William Penn Life, 1988 (23. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1988-07-01 / 7. szám
July 1988, William Penn Life, Page 3 Tragedy in Erdély The desperate plight of Hungarians living under the Rumanian regime "It is beyond belief and imagination the variety of cruel harassment and atrocities to which Hungarians are exposed each and every day . . . . The question now is how long a regime like this can survive, and how long the civilized West can look on this without lifting a finger against such an abuse of human life.” By Bishop Zoltán Király The inhuman conditions under which the Hungarian minority in Erdély, Rumania, is compelled to live is beyond the power of words to describe. The lack of food, the need to stand in lines for hours for meager portions of it, or having the supply run out without getting any of it, involves a loss of human dignity that can only be appreciated by someone that has lived through it. Hungarians are being forced out of their homes and out of their native villages. They are loaded onto buses and transported to Rumanian-speaking communities, all under the pretense of rural reorganization to increase productivity. Whole villages are run over by bulldozers; all buildings — including churches — are demolished as they need just those lands to achieve the better harvest of their "agricultural development plan.” This cruel and inhuman policy of the Ceausescu Rumanian Government serves another end, of course: the end of eradicating even the trace of Hungarian life from villages with sole Hungarian populations for many centuries. The bulldozer is also an effective tool for doing away with Hungarian schools. The persecution of the Hungarian minority is so severe that a constant fear and mistrust are noticed in the refugees long after their escape into Hungary. During the past winter the apartments were not heated. The use of electricity for lighting was limited; for heating, it was forbidden. After sunset the houses remained in darkness. Electricity, gas, and oil could not be used for neither lighting nor heating. Adults could follow this involuntary "crash diet.” but the children really suffered. The question now is how long a regime like this can survive, and how long the civilized West can look on this without lifting a finger against such an abuse of human life. Thousands and thousands leave everything behind, even their most valuable possessions, to arrive in Hungary emptyhanded and with shattered hopes to begin everything anew. Rumanians, too, are included in this sad group looking for mere survival. It is beyond belief and imagination the variety of cruel harassment and atrocities to which they are exposed each and every day and night, against which they are defenseless. In January of this year over 7,000 refugees sought temporary shelter in Hungary, increasing the number of refugees to over 40,000. The Hungarian government is helping the refugees. A fund of six million forints has been established for the refugee program. This help is an almost unbearable burden on the government struggling with its own economic hardships. The churches play a vital role in taking care of the refugees. They try to provide temporary lodging, food, and even jobs for the newly arrived. There are not many job opportunities to choose from, and the refugees take whatever is offered to them. The reunification of families is just one of the many problems they have to cope with. Family members — young and old alike — are searching for each other without a clue to their relatives’ whereabouts. Three church centers are working honestly to provide for the needs of the refugees. Humane treatment, friendly words, sincere intentions to help, helpful advice, and a place where refugees can stay in the overcrowded city dwellings — all are parts of the services offered which are sincerely and greatly appreciated. Without such intensive help, the refugees would be in chaos and completely lost. It is obvious that Hungary, under the prevailing economic conditions, is trying to do her best. But how long can she bear the burdens directly and indirectly connected to the case of refugees? Life in the refugee camps in Austria (where many refugees are placed in small apartments), unfortunately, is not the best. Austria did not expect such a big wave of refugees. It is unable to provide enough interpreters. The administrative process is extremely slow, and, from time to time, the growing impatience erupts into the loss of self-control. All of this does not help the refugees in their predicament. We have to take our part of helping the refugees very seriously and view it as our most important priority. It is honorable that they are received in Hungary and that limited help is offered. But how long can they stay? What will the future hold for them? I appeal to all our churches and their congregations to please make your contribution to this effort, remembering the days when you arrived here with nothing and found refuge, liberty, and possibilities for work and a better, decent, human life. It is a time to remember with thankfulness transformed into positive action. Remember 1956 when the Hungarian refugees were received by churches and placed in individual homes where they were able to feel brotherly love and concern until they were able to start and continue their newly found life, independent from daily persecution and misery. The benefactors at that time were many. We need even more at this time. The help is needed now. Please start collecting and send it as soon as possible to the Calvin Synod treasury so that we may be able to show our brotherly love toward those who just were finally able to escape from the house of slavery. The intimidation and outright persecution of our Hungarian brethren in Erdély is continuing every day. With the forced relocation program, the government tries to break their spirit and mental resistance in a most inhuman way. IT IS TIME TO HELP! And the time is NOW!__________________________ (The Rt. Rev. Zoltán Király is the Bishop of the Calvin Synod. The above material comes from his report on conditions in Rumania delivered at the Calvin Synod meeting held this May in Ligonier, Pa.) Welcome To Our Fraternal Family We happily present for your enjoyment more of our newest William Penn Association members. If you have a child age 5 or under who recently joined our Association, send us his or her photo so that all our members can welcome him or her to our fraternal family. All photographs will be published on a first-come, first-served basis. KORIN LEE ANTESBERGER Pittsburgh, PA SUMMER ANN, KATLYN and EDWARD TISSUE - Pittsburgh, PA %-«e s ;___ Jfc- -SARA N. BUTTS Columbus, OH JAYSON S. VAFIAS Highspire, PA
