Top AHF National Headlines 6/17/2006 |
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AHF Member News Additional Features
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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. The opening reads: "The American Hungarian Federation is a one-hundred-year-old umbrella organization that represents a cross-section of the Hungarian American community. It has for decades monitored the situation of the Hungarians, including the historic Hungarian communities living as minorities in states neighboring Hungary. This letter is written on the occasion of Hungary’s 5th democratic election since the demise of communism and the restoration of Hungary’s sovereignty." [read more in English] "Az Amerikai Magyar Szövetség olyan százéves ernyoszervezet, amely az amerikai magyarság széles köreit képviseli. A Szövetség évtizedek óta figyelemmel kíséri a magyarság helyzetének alakulását, a határon túli történelmi magyar kisebbségi közösségeket is ideértve. Jelen levél a magyar szuverenitás helyreállítása és a kommunizmus összeomlása utáni ötödik szabad magyar választások alkalmából íródott." [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] 6/8/2006 - "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declaration of independence from Serbia on June 3, 2006, is but the latest nail in the coffin of the long-crumbling, outdated and superseded post-World War I peacemaking, including the Treaty of Trianon.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. Two of the new states cobbled together by the victorious Entente “peacemakers” at Versailles ceased to exist years ago, and even part (Moldova) of the third successor state succeeded to gain its independence it never had before. Ironically, the winds of change that swept through the region and rearranged the old Cordon Stalinaire after 1989, left untouched the very people who have suffered the most under a punitive treaty – the thousand plus year old indigenous Hungarian communities living under the rule of states that are mostly different from those stipulated at Trianon 86 years ago...Even as Montenegro declares its independence and Kosovo’s status remains on the front burner, Budapest appears content to sit on the sidelines and conspicuously refrains from espousing the democratically expressed aspirations of autochthonous Hungarian minorities for autonomy in Vojvodina, Transylvania, Slovakia and Karpatalja (Ruthenia)." [read more] Additional AHF Resources on Vojvodina and Transylvania:
6/8/2006 - President Bush to Visit Hungary for the 50th Anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution. The White House released the following statement: "President Bush will visit Budapest, Hungary for a bilateral program on June 22, 2006, following his participation in the U.S.-European Union Summit in Vienna, Austria. In Budapest, the President will celebrate Hungary’s historic sacrifices in the name of freedom by commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, underscore the success of the U.S.-European partnership in securing freedom in the region, and highlight the lessons offered from Hungary’s successful transition from tyranny to free-market democracy..." On July 28, 2005, AHF and member organizations spearheaded a letter urging president Bush to visit Budapest only after national elections for the commemoration of the 1956 Hungarian revolution... “By attending the commemoration of that historical event that made the Kremlin tremble, the United States would affirm its recognition of the tremendous sacrifice of Hungarians and other Central and Eastern European nations in restoring their freedom and independence and of their serving as models for new democracies elsewhere in the world today,” the letter read. 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. [download the letter] [read more] about AHF's 1956 activities. 6/6/2006 - AHF pursuing resolutions commemorating 1956 in all 50 states! Ohio and Colorado follow Texas in adopting the Resolution and congratulating 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 published an Op-Ed calling attention to our resolution. We need your help! AHF is calling on all to promote this important effort! How can you help? [read more] 5/29/2006 - AHF 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] 5/20/2006 - The Hungarian May Ball in Washington raises funds for the Hungarian Scouts of Washington and AHF 1956 Fund. Proceeds of the evening went to the Bátori József Hungarian Scout Troop of Washington and to support a series of AHF events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and the Hungarian historical communities living in the countries neighboring Hungary. Honorary Chairs included Hungarian American community leaders and Congressmen Tom Lantos, Daniel W. Lipinski, Thaddeus G. McCotter, and Frank R. Wolf. [read more] 5/20/2006 - 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! Contact bryandawson@americanhungarianfederation.org