On June 15, 2026, the Institute of Social Relations at the ELTE Faculty of Social Sciences hosted the international research workshop Myth, Memory, and Strategy: Jewish Communities and the Hungarian Far-Right, organized in partnership with The Simone Veil Research Centre for Contemporary European Studies at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU).

Drawing on a joint research initiative led by Prof. Richárd Papp of ELTE and Prof. Sharon Pardo of BGU, the workshop explored the evolving relationship between Hungary's Jewish communities and far-right political actors within the broader context of political developments across Europe. Discussions examined questions of memory politics, national identity, populism, antisemitism, and the growing prominence of pro-Israel and pro-Jewish rhetoric among some radical right movements.

Bringing together scholars from both institutions, the event provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the complex intersections of history, politics, and minority relations in contemporary Europe, while also laying the groundwork for future academic collaboration.

As part of the workshop, ELTE and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions. The agreement was signed by Prof. Zoltán Gábor Szűcs-Zágoni, Dean of the ELTE Faculty of Social Sciences and Prof. Michal Bar-Asher Siegal, Vice President for Global Engagement at BGU and Professor in the Department of Jewish Thought.

The MoU establishes a framework for future joint research projects, academic exchanges, and other collaborative initiatives, reinforcing the shared commitment of ELTE and BGU to international scholarly cooperation and interdisciplinary research.