. Commandant Michael Kovats Medal of Freedom for their “Leadership in Support of Democracy, Human Rights and Minority Rights in Central and Eastern Europe.” Col. Kovats was a founding father of the US Cavalry. [read more]

SPECIAL NEWS: 25 Years of Pastoral Service! Rev. Dr. Bertalan is President Emeritus of the American Hungarian Federation. On September 25th, he was honored by his congregation as he celebrated 25 years of Pastoral service. Rev. Bertalan, in addition to his pastoral work, is a selfless civic and community leader; he continues to serve as a leader of many Hungarian American organizations, including the American Hungarian Federation and the American Hungarian Federation of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Read more about him on [Featured Members] [download the full article]

10/12/2005 - AHF Gala Dinner to Support Hungarian Schools in the Csango Regions of Transylvania raises $15,000.00. The gala fundraiser was held on October 8th, 2005 in East Brunswick, New Jersey! More details are below. [read more]

8/30/2005 - AHF establishes Disaster Relief Fund to assist victims of severe flooding in Szekler regions of Transylvania. 100% of proceeds go to victims and programs supporting the rebuilding and relief effort. On Tuesday, August 23, 2005 a huge flood swept through Szekelyland, Transylvania, destroying thousands of homes and causing catastrophic damage and many deaths. AHF needs your help - DONATE NOW! [read more]

9/1/2005 - AHF establishes Disaster Relief Fund to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina. Hungarian communities have been part of the Gulf Region for a century. HELP member organizations like the Louisiana Hungarians headed by Dr. Stephen Gargatz and Julia Bika (thankfully, both are safe). 100% of proceeds go to victims and programs supporting the rebuilding and relief effort. - DONATE NOW! [read more]

8/30/2005 - HAND GRENADE THROWN AT HOME OF SERBIA'S HUNGARIAN MINORITY LEADER...Unknown persons hurled a hand grenade at the Subotica home of Jozsef Kasza (Jozef Kasa), who heads the League of Vojvodina Hungarians, in the early hours of 30 August, the private Beta news agency reported. [Read More]

7/28/2005 - AHF and member organizations spearhead letter urging president Bush to visit Budapest for commemoration of 1956 Hungarian revolution...The letter sent to President Bush suggested that the President consider traveling to Budapest next year to participate in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. The document was signed by AHF National, AHF of Washington, D.C., the William Penn Association, the Hungarian Reformed Federation, the Hungarian Club of Colorado, and Eva Szorenyi of the Freedom Fighter's Federation. [read more]

7/14/2005 - VOJVODINA HUNGARIANS CALL FOR LOCAL AUTONOMY. RFE/RFL Newsline:

The League of Vojvodina Hungarians announced in Szabadka (Subotica) on 13 July a proposed amendment to the Serbian Constitution that will allow local self-government and a high degree of autonomy in areas where ethnic minorities constitute the bulk of the population, RFE/RL's South Slavic and Albanian Languages Service reported. [read more]

6/28/2005 - www.hungary1956.com goes LIVE! The American Hungarian Federation is sponsoring the Hungary 1956 Portal as part of its goals to coordinate and assist member organizations across the country as it continues plans for kicking off a year of events leading up to October 2006. The 1956 Portal will serve as a central information resource for all things 1956 as our community prepares for this important milestone. The 1956 Portal includes photos as well as audio and video files! [See www.hungary1956.com] [See Washington DC 1956 Committee activities]

6/13/2005 - Two Transylvanian boys attacked on June 2nd, 2005, for "speaking Hungarian" in Marosvasarhely (Tirgu-Mures). Tirgu-Mures, home to Rumanian radical politcian George Funar, has long been known for violent Rumanian nationalism and anti-Hungarianism. [read more]

6/10/2005 - "Hungarians should just dance" - Serbian radicals increasing pressure on Vojvodina Hungarian political parties. The Federation of Vojvodina Hungarians held a press conference to discuss efforts at intimidation and fear by radical Serbian politicians. While the violence continues... AHF fears a new Kosovo. [read more]