and join the 1956 Commemoration Committee! Continuing news - AHF providing free Websites on the 1956 Portal (www.hungary1956.com) to member organizations as they prepare for the 50th Anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution.If you know of any organization or group planning events for the commemoration of 1956, please contact us. The American Hungarian Federation is sponsoring the 1956 Portal as part of its goals to coordinate and assist member organizations across the country. The 1956 Portal serves as a central information resource for 1956 activities as our community prepares for the 50th Anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution. The Portal also includes Audio and Video files! If you have additional photos or have plans you would like to promote, contact us! Write to bryandawson@americanhungarianfederation.org [See www.hungary1956.com] Note: You will need the free RealAudio Player to see these videos. Click [here] to download. "Five Days of Freedom in Budapest" - "Budapest is in revolt. With uncontrolled fury, crowds set fire to Russian flags... The impossible has happened. A handful of heroes has shaken the communist world to its foundations." (5.2 Mb) 2/27/2006 - New Video posted to the 1956 Portal! "News Magazine of the Screen" presented "Flight from Hungary" in early 1957 featuring video taken after the brutal Soviet re-occupation. "This is battered Budapest under the brutal Russian boot, Soviet tanks roam the streets under the ruins they laid as communist secret police hunt down heroic Freedom Fighters. 25,000 Hungarians are dead." A fascinating video, it also includes news about the Suez Crisis and more glimpes into life during this time. A new book by Rebecca McEldowney and an article by Attila
Ürményházi in Tasmania were also added to the publications
section. Continuing news - A Centennial Celebration! 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. Members are reminded to send dues before March 31st. [more about us] AHF 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:
Buy all your products through our Amazon store and help AHF! 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 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 For technical assistance, contact bryandawson@americanhungarianfederation.org |
Can't
see this in full color? Go online to The Soccer World Cup begins, but, despite Hungary's absence and 50 years since Ferenc Puskas and the "Magnificent Magyars" graced the field, Hungarians continue to make an impact! The American Hungarian Federation salutes The Czech Republic's Tomas (Tamás) Ujfalusi (top picture. Club: Fiorentina, Italy) and Serbia and Montenegro's Albert Nadj (Nagy) (Club: Partizan Belgrade). ALERTS Property Restitution in Serbia-Montenegro: June Deadline is here! US Embassy reports: "Serbia and Montenegro is one of the last countries in the region to tackle the difficult issue of restitution of property seized or expropriated by the former communist governments. Private American citizens, and other claimants, are often frustrated by the lack of progress on this issue. The U.S. Embassy continues to raise this issue with government officials at the highest levels. Restitution of seized or expropriated properties differs, depending upon whether the property is located in Serbia or Montenegro." [Read Details in English] Also see the State Department's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in Serbia and Montenegro Szerbiában nem az igazi a restitúció Szerbiában egyelõre várat magára a II.
világháborút követõen vagyonuktól
megfosztottak kárpótlása. Törvény még
nem született a kártalanításról, de
egy jogszabály tavaly nyár óta érvényben
van, melynek értelmében 2006. június 30-áig
a kárvallottaknak vagy leszármazottaiknak be kell nyújtaniuk
a Szerb Köztársaság vagyonjogi igazgatóságának
az ellenszolgáltatás nélkül elvett vagyonuk
visszaszármaztatására vonatkozó igényt,
a megfelelõ dokumentáció kíséretében.
[read
more] AHF MEMBER NEWS Balazs Szabo, is a world-renowned artist and "1956 refugee #M14543." In the aftermath of the bloody Hungarian Revolution, the Szabo family was under Hungarian AVO house arrest. On November 20, they fled toward the Austrian border. The turmoil of WWII and the Hungarian Revolution and their impacts on him and his family influenced Balazs, the younger son of one of Hungary's most celebrated young classical actors Sandor Szabo, greatly. Balázs and his family fled the country separately during the 1956 Revolution and were reunited in America. He has written a historical memoir about his dramatic escape from Hungary "A Knock In the Night." Balazs joined AHF in May 2006. To help with fundraising, he donated his memoir as well as his award-winning artbook, "The Eye of Muse" for the AHF May Gala in Washington on May 20th. We honored to have him with us! See his exhibition, "Balazs Szabo: Fantastic Realist," from April 9 through October 1, 2006 at the American Hungarian Foundation's Museum in New Brunswick, New Jersey. (Read more about the exhibition under the "New Jersey" section below") Read more about him on Museum of the American Hungarian Foundation - 300 Somerset Street, New Brunswick, NJ Exhibition: April 9 - October 1, 2006 The New York 1956 Committee makes great progress on October 15 Carnegie Hall Celebration and Requiem Mass in honor of 1956. The next meeting is scheduled for June 19th at 6 pm at the New York Consulate. Dr. Horvath Gabor, Consul General has scheduled a receptio for the committee. For more information, contact Agnes Niemetz: aginiemetz@aol.com
