Fraternity-Testvériség, 2007 (85. évfolyam, 1-3. szám)
2007-04-01 / 2. szám
“Kossuth Circle” started at Home Office Branch 300 and the Home Office started a discussion group, the “Kossuth Circle” to talk about issues of interest to the Hungarian-American community. This year we have had two discussions; the first with the editors -in-chief of the Vojvodina/Vajdasag’s Magyar Szo and the editor and president of the Budapest Nepszabadsag and the second concerning the Hungarian Health Care System. We continue to welcome the Hungarian Embassy and other Hungarian organizations to our events as we attempt to reach out to all and introduce visitors and members alike to HRFA’s fine insurance products and notable fraternal activities. Week of April 16 The week of April 16, 2007 was very active for the Home Office. The HRFA Board of Directors meet during the day and in the evenings different events were going on: Monday presentation by Ibolya David, Tuesday Board of Directors Banquet and Wednesday 100th Anniversary Celebration or our Charter and dedication of Hungarian Freedom Fighters Memorial dedication. Frank Kapitan, Branch 300 Manager, enjoying the news conference. April 16—Ibolya David Dr. Ibolya David, head of the Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF / Magyar Demokrata Fórum) discusses current political affairs in Hungary in April, 16, 2007 at the Kossuth House. In an event hosted by the Hungarian Reformed Federation and co-sponsored by the American Hungarian Federation (AHF) and the Hungarian American Coalition, Dr. David addressed concerns expressed by the organizing committee ranging from US- Hungarian bilateral relations to the Hungarian government's energy policy and relations with Russia. Dr. Ibolya David Dr. David has now been leader ot the Hungarian Democratic Forum for five terms in office, making her the longest-serving party leader. During the mass demonstrations against Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany over his admitting lying to win the elections, Dr. David said that he should "withdraw from public life." “Hungary is at a crossroads again, just as i happened 17 years ago - it will be soon determined whether the country will take the path toward a real civil society or the path toward balkanization, whether Hungary will become a full-fledged democracy or a banana-republic,” said David in her opening remarks. She deplored the current political situation in the country, characterized by deep divisions and the tendency to “...divide the country into ‘good’ and ‘bad,’ black and white.” Those who favor a model of a civil society are opposed to such divisions, and work toward uniting, instead of dividing the nation, she said. Full house at HRFA Kossuth House. Continue on Page 8 Fraternity - Testvériség / Summer 2007 £1 &
