Foreign Minister János Martonyi opened the exhibition on the life of the Swedish rescuer, compiled in Hungary, at the Wallenberg commemoration in the building of the Federal Audit Office of Argentina on May 14th, 2012.

As the Hungarian Foreign Minister emphasised in his greeting speech in Spanish, the venue for the exhibition is of symbolic significance, as Buenos Aires is the capital of the generous people of Argentina, who have always had their doors open for those persecuted for political or ethic reasons, including people of Jewish origin. The largest community of Jews in South America lives here, with members rescued by Wallenberg himself.

In his speech addressing highest-ranking officials, Jewish organisations, and diplomats, he highlighted that the Hungarian Government was committed to facing the past. Hungary follows the same ideals and values as the well-known Swedish rescuer. The most significant aim of the Memorial Year in honour of the 100th anniversary of Wallenberg’s birth is to introduce young people to the Swedish diplomat’s example: it is possible to turn against the flow of history and remain human amidst inhumanity.

The international community was represented by the ambassadors of 20 countries, including the heads of the Swedish, Israeli, Canadian and EU missions.

Besides János Martonyi, commemorative speeches were given by Dr. Daniel Reposo, Head of the Federal Audit Office of Argentina; Nicholas Tozer, First Vice-Chairman of the Board of the Raoul Wallenberg Foundation; Tamás Kertész, who had been rescued by Wallenberg, representing the survivors; Dr Ángel Schindel, First Vice-President of the DAIA, the Federation of Jewish Organisations in Argentina; Charlotte Wrangberg, Swedish Ambassador; and Eduardo Zuain, Deputy Foreign Minister of Argentina.

The Swedish diplomat’s life was commemorated with a clip and a poster exhibition in the event. The President of the Republic of Argentina, the Hungarian Government, and the Foreign Ministry honoured the occasion by issuing a joint publication.

The Argentinean Jewish community with approximately 250-300 000 members is the largest in Latin America and the seventh largest in the world. Many of them, like Tamás Kertész, who gave a speech at the event, immigrated to Argentina from Hungarian territories – some of them with the help of Wallenberg himself.

(kormany.hu)