www.americanhungarianfederation.org / amsz.org / hungary1956.com

AHF eNews, November 2008


2008 Membership Drive!

AHF is an all-volunteer, non-partisan, 501(c)(3) organization focused on common ground issues. Serving the community since 1906, we need your support! Only in unity can we find strength! [join now] or [donate!]

Additional Features

  • Featured Member
  • Corporate Sponsor
  • Featured Link

  • The American Hungarian Federation Submitted Questionnaire to Presidential Candidates Obama and McCain11/6/2008 - AHF Submitted Questionnaire to Presidential Candidates -- The Federation submitted identical questionnaires to Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain on a strictly non-partisan basis and for educational purposes only, not as endorsement of or opposition to any of the candidates. Barack Obama responds to Hungarian American Community acknowledging need to "continue strengthening democratic institutions throughout Central and Eastern Europe....[and] build respect for human and minority rights in that region and throughout the world." Hungary's press reacts. [Read More]


    The American Hungarian Federation participates in CSIS conference as a General Sponsor.11/4/08 - The American Hungarian Federation participates in CSIS conference as a General Sponsor.  On October 2, 2008, the Center for Strategic and International Studies ("CSIS") sponsored a conference, "New Allies and the New Administration: Priorities for U.S.-CEE Relations." The event examined "the strategic relationship between the United States and Central Eastern European states (CEE) with the purpose of generating concrete policy recommendations for the incoming U.S. administration." [read more]


    The American Hungarian Federation Participates in White House Briefing and Ceremony for NATO Accession Protocols for Croatia and Albania10/24/2008 - The American Hungarian Federation Participates in White House Briefing and Ceremony for NATO Accession Protocols for Croatia and Albania... During a briefing at the White House on Friday, October 24, President George W. Bush thanked leaders from the Central and East European Coalition (the “CEEC”) for their support of NATO enlargement. The briefing preceded a ceremony in which President Bush signed NATO Accession Protocols for Croatia and Albania. Frank Koszorus, Jr. and Zoltan Bagdy, co-presidents of the American Hungarian Federation (the “Federation”) – an active member of the CEEC – attended both events. [read more]


    President Bush Announces Hungary's Inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program.10/17/2008 - President Bush Announces Hungary's Inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program...AHF leaders attend ceremony on Hungary’s Inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program.  “I’m pleased to stand with the representatives of seven countries – the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and South Korea – that have met the requirements to be admitted to the United States Visa Waiver Program,” said President Bush at the October 17, 2008 White House Rose Garden ceremony. [read more]


    CEEC meeting with the White House9/11/2008 - American Hungarian Federation Participates in Meeting with White House Officials on Crisis in Georgia... The American Hungarian Federation (“Federation”) along with other members of the Central and East European Coalition (“CEEC”) met on September 9, 2008 at the White House with officials from the National Security Council (“NSC”) to discuss the crisis in Georgia and related matters, including U.S. engagement in Central and Eastern Europe, NATO enlargement, aid to Georgia and other aid packages to the region and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. [read more]


    More than 150,000 Georgians attended a pro-Mikheil Saakashvili rally outside Georgia's parliament in Tbilisi Aug. 12. Photograph by : Gleb Garanich/Reuters8/15/2008 - American Hungarian Federation believes Hungary should accede to the joint declaration on the situation in Georgia signed by the presidents of the Baltic States and Poland; Federation also participates in CEEC press conference and demonstration in Washington, DC. Hungarians remember all too vividly the Soviet intervention in Hungary. AHF issues statement. [read more in English ] [tovább magyarul]


    The American Hungarian Federation and other members of the Central East European Coalition (CEEC) met with Senator Charles Schumer (D–NY) this week. The purpose of the meeting was to seek clarification of statements contained in Senator Schumer’s June 3rd Wall Street Journal article that were susceptible to the interpretation that he condoned Russian designs on Central and Eastern Europe.7/25/2008 - American Hungarian Federation Participates in CEEC Meeting with Senator Schumer: Discusses Russia "Hegemony" statement... The American Hungarian Federation and other members of the Central East European Coalition (CEEC) met with Senator Charles Schumer (D–NY) this week. The purpose of the meeting was to seek clarification of statements contained in Senator Schumer’s June 3rd Wall Street Journal article that were susceptible to the interpretation that he condoned Russian designs on Central and Eastern Europe. [read more]