6/7/2005 - Trianon turns 85! Demonstrations in NY, Toronto and elsewhere...
Hungarian organizations from New York and Toronto demonstrated to call attention to the unjust Treaty of Trianon in which Hungary lost 2/3 of her territory, half her Hungarian-speaking population and vast natural resources and infrastructure. The New York Polgari Kor demonstrated in front of the U.N. building on June 5, 2005. [read more]

5/24/2005 - SUCCESS! AHF ACTION ALERT UPDATE on our grassroots action on House Resolution 191 urging the "prompt and fair restitution of church properties by Rumania." AHF wishes to thank ALL those who participated in this successful campaign!

The United States House of Representatives passed a resolution on May 23, urging the “Government of Romania to recognize its responsibilities to provide equitable, prompt and fair restitution to all religious communities for property confiscated by the former Communist government. . . .” [read more]

6/1/2005 - AHF Applauds US Congress and urges the community to thank the co-sponsors of House Resolution 191...We suggest that letters of appreciation be sent to the sponsors of H. Res. 191 to your Representative. This is a measure which goes beyond mere symbolism and expresses the unequivocal opinion of the United States House of Representatives. [see the model letter]

5/28/2005 - Hungarian Scout's Association competition a great success. The "cserkészek" held their annual competition this year in upper New York's Sik Sandor Boyscout Park. The Hungarian Association of Cleveland under Dr. Nadas Gyula (AHF Member and President Emeritus) donated $75,000 to help build a complex at the Sik Sandor Park.

5/23/2005 - AHF's 1956 Commemoration Committee meets at its Washington, DC Headquarters at the National Press Building to continue to work on plans for kicking off a year of events leading up to the 50th Anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Highlights include a Congressional Commemoration in October 2005 and the "Bank Ban" at Carnegie Hall with Placido Domingo...
[read more]

5/11/2005 - The Washington Times publishes AHF Letter to the Editor - "Mr. Bush, who did not mince words in Riga, should make another highly symbolic gesture to underscore his message that the freedom of small nations should not be expendable." [read more]

4/8/2005 - AHF ACTION ALERT: House Resolution 191 moves forward urging the "prompt and fair restitution of church properties by Rumania." AHF strongly supports this measure and will continue its efforts aimed at swift adoption.

“We applaud Representatives Tom Lantos (D-CA) and Tom Tancredo (R-CO) for their leadership on an issue that goes to the very heart of democracy, rule of law and minority rights in Romania – the return of religious properties illegally confiscated by the former Communist government,” noted Frank Koszorus, Jr. “This has been a long process, beginning with statements in 2002 by Representatives Lantos, Tancredo and Robert Matsui urging the prompt and fair restitution of properties by Romania and Slovakia and continuing in 2004 when Representative Tancredo introduced a similar resolution that was cosponsored by 15 Members,” he added.

[download the resolution] here or on the right under "Related Downloads. The resolution is available online at www.congress.gov. Select "by bill" and enter "H.Res. 191"

HOW CAN YOU HELP? [read more] [join us!].

4/7/2005 - Successful AHF Meeting on April 2nd, 2005 in Washington, D.C. Over 40 Members came together representing organizations from all over the country at the Marriott Crystal City to review the past year and plan for the future. Highlights included Tibor Purger's synopsis on AHF participation in the Szabadka Forum and Dr. Rev. Stephen Szlagyi's presenation on his organization's charitable activities. SARA has already provided over 30 million dollars of medical supplies and countless services to the poor in former Hungarian territories and around the world. [read more] [join us!]

