Israel’s President Visits Hungary, Holds Emotional Meeting with Hostage’s Family

Israeli President Isaac Herzog received a warm state welcome in Hungary on Tuesday, where he met with Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok and the family of Omri Miran, a dual Israeli-Hungarian citizen held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since the brutal Oct. 7, 2023, terror attacks.

During the meeting, Lishi Miran, Omri’s wife, made an emotional plea to Herzog and Sulyok, emphasizing the urgent need for international pressure to secure her husband’s release. “Omri is, first and foremost, a father. He has two little daughters... We need I need, my daughters need, and all of Israel needs the help of every world leader like you to exert pressure so that our nightmare ends,” she said.

The meeting comes as negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release deal are set to begin. The first phase, a 42-day truce that began on Jan. 19, involved the gradual release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. The upcoming phase aims to free the remaining 70 hostages, including the bodies of 35 confirmed dead.

President Sulyok assured Lishi Miran of Hungary’s unwavering support. “We will do everything possible to ensure that an Israeli and Hungarian citizen your husband, the father of your daughters is released as soon as possible,” he said, reaffirming Hungary’s solidarity with Israel.

Herzog also met with Holocaust survivor Aharon Shevo, presenting a commemorative stamp to mark 80 years since the Holocaust. In public remarks, Herzog expressed deep gratitude for Hungary’s steadfast support of Israel amid rising global antisemitism and anti-Zionism. “You have backed Israel in international forums... This is the moment when the friendship between nations is truly tested,” Herzog stated.

The bond between Israel and Hungary has been bolstered by shared values, including border security and the fight against antisemitism. Sulyok echoed this sentiment, stating that “a strong Israel is essential not only for Israel’s security but also for Europe’s security.”

Herzog’s visit also included a pilgrimage to the historical site of Theodor Herzl’s childhood home, a symbolic gesture underscoring the deep historical ties between Hungarian Jewry and the State of Israel.

In a significant show of support, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban extended an invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, ensuring that Hungary would not recognize the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against him.

Hungary’s leadership reiterated its commitment to combating antisemitism and preserving Holocaust memory. “The dialogue between our countries remains open... I hope our friendship will grow even stronger,” Sulyok said.

Herzog’s visit highlights the strength of Israeli-Hungarian relations, reinforcing Israel’s international support network as it navigates complex security and humanitarian challenges.

Stay updated on the latest developments from Israel and around the world. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for more insights.