    AHF Mourns the Loss of the Rev. Dr. Imre Bertalan, minister to our community, voice of unity, President Emeritus of the American Hungarian Federation and former board member of the HRFA, the Hungarian American Coalition, and the American Section of the World Alliance of Hungarians.7/10/2008 - AHF Mourns the Loss of the Rev. Imre Bertalan, minister to our community, an inspired voice of unity, and selfless civic and community leader. He was President Emeritus of the American Hungarian Federation, former Chairman of the Board of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America, and the founding Board member of the Hungarian American Coalition. [read more]

    A memorial service was held for the Reverend Dr. Imre Bertalan on September 6th, at the chapel of the Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington.  Members of his family, members of his church, leaders of the Hungarian American Reformed Church, representatives of Hungarian American organizations, friends and colleagues gathered to say good-by to a prominent churchman, an important, respected Hungarian American leader.


    American Hungarian Federation Participates In “Hungarian Americans Together” Conference6/30/2008 - American Hungarian Federation Participates In “Hungarian Americans Together” Conference... On June 26-27, 2008, the American Hungarian Federation (AHF) participated in a conference titled “Hungarian Americans Together,” held at Ligonier, Pennsylvania. The focus of the conference was the future health and security of domestic Hungarian organization. [read more]


    American Hungarian Federation Helps Plan and Participates in Successful CEEC Congressional Policy Discussion on Central and Eastern Europe6/19/2008 - American Hungarian Federation Helps Plan and Participates in Successful CEEC Congressional Policy Discussion on Central and Eastern Europe... the Central and Eastern European Coalition (CEEC) sponsored a foreign policy roundtable discussion and reception on Capitol Hill.  The purpose of the discussion was to analyze issues of interest to the members of the CEEC, including U.S. relations with Russia, enlargement of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and energy policies impacting the region. [read more]


    1956 Statue Prototype by Gyuri HollosyContinuing News: AHF continues call for support of a 1956 Statue for the Nation's Capital...AHF's 1956 Commemoration Committee is seeking your help to erect a statue in Washington, D.C. devoted to the heroes of the Hungarian Revolution. The AHF plan calls for an actual-size statue to be placed prominently in Washington while we raise funds for its bronze replacement. Seen here with his prototype design is renowned sculptor Gyuri Hollosy, who was responsible for the Boston Liberty Square memorial. At the recent Capitol Reception honoring 1848, Congressman Tom Lantos mentioned his intent to place a 1956 memorial in Washington. We must ensure this remarkable design is selected! [read more]


    AHF Store on Buy ALL your books, videos, electronics and other gifts on AHF's Amazon Store. It costs nothing extra to you, but Amazon contributes a small percentage to AHF

    Buy ALL your books, videos, electronics and other gifts on AHF's Amazon Store. It costs nothing extra to you, but Amazon contributes a small percentage to AHF. The AHF store features books and articles written by AHF members on both our main site and our 1956 Portal for publications devoted to 1956.

    The latest member books added:

    "Life Behind the Iron Curtain" by Susanna (Zsuzsánna) Lápossy is available on AHF's Amazon bookstore! Click to order!Lapossy, Susanna (Zsuzsanna):
    Life Behind the Iron Curtain. [Read more] about the book or purchase the book on "Life Behind the Iron Curtain" by Susanna (Zsuzsánna) Lápossy is available on AHF's Amazon bookstore! Click to order

    "The Old lady and the Fawn," the first bilingual edition of "Öreg néne ozikéje" (Hungarian)Simon, Paul M: "The Old lady and the Fawn," the first bilingual edition of "Öreg néne ozikéje" (Hungarian)
    Order now at Simpa Books

