Hungarian American Coalition News, 2008 (16. évfolyam, 1. szám)
2008 / 1. szám
scholarship program in Trans-Carpathia, also. Presently we sponsor one hundred high school students in five secondary schools in Arad, Nagyvarad, Nagy- Karoly and Segesvár. Our support of Trans-Carpathian students is in its infancy, at present; we have established five educational grants at the Szent István Líceum of Beregszász. We continue to provide operational support of the venerable Teleki-Bolyai Library of Marosvasarhely, on a regular basis. We were happily dedicated in initiating the ultimately successful drive to save the Hungarian Community Club of Wallingford Over the decades. This Hungarian House, established in 1924 has served as a meting place for interested Hungarians. We have come to realize that even a small but cohesive group of dedicated individuals possesses the ability and tools to create accomplishments of lasting significance. For more information, please visit: http://www.hcsc.us American Hungarian Federation Remarks by Zoltán Bagdy, Chairman of the Cultural Committee The American Hungarian Federation (AHF) is a 100- year old Hungarian organization, founded in 1906 in Cleveland, Ohio. One of the most influential Hungarian- American umbrella organizations in the United States, AHF is also among the oldest ethnic organizations in the country. AHF was established as an association of Hungarian societies, institutions and churches to “defend the interest of Americans of Hungarian origin in the United States.” We are a non-profit, 501(c) (3) group. AHF’s original mission was: “...to direct immigrants of Hungary into such parts of this country where they are mostly needed; to further the cultural development of Americans of Hungarian birth or descent; to spread the knowledge of American institutions among them, so as to further their Americanization; to give material and moral aid to those who need it; to get free legal advice aid to American-Hungarians without means; to promote cordial commercial relations between this country and Hungary; to defend the good name and reputation of Hungary against attacks and defamations; and to organize branches for the purpose of accomplishing the several aims of the Federation.” But with the tragic events unfolding in Europe in WWI, WWII, and then again in 1956, AHF’s mission evolved. Over the past 100 years, AHF’s mission has broadened to include support of people of Hungarian descent on both sides of the Atlantic and in the successor states of the Carpathian Basin. The American Hungarian Federation strives to unite the American Hungarian community through work that supports common goals. AHF is a national, non-partisan, independent umbrella organization representing the interests of its member organizations and the Hungarian American community. AHF addresses a broad array of issues and initiates/participates in a number of projects - both public policy and community oriented projects. AHF publicly speaks up about various issues of concern to the community, for example, statements and press releases and other informational pieces published recently about the Benes Decrees, the Bolyai University matter, the October 2006 demonstrations in Budapest, etc. AHF’s website supports these proclamations and serves as an informational conduit to its members and interested Hungarians. AHF engaged in debates involving key public policy issues, such as democracy and security in Central and Eastern Europe, and reaches out to opinion and decision makers. The Federation also hosts community events, such as the October 2006 commemoration of the 1956 Revolution at the Cosmos Club; Congressional receptions; Memorial Day commemorations at Arlington Cemetery (including the wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier); and the well received Darr Mine commemoration in Pennsylvania. The Federation presents the Michael Kovats Award annually to those who made exceptional contributions to Hungarian causes; one of the recipients in the past was the late Congressman Tom Lantos. The Federation maintains a very popular web-site, which receives several thousands of hits every month, originating both in the U.S., and abroad. Federation members also engage in distinct projects, such as Bela Bognar’s scholarship program for Hungarian students from Erdély, Felvidék, and Vaj dasag. Promoting democracy, human and minority rights is one of the key programs of the Federation. AHF is on record for supporting far greater cooperation and coordination among Hungarian American organizations on matters of mutual concern. AHF believes that in order to accomplish this goal: (a) future meetings should be open to all legitimate organizations; (b) hosted by all participants, instead of under the auspices of a single organization; (c) be organized after potential participants are consulted in advance of the meetings. For more information, please visit: http://www.americanhungarianfederation.org Hungarian American Coalition - June 2008 - 3
