Claude André Donatello - Cseh Géza - Pozsonyi József: A muraszombati, szécsiszigeti és szapári Szapáry család története (Régi magyar családok 6. Debrecen, 2007)

Abstract

her role in saving Jews, she was given the certificate of Yad Vashem in 1998, which I had the honor of taking delivery of on her behalf. All these achievements and more are reported in this book. The family had also its share of persecutions and sufferings. Péter (ca. 1630- ca. 1703) was imprisoned by the Turks and, according to legend, was forced to pull the plough himself to till the soil. Géza (1828-98), who participated in the 1848/49 fight of independence against the Austrians, was condemned to captivity and put in prison. After regaining freedom and journeying in Europe, he went on to became a member of Parliament and occupied various high public posts. Antal (1905-1972) was interned by the Nazis in the concentration camp of Mauthausen for his role in helping the Polish refugees. After the Second World War, most members of the family left Hungary. Those who remained were persecuted by the communist regime. My parents, Gyula (1901-1985) and Etelka (19091972), were put in prison following a political show trial and the rest of the family was deported from Budapest. István (1915-) was also imprisoned and his family deported. Although victim of significant adversity, the history of the Szapáry family is not very different from that of all families: if one looks at a long enough period of time, one always finds good, as well as bad times. By now, the family is scattered around the world living in countries in several continents. Their activities span the professions of modern life: business, management, economics, medicine, law and healthcare to mention some of them. They are good citizens of their country of adoption, attached to and proud of their Hungarian roots, even if born abroad and not speaking Hungarian. This book that the reader is holding in his hands should be an interesting document for genealogists to consult and could be a source of inspiration for the younger generations of the Szapáry family. For centuries, the Szapáry family was rich and powerful, but its members tried to serve their country well, some as soldiers, others as politicians, diplomats and civil servants, still others as landowners taking good care of their land. When they lost their power and wealth due to political changes, they acquired the knowledge of and engaged in the many professions of modern life. Not an exceptional story, but a good example of human ambitions, drive and endurance. Being member of a family who attracts the curiosity of genealogists and historians should not let us lose the proper perspective. Reading through this book I can not help but think of the millions of families about whom no such books have been written, though they worked hard to serve their country and family, often perishing in battles against enemy, caught up in wars or suffered or died in concentration camps. The knowledge of their achievements and their sacrifices commands respect and humility. György Szapáry