    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. Peter Hargitai's "Daughter of the Revolution," is the story of one such brave freedom fighter-a 14 year-old girl.Professor Peter Hargitai's Daughter of the Revolution: A Novel (2006 - A story of a brave freedom fighter - a 14 year-old girl)
    [read more]

    Rebecca McEldowney's "Soul of Flesh: A Novel of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution"Rebecca McEldowney's "Soul of Flesh: A Novel of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution" [read more]
     
    Dr. Katalin Kadar Lynn's "Tibor Eckhard in His Own Words: An Autobiography"Dr. Katalin Kadar Lynn's "Tibor Eckhardt in His Own Words: An Autobiography" [read more]

    Looking Back... AHF History:

    AHF 100 YEARS DISPLAY: AHF as a watchdog for human rights in Vojvodina and the MAERT movementAHF and MÁÉRT: The Szabadka Initiative...AHF attended this historic meeting and signed a joint declaration 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 citizenship. AHF was among fifteen organizations from Europe, North America, and Latin America that met January 5-6, 2005 in Szabadka (Subotica) in the Vajdaság (Vojvodina), a formerly autonomous region in Serbia-Montenegro, and joined forces to persuade the Hungarian Government to coordinate with them efforts aimed at assisting ethnic Hungarians living as national minorities in Rumania, Slovakia, Serbia-Montenegro, Ukraine, Croatia, and Slovenia. The meeting marked the first time ethnic Hungarian political organizations met independently of the Hungarian government. [read more]


    AHF Members Corner!

    Featured Member

    Dr. Stephen SzilagyiAHF's Tako Geza Award-winning Dr. Stephen Szilagyi, founded SARA, "Sharing America's Resourcs Abroad. SARA is a Christian ministry offering medical assistance to improve lives around the world. From humble beginnings, SARA has distributed millions of dollars in medical supplies, services, and medical care, establishing a network of doctors and suppliers ready to assist the needy. SARA is currently on their Transcarpathia Mission to help the poor. The mission began Monday, September 5. Contact him to donate your time, talents and money! [See More Featured Members]


    Upcoming Events/Cultural News
    To announce a Hungarian cultural event, please contact the AHF Cultural Affairs Committee, Zoltan Bagdy, Chair and see all [cultural news]

    • Denver CO: TORN FROM THE FLAG Film Screening:
      Starz Film Center
      900 Auraria Parkway
      Denver, CO 80204

      NOVEMBER 18, 6:30 pm
      NOVEMBER 19, 4:00 pm

    • 11/15-23/2008 - Atlanta, GA, Opera
      "Cinderella" under Conductor Gregory Vajda. November 15, 18, 21, 23, 2008
      At Cobb Energy Centre
    • 11/22/2008 - Hasbrouck Heights, NJ:
      Scouts Gala Ball

      The HSAiE will hold its biannual gala scout ball in the Hasbrouck Heights Hilton Hotel. The ball will feature debutantes (we are looking for young ladies 16 and older), dancing and dining. Additional information can be obtained from gabona@aol.com
    • BEAUX ARTS TRIO PLAYS KURTAG AT FAREWELL CONCERT After performing for fifty years all over the world, the famed piano trio, the Beaux Arts Trio, has decided to leave the concert stage.  The ensemble is on a farewell tour of the United States.  They played their last concert in Washington in April, in the Library of Congress’ Coolidge Auditorium, the same concert hall they played their first concert in Washington. [read more]
    • Naxos releases magnificent CD of the Violin Concerto of Miklos Rozsa! Order it now on the AHF Amazon Store!Naxos is releasing a magnificent CD of the Violin Concerto of Miklos Rozsa! Release is scheduled for 9/25/2007 - Pre-order it now on the AHF Amazon Store!

