In Budapest, Netanyahu Meets Shluchim to Discuss Jewish Life

After meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban—during which Hungary announced it would withdraw from the ICC in support of Israel—Prime Minister Netanyahu met with local Shluchim to discuss Jewish life in Hungary and to thank them for their role in preserving Jewish life and education.

By Anash.org reporter

Prime Minister Netanyahu opened the meeting by expressing that “today, the Jewish people possess great strength, and this strength allows us to ensure the eternity of Israel.” He described the moment as historic, saying, “This is the historic moment we are living in—a war on seven fronts for the survival of Israel—and we are prevailing.”

The Prime Minister added that, with Hashem’s help, the victory would soon be complete, but made clear that this also included returning all the hostages. “So far, we have brought back 147 lives—196 in total—and we are determined to bring back the rest. At this very moment, our soldiers are fighting and applying pressure on the Hamas monsters.” He added with confidence, “I am filled with unwavering faith that we will succeed. We will not give up on a single person.”

He went on to praise the Shluchim for “preserving Jewish consciousness” and “maintaining Jewish education,” and noted that he had taken careful account of all matters raised with the Hungarian government. These included “a fixed annual grant from the Hungarian government to a foundation dealing with heirless Jewish property; renovation of the Jewish university; renovation of the Jewish hospital in Budapest; the establishment of a Hungarian cultural center in Jerusalem; and the restitution of heirless Jewish property.”

The Shluchim and community leaders responded with words of deep appreciation, emphasizing that Hungary is currently the safest place in Europe for Jews. One Shliach reflected, “As someone who was born and raised here, I don’t recall a time like this—when Jews received such respect and appreciation, and felt so secure.” Referring to the relationship between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, one added, “The fact that a leader like Viktor Orbán so deeply admires and respects you sends a powerful message to the entire Hungarian population.”

Turning to Sara Netanyahu, the Shluchim expressed admiration for her dedication and presence, saying they were proud of her work and adding, “We know that without your backing, it wouldn’t be the same. Where do you get your strength?”

Sara Netanyahu responded that she asks herself that very question every day, and explained that her strength comes from faith. “The answer is complex, but if I had to sum it up—it’s the power of faith,” she said. She spoke of her belief in her husband’s mission, saying, “I believe in my husband, in his mission. I truly feel that what he’s doing is a Kiddush Hashem. That he’s meant to carry out this role, especially in these difficult times. And I, together with our sons, also sacrifice—because this is for Am Yisrael.”

She described how she experiences hashgacha pratis in her daily life and professional work. “I work as a child psychologist in Jerusalem. I’m part of the psychological services team, and I also work at the Chabad school, Beit Chana. Helping the children of Jerusalem and their families gives me great strength.”

She concluded by sharing that beyond her official duties, she devotes much of her time to assisting hostages and their families, IDF soldiers, and other critical efforts. “In this period, I am especially focused on the hostages and their families—doing what I can, even just emotional support. The power of faith—because I believe that those who have faith will ultimately be rewarded.”