Creators of the 'Hungary Hostage Exhibition': 'People Stop with Tears in Their Eyes'

Such a scene has not been seen in Budapest for many years, and perhaps never will: crowds of people and passersby passing near the city's Jewish Quarter, stopping at the square looking contemplative, some in pain, and even shedding a tear.

The central square, which is often deserted, especially in these freezing days, has recently become a stage for an emotional and unique exhibit established in honor of the hundreds of Israeli abductees in Gaza. The large photographs, the faces behind the names, and the stories briefly presented in Hungarian, succeed in touching hearts. It is difficult for people to remain indifferent, and it seems this was precisely the organizers' intention.

(Photo courtesy of KKL)

Raising Awareness

Beni Liedeski, KKL-JNF Israel emissary to Hungary and Central Europe, one of the key organizers of the unique exhibit, mentions that he has only been in his role for less than two months. "I left with my family on our mission three days after the outbreak of war in Israel," he points out, "and honestly, I felt very uncomfortable leaving my country at exactly such a time. While this mission was planned well in advance, the suitcases were already sent, and the tickets purchased, my heart was still in Israel. The feelings of shock and pain were an inseparable part of the flight and, in fact, they have not faded to this day. We have not yet recovered, and although we operate here and fulfill our mission, we constantly act under thoughts of the event and what the families in Israel are going through, trying to think of how we can contribute our part."

A few weeks ago, KKL-JNF Hungary President Kobi Devit became acquainted with a Facebook group of Israelis in Budapest led by a man named Yaar Bach, who communicated among themselves that "something must be done." KKL-JNF Hungary raised the flag, Kobi Devit obtained the necessary city permits, and thus the idea of the 'Hostages Exhibit' came to life.

(Photo courtesy of KKL)

Why did you think of such an exhibit?

Liedeski explains, "As people abroad, we constantly see how Israel is not properly represented globally, and most citizens in Europe fail to see the full picture. It bothered us greatly; we felt compelled to represent the harsh and unimaginable reality that exists in our country. We realized it wasn't enough to hang pictures of hostages; we needed to add a few sentences describing each hostage - who this person is and who their family is. This way, people wouldn't regard them as anonymous portraits but feel a connection."

Kobi Devit, President of KKL-JNF Hungary and Central Europe, adds, "The events of October 7 are a barbaric act and a disgrace that people around the free world still struggle to deal with the outcome and sight of that murderous terror attack. The exhibit in the heart of Budapest was set up to tell the story of that murderous day and stand in solidarity, shoulder to shoulder alongside the state, the people of Israel, and especially the hostage families in these difficult days. We all hope for their liberation and safe return home soon."

Fighting Antisemitism

According to Liedeski, there was a lot of work since they needed to gather material on each of the hostages and even translate it into Hungarian. "We invested a lot of time and logistical effort into this," he explains, "We needed permits to set up such an exhibit, but in the end, we felt every moment of investment was worth it. In times like these, when there is such a big wave of antisemitism in Europe, we must provide a response, and it turns out that this is indeed an excellent way to do so. Moreover, Hungary is one of the few countries in the Western world where such displays can be placed, as in most European countries it is prevented for security or safety reasons."

What are the reactions from people who come to the place?

"Every time I visit the place, I am moved because there are very positive and supportive reactions to Israel. There are also people who actually stop and cry or light candles. But it is evident that there are those under the influence of anti-Israel propaganda and make sure to express it. This reinforces our strong feeling that we must act on the matter, and this exhibit is one of the tools."

Liedeski mentions that in recent days they attached green stickers to each of the released hostages, on which it is written: "Released, but hundreds of civilians are still in captivity." "I wish we reach the day quickly when the entire exhibit is accompanied by green stickers, and that all the hostages return to their homes healthy and happy," he concludes with hope.