Budapest, Hungary, often called “the Paris of the East,” captivates visitors with its charm and rich Jewish heritage. Located in the heart of Europe, Budapest is a city of remarkable beauty and is home to the continent’s third-largest Jewish community, with approximately 100,000 members. Its Jewish heritage dates back to ancient Roman times, and the community has played a crucial role in shaping the city’s economic, political, and cultural landscape. As a sparkling gem along the Danube, Budapest beckons visitors to discover its vibrant atmosphere and deep-rooted Jewish history.
Discovering Budapest’s Synagogues: A Cultural Expedition
Embarking on a journey through Budapest’s Old Jewish District, nestled in the historic heart of the city, immerses you in a bustling triangular area that tells the story of Hungarian Jewry and Budapest itself. As you wander through the maze-like streets of this quarter, you’ll uncover not only the narratives of the past but also witness the vibrant life pulsating within it today.
One of Budapest’s most notable landmarks is the Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe and a stunning architectural marvel. Also known as the Great Synagogue or Tabakgasse Synagogue, it features a seating capacity of 3,000 and serves as a central hub for Neolog Judaism. Adjacent to the synagogue is the moving Holocaust Memorial, which honors the more than 600,000 Jewish lives lost during the Nazi regime.
The surrounding complex is a treasure trove of Jewish history and culture, including the Heroes’ Temple, a serene cemetery, a poignant memorial, and the Jewish Museum. The museum, situated on the birthplace of Theodor Herzl, a key figure in the Zionist movement, offers a rich collection of artifacts and documents, providing visitors with a deep insight into Hungary’s Jewish heritage.
“Exploring History and Heritage: Inside Budapest’s Jewish Museum”
The Jewish Museum is proudly located on the site of Theodor Herzl’s former two-story classicist-style residence, next to the Dohány Synagogue. Constructed in 1930 to complement the synagogue’s distinctive architecture, the building was seamlessly integrated with the main structure in 1931. Inside, visitors can explore the impressive Jewish Religious and Historical Collection, which features relics from the Pest Hevrah Kadisha (Jewish Burial Society), ritual artifacts for Shabbat and the High Holidays, and a moving Holocaust room. During the tumultuous year of 1944, the Dohány Street Synagogue served as a crucial sanctuary within the Jewish Ghetto, providing refuge to many. Tragically, the harsh winter of 1944–1945 claimed the lives of over two thousand individuals who succumbed to hunger and cold within the ghetto, and they now rest in eternal peace in the synagogue’s courtyard.
Heroes’ Temple: A Monument to Valor
The Heroes’ Temple, which accommodates 250 individuals, became an integral part of the Dohány Street Synagogue complex in 1931. This architecturally stunning structure, crafted by the renowned László Vágó and Ferenc Faragó, is dedicated to honoring the Hungarian Jewish soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I. With its intricate design and solemn ambiance, the Heroes’ Temple stands as a moving memorial, reflecting the bravery and dedication of the Jewish community in the face of global conflict. The temple’s elegant features and historical significance continue to serve as a testament to their enduring legacy and heroism.
Heroes of Humanity: Courageous Individuals During the Holocaust
Our exploration of Budapest’s Holocaust memorials reveals the profound impact of the tributes dedicated to those who risked everything to save lives during the Nazi occupation. These monuments honor the righteous Gentiles who, at great personal risk, provided false documents and protection to Jews, ultimately saving countless lives.
A moving tribute by sculptor Imre Varga, the weeping willow tree in the Raoul Wallenberg Holocaust Memorial Park bears the names and tattoo numbers of Holocaust victims. Adjacent to it, in the Raoul Wallenberg Emlékpark (Memory Park), stands the Memorial of the Hungarian Jewish Martyrs, honoring the over 600,000 Hungarian Jews who perished under Nazi brutality.
Several individuals displayed extraordinary bravery during the Holocaust:
- Swiss Vice-Consul Carl Lutz: Known for his remarkable efforts in issuing protective documents to save Jewish lives.