4/1/2005 -AHF joins statement entitled,"PROVOCATIVE ANTI-MINORITY STATEMENT UNDERMINES DEMOCRACY IN ROMANIA" - As much as we welcome newly-elected President Traian Basescu’s pledge to implement reforms in Romania, we are appalled by former President Ion Iliescu’s shocking statement on March 25 blaming Hungarians of Tirgu Mures (Marosvasarhely) for the violence in March 1990 when ethnic Romanians brought in by trucks viciously attacked ethnic Hungarians who were seeking rights denied them by the dictator Ceaucescu. [read more]

• Iliescu Statement_ENGLISH
• Iliescu Statement_HUNGARIAN
• Iliescu Statement_RUMANIAN

3/11/2005 - AHF Meets Rumanian President Basescu and urges him to Support Restoration of Church Properties to Hungarian Minority - Rumanian President Traian Basescu kicked off a two-day visit to Washington Tuesday (8 March), with the aim of strengthening the US-Rumanian strategic partnership at the political, military and economic levels. [read more]

George W. Bush praises Basescu as a "special friend" and "special leader." "Rumania is a 'special ally' because Rumania shares the same values we do: human rights, human dignity, rule of law, transparency in government, anti-corruption." AHF knows the situation is far from Bush's rosy picture, but hopes Mr. Bush's encouraging words bring change to Rumania. Click the Image to see a [LIVE INTERVIEW] on Fox News

3/11/2005 - A Huge Victory! Szelmenc border crossing to open! - A long-awaited border crossing for the divided village of Szelmenc will soon open according to a recent decision of the Slovak government. AHF worked with its member and lead organization in the effort CHACR. CHACR was able to mobilize the American Hungarian Congressional Caucus and the Hungarian American Community to urge Slovakia and the Ukiraine to end this cold-war division. [read more]

3/10/2005 - AHF and its Washington DC Chapter, set to commemorate the 1848 Freedom Fight on March 12th at American University's Wesley Theological Seminary, Oxnam Chapel. Controversial ethnic Hungarian political figure Jeno Szasz to address the audience. He will discuss issues ranging from church property restitution and anti-Hungarian policies, to the lack of Hungarian-language educational opportunities in Transylvania. The program includes a piano recital, Kossuth poems and song, and a presentation by Hungarian Scouts. All are invited. 2 pm, 4500 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, D.C.

3/3/2005 - The President of the Assembly of European Regions, Riccardo Illy, called on the Serbian government to guarantee the autonomy of Vojvodina. Autonomy for Vojvodina was the hot topic during conference on Regionalism in Novi Sad. [read more]

3/3/2005 - US State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Releases Country Report on Human Rights Practices - 2004: Serbia and Montenegro: "there was an upsurge in vandalism and violence against minority ethnic and religious groups in the northern Serbian province of Vojvodina.... The targets were mainly ethnic Hungarians and ethnic Croats--the two largest minorities in Vojvodina." [read more]

2/5/2005 - Banned Trianon Documentary makes it's way to the Internet for download and viewing!

Those interested in viewing the controversial film that was banned by the Rumanian AND the Hungarian governments, can now view the film on the Web. Directed by the renowned Gábor Koltay and with internationally respected historians such as Nemeskürti and Raffai, the film has and will continue to spark critical debate. AHF encourages open debate on Trianon and encourages all to review the film - unfortunately this site offers the film in Hungarian only. [Go to film]
NOTE: The site has the film's 13 parts out of 14. To view, just LEFT click on any portion. Once there, you can view it from your Browser or save it. To save that portion, RIGHT click the small yellow symbol (100/k) and "Save target as" to your hard drive.

Did President Bush's inaugural address indicate a change in US attitude toward support for national self-determination and autonomy?

"Across the generations, we have proclaimed the imperative of self-government..."Freedom, by its nature, must be chosen, and defended by citizens, and sustained by the rule of law and the protection of minorities." [Read his speech]

AHF applauds such language and hopes these words can be made policy for ethnic Hungarian communities struggling for survival.

Related Story:

NGO CALLS FOR ACTION ON KOSOVA'S INDEPENDENCE... The International Crisis Group (ICG) said in a 40-page report released in Prishtina, Belgrade, and Brussels on 24 January that "either 2005 will see the start of a final status solution that consolidates peace and development, or Kosovo may return to conflict and generate regional instability." AHF is also calling for international attention on the Vojvodina province in Serbia-Montenegro where anti-Hungarian violence continues. [more]

1/2/2005 - AHF Launches Bookstore on
Search for books that match the following keywords:

• Hungary
• Hungary, Hungarian
• Hungary, Hungarian, Transylvania

Or search on your own!