    Featured Link

    The Hungary Page's "Nobel Prize Winners and Famous Hungarians" at www.thehungarypage.com

    This Month's Famous Hungarian

    Stefan Hatos: Let's Make a Deal!Stefan Hatos
    (b. Aurora, Illinois, on 8/ 20/1920, d. Toluca Lake, California 1999)
    Television producer of "Let's Make a Deal"

    Stefan Hatos was a first generation American with Hungarian parents.  His father was an iron peddler by trade. Stefan was the second of three sons and a daughter. He began playing piano and oboe at age eight. While attending college on a music (and basketball) scholarship, he played Oboe and English Horn with the Detroit Civic Symphony and also played Tenor & Bass Saxophone in dance bands to work his way through school. He got his start in media when he became staff announcer at a Detroit radio station and later on the NBC radio network.

    He was always more interested in writing and production than in performing. While an announcer, he wrote episodes of The Lone Ranger (1940), The Green Hornet, and a psycho-thriller Hermit’s Cave. After serving 37 months as commanding officer of PT 328 during WWII, and surviving being wounded twice, he returned to CBS Radio as a Staff Director and Writer in New York and Chicago.  He next joined ad agency Foote, Cone & Belding as staff Producer-Director for radio shows Readers Digest with big name stars and The Wayne King Show (CBS Radio).  He directed Lucky Strike Hit Parade for NBC Radio. 

    Let's Make a DealHe moved into television in 1949, and created and produced one of the first nighttime game shows on the first inter-connected network of seventeen TV stations on ABC-TV. The name of the show was Fun for the Money. He produced numerous radio and television shows and hit it big with "Let's Make a Deal" with Monty Hall which debuted in 1963 and ran for over 4,600 shows and continues today in syndication! Trivia:

    • He was among those photographed for LIFE magazine at the liberation of a Prisoner of War camp at Kuching, Sarawak, Borneo in August, 1945

    Read more on the Official Let's Make a Deal Website or read more about him and other great Hungarians on The Hungary Page's "Nobel Prize Winners and Famous Hungarians" at www.thehungarypage.com


    AHF Thanks these Sponsors:

    Hungary's Zala Springs Resort is Hungary’s first master planned and biggest golf and thermal spa resort community, which is unique both in Hungary and in Central EuropeThe Zala Springs Resort
    Hungary's Zala Springs Resort is Hungary’s first master planned and biggest golf and thermal spa resort community, which is unique both in Hungary and in Central Europe. [read more]

    Author Susanna (Zsuzsanna) Lápossy is a Freedom Circle Member of the American Hungarian Federation. Her book, the first part of a trilogy entitled "Life behind the iron curtain" contains lesser-known facts about 20th century Hungary as seen through a middle-class familyAuthor Susanna (Zsuzsanna) Lápossy is a Freedom Circle Member of the American Hungarian Federation. Her book, the first part of a trilogy entitled "Life behind the iron curtain" contains lesser-known facts about 20th century Hungary as seen through a middle-class family. [Read more]


    [ > GO to all AHF news]

    Strength can only be found in unity! Please join AHF and work together on common ground issues!

    There are two easy ways to Join and Support us!

    1) Online Processing (fastest):

    Join the American Hungarian Federation!

    Join online! AHF accepts all major credit cards and checks. AHF is a 501c(3) non-profit organization. Your donations may be tax deductible. Your information is secure not shared with anyone. [Join Online Here]

    2) The Old-Fashioned Way:

    If you are uncomfortable or unable to process an Internet transaction, download the AHF Membership Registration Form and mail it in with your check payable to "American Hungarian Federation." NOTE: If you are sending a donation for a specific fund, please be sure to include that on the form. (You do not need to become a member to donate):

    American Hungarian Federation
    C/O Sandor Murray, Treasurer
    2805 56th Place
    Woodside NY 11377

    For technical assistance, contact bryandawson@americanhungarianfederation.org


    PRIVACY NOTICE: AHF will not share its mailing list with anyone...Period. AHF also uses this list SPARINGLY.

    DISCLAIMER: The American Hungarian Federation does not necessarily endorse the content or opinions found in the external sites found this eNewsletter or those expressed by its individual members and member organizations...

    © 2008 American Hungarian Federation,
    All Rights Reserved