- Giorgio Perlasca: An Italian who, posing as the Spanish consul, issued protective documents and current passports to Jews in Budapest, ultimately saving five thousand lives.
- Monsignor Angelo Rotta: As the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican City State in Budapest, he provided protective documents, false baptism certificates, and Vatican passports to shield Jews from forced labor, saving 15,000 lives. His secretary, Monsignor Gennaro Verolino, was also instrumental in rescuing tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews during World War II.
“The Holocaust Memorial Center: Honoring the Past, Educating the Future”
Kozma Utca Jewish Cemetery: A Historic Resting Place
Situated on the outskirts of Budapest, the Kozma Utca Jewish Cemetery is adjacent to a large general and special Catholic cemetery. Established in 1891, it has become the final resting place for over 300,000 Jewish individuals. The cemetery, still active today, features notable early 20th-century crypts and monuments, including a significant tribute to Holocaust victims. Among those interred here are the renowned architect Béla Lajta (1873–1920) and Hungary’s first Olympic gold medalist, Alfréd Hájos (1875–1955). The cemetery’s historical depth and distinguished burials reflect its importance within the Jewish community and its rich heritage.
The Holocaust Memorial Center: A Tribute to Lives Lost
Established in 2004, the Holocaust Memorial Center stands as a deeply moving tribute to the victims of the Hungarian Holocaust. The complex features a synagogue, a museum, and an inner courtyard with a striking glass memorial wall inscribed with the names of over 500,000 victims, ensuring their legacy is preserved. The museum’s permanent exhibition delivers a powerful and immersive narrative of the Holocaust, presenting personal stories through interactive and engaging displays. This center plays a vital role in honoring the memory of those who suffered and perished, while educating visitors about the profound impact of this tragic period in history.
Kozma Jewish Cemetery: New York Jewish Travel Guide
Unlocking the Flavors of Tradition: Join Rachel Raj at Her Bakery for a Flodni Masterclass
As part of the Jewish Summer Festival, held from August to September, which is organized by the Jewish Community of Budapest and managed by the Jewish Tourism and Cultural Center, you have the opportunity to delve into a cherished Eastern European Jewish delicacy. The festival, celebrated around the iconic Dohány Street Synagogue—Europe’s largest and most magnificent—has gained global acclaim, drawing esteemed artists from across Europe and beyond.
At Rachel Raj’s bakery, step into the world of Flodni, a traditional Hungarian Jewish cake. Rachel will guide you through the art of creating this beloved treat, sharing her expertise and the secrets behind her family’s time-honored recipe. Flodni, celebrated for its rich combination of poppy seeds, apples, walnuts, and homemade plum jam, offers a delicious representation of Jewish culinary tradition. Join this masterclass to discover the nuances of making Flodni and to experience a flavorful piece of Jewish heritage.
The Jewish heritage of Hungary is a profound and enduring narrative that spans centuries, reflecting both the vibrant contributions and the trials faced by its Jewish community. The country’s Jewish landmarks, such as the majestic Dohány Street Synagogue, the solemn Holocaust Memorial Center, and the evocative Heroes’ Temple, stand as testaments to a rich history marked by both resilience and achievement. These sites, along with the dynamic cultural celebrations and traditions, offer a deep and multifaceted view into Hungary’s Jewish past and present. As visitors explore Hungary’s Jewish heritage, they encounter a powerful story of cultural richness and perseverance woven into the fabric of the nation’s history. This journey not only honors the legacy of those who came before but also celebrates the living traditions that continue to thrive, making Hungary a vital and vibrant chapter in the global Jewish narrative.
For more information:
For trip planning in Hungary, contact the Visit Hungarian National Tourist Office or visit https://visithungary.com/.
To book a hotel, email budapest@corinthia.com or visit https://www.corinthia.com/budapest/.
Story and photography by Meyer Harroch, featured on New York Jewish Travel Guide.com and New York Jewish Guide.com.
The author was hosted on a press trip sponsored by the Hungarian Tourism Board.