Search: All Products Apparel & Accessories Baby Beauty Books DVD Electronics Home & Garden Gourmet Food Health & Personal Care Jewelry & Watches Kitchen & Housewares Magazine Subscriptions Musical Instruments Music Computers Camera & Photo Software Sports & Outdoors Tools & Hardware Toys & Games VHS Computer & Video Games Cell Phones & Service Keywords:

2/2/2005 - The Violence continues: Six-member Hungarian family slain in Vojvodina, Serbia-Montenegro

(AP) Six members of a Hungarian family were brutally killed in adjoining homes in a northern Serbian town on the border with Hungary, radio B-92 reported Wednesday. The bodies were found Tuesday in the family's adjoining homes in the town of Horgos, after neighbors noticed the houses were unusually quiet. A local court judge, Snjezana Lekovic, confirmed the killing, but police gave no official statement on the case. Horgos lies in Serbia's northern Vojvodina province that has recently seen a rise in attacks against the region's minority ethnic Hungarians. [More]

1/11/2005 - The Szabadka Initiative:
AHF signs joint declaration of the Szabadka Initiative by ethnic Hungarian political parties and human rights organizations from successor states in an appeal to the Hungarian Government for more coherent support, coordinated planning, and dual ctizenship.

Fifteen organizations from Europe, North America, and Latin America met January 5-6, 2005 in Szabadka/Subotica (Vajdaság/Vojvodina, Serbia-Montenegro) to join forces to.....[more in English and Hungarian]

1/10/2005 - AHF Members breaking ground on 1848 / 1956 Hungarian Memorial Monument in Lorain, Ohio. The cost is estimated at $30,000.00 and your help is needed! Donors who give $100.00 or more get their names inscribed in the stepping stones. Leave your mark and help us build this monument to Hungarian bravery and democracy. [more]

1/5/2005 - Hungarians have until September 2005 to formally request return of confiscated properties in Slovakia under the Benes Decrees. The 1945 Benes Decrees claimed collective World War II responsibility of Germans and Hungarians living in Czechoslovakia, and deprived them of their rights, their property and expelled many of them from the country.

The "Szabad Ujsag" weekly has published a list of those lands, which were taken away during the Benes programs. The original owners or its children, grandchildren etc may recover these expropriated lands and properties, if they can prove their ownership and relationships to the original owner. The validated documents have to be shown to the proper authorities. One catch is that it has to be proven before September 1 of 2005. [more]

1/3/2005 - AHF to attend summit in Subotica / Szabadka (Vojvodina, Serbia and Montenegro), and issues statement on recent dual-citizenship referendum held in Hungary. All major ethnic Hungarian parties from successor states are invited at the highest level to work out a joint strategy of next steps on the dual-citizenship drive. Balkans analyst Tibor Purger will represent AHF at the meeting called by Jozsef Kasza, President of the Vojvodina Hungarians, the largest Hungarian parliamentary party in the Province. [more]

1/5/2005 - 1st Annual Hungarian American Cultural Exposition and Festival in Budapest a Success!

12/23/2004 - AHF sponsors "Congressional Hungarian American Caucus Staffer Appreciation Day" on Capitol Hill. The Center for Hungarian American Congressional Relations (CHACR) helped AHF organize the event aimed at thanking congressional staffers that represent the now 25-member strong Hungarian American Caucus for their support for Hungarian causes. Over 60 guests sampled delicious Hungarian cuisine from Maximilian's and wine from our newest member, Monarchia. [more]

11/24/2004 - AHF issues call ("felhivas") to Hungarians to vote "YES" on dual-citizenship for Hungarians beyond the borders. "If someone desires Hungarian citizenship, we should be pleased as our number has grown by at least one in a Carpathian Basin where our numbers are in decline. But this is a referendum for which there was no need. We shouldn't divide "within-borders" from "outside-border" Hungarians, nor prevent a Hungarian stuck behind borders that were changed around him from claiming his citizenship."