Minister of Foreign Affairs János Martonyi sent a letter of solidarity to Chief Rabbi Emeritus József Schweitzer June 6, 2012. Dr. Schweitzer fell a victim to an anti-Semitic verbal abuse on the previous day.

The English translation of the letter reads:

Professor Dr. József Schweitzer
Chief Rabbi Emeritus
Budapest

June 6, 2012

Dear Professor,

It was with deep sadness that I learnt about the outrageous insult committed against you yesterday. Please allow me to express my sincere sympathies. There is no explanation for this event, as there cannot be one.

You are respected as one the most honorable figures of Hungarian scientific and public life. Your lifelong work humbly devoted to the Hungarian-Jewish co-existence and the Jewish-Christian dialogue is an example for us all to be followed, irrespectively of community affiliations.

Your life achievement teaches us that an open attitude towards each other, mutual understanding, human dignity and respect are all our common values. These are values that I personally cherish.

It is my sincere hope that this ignoble attack does not discourage you from continuing your work, which Hungarian society continues to be in need of.

Yours sincerely,

János Martonyi

(kormany.hu)