This former AHF paper is now operated by AHF's István Petermann, a young Hungarian-American entrepreneur originally from Transylvania. This well-produced American weekly for the Hungarian community recently expanded its circulation and is now available at over 2500 locations across the United States. This is a full-featured 30-50 page paper that even includes a "Kids Corner." For information, call 1-877-A-MAGYAR. You can now subscribe ONLINE on the AHF
Website [subscribe] Naples, FL: The American Foundation for Hungarian Youth and Culture - 1956 Memorial Statue receives approval from Collier County Board of Commissioners! The Foundation supports education and awareness of Hungarian Culture in Naples and in Hungary, primarily among youth. They are also making plans to commemorate the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Support the cause by purchasing Ribbon Car Magnets to commemorate the 1956 Fight for Freedom. It says "USA 1776 / Hungary 1956: Freedom is not Free." Magnets cost 1-4 magnets cost $5.00 each, with quantity discounts. Tax-deductible donations are also appreciated. Contact Andrew Evva, President at (239) 593-9513 or asevva@aol.com Hungarian Scholarship Fund (HSF) The American Hungarian Federation recently added $1000.00 to its effort at raising funds to the Hungarian Scholarship Fund that supports ethnic Hungarian students in the successor states in the Carpathian Basin. The Federation gave $5000.00 in 2005, and needs your support to surpass that number. Known as the "Professor Paprika," Bela Bognar grows and sells paprika to raise money. [read more] about the Hungarian Scholarship Fund and DONATE! Exhibition on 1956 Hungarian Revolution in downtown Boston's Prudential Center Dr. Gabor Garai, Honorary Hungarian Consul in Boston, is planning and exhibition that aims to educate the public about the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. The Prudential Center agreed to provide an well-trafficked area for the display. Planned is a photo exhibit and other artifacts./ A Magyar Köztársaság Boston-i Tiszteletbeli Konzulátusa nagyszabású ünnepségsorozatot szervez 2006. október 20. és 30.-a között az 1956-os Magyar Forradalom és Szabadságharc 50. évfordulója alkalmából. Az eseménysorozat egyik jelentõs állomása a Prudential Center Huntington Árkád, más néven Wintergarten részében tartandó egy hetes fotókiállítás, amelynek anyagát egyrészt a Washington-i Nagykövetség által felajánlott utazó-fotó kiállítás, másrészt a jólismert osztrák származású fotográfus Erich Lessing képei szinesítenek majd. Contact: Hungarian Honorary Consulate 111 Huntington Avenue, 26th Floor The Boston Hungarians are also planning other events for the commemoration of 1956. They are calling for volunteers! Visit The Hungarian Society of Massachusetts for more information. Support "Boskola," the weekend Hungarian school for children in Lexington. AHF donated $500.00 at their recent fundraiser. Founded in 2000, the Bartók Béla Bostoni Magyar Iskola, Óvoda és Cserkészet (BOSKOLA) provides language instruction, scouting and other activities for 50-60 children in the Boston area. Visit www.boskola.org and support this great program The Minnesota Hungarians are planning a 1956 exhibition and many other events. Contact Laszlo Fulop and help make Minnesota's events come alive. See minnesotahungarians.onza.net The Hungary Page and "Nobel Prize Winners & Famous Hungarians" Do you think you know something about famous Hungarians? Think again! See "Nobel Prize Winners and Famous Hungarians" on www.thehungarypage.com Gábor Csupó(b. 1952, Budapest) Co-founder of Klasky-Csupo, one of the world's leading independent animation studios, Founder of Tone Casualties, Musician, and winner of 5 EMMYS and 2 CABLE ACE Awards. Produced Rugrats and the Simpsons. Walt Disney eat your heart out, but there is no dispute that this Hungarian born genius is the leader of the new generation of animation. He received his animation education at Hungary's famed Pannonia studio. In 1975 he fled Communist Hungary by walking for 2.5 hours through a darkened railway tunnel to Austria. Read more about him on The Hungary Page's "Nobel Prize Winners and Famous Hungarians" at www.thehungarypage.com 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... © 2006 American Hungarian Federation, All Rights Reserved |