Hungary

Funeral in the Debrecen Jewish cemetery. The city, which lies on the Hungarian Plain, had a vital Jewish community even in the 1990s, although there were but 1200 Jews registered. The communtiy boasted a kosher butcher, a kosher baker, two synagogues (only one of which functioned and was well maintained) and a soup kitchen that looked after two dozen souls. March, 1999 Hungary Debrecen

In the kosher kitchen of Debrecen. The city, which lies on the Hungarian Plain, had a vital Jewish community even in the 1990s, although there were but 1200 Jews registered. The communtiy boasted a kosher butcher, a kosher baker, two synagogues (only one of which functioned and was well maintained) and a soup kitchen that looked after two dozen souls. March, 1999 Hungary Debrecen

Joszephine Buckler, 91 years old, receiving a meals on wheels delivery. Mrs Buckler, who had once been wealthy, was living in a communal flat with three other families. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Joszephine Buckler, 91 years old, with a social worker who came to call on her twice each week. Mrs Buckler, who had once been wealthy, was living in a communal flat with three other families and received home care, meals on wheels, and a small cash supplement. She was one of 5,000 elderly Jews in Budapest who received such assistance. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Ferenc and Ilona Olti in their Budapest flat. With no children to help them, their meagre pensions provided too little to live on, and the couple depended on cash supplements and medicine from JDC and the Hungarian Social Welfare Jewish Association. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

At the Purim party in Budapest, sponsored by the Union of Jewish Students. March, 1998 Hungary Budapest

Lake Balaton, in Hungary, sees more than a million visitors each summer. August, 1988 Hungary Balatonfured

Hanukkah dance at the Hotel Gellert, December 1989. Six weeks after Hungary became a democratic republic once again, 3 weeks after the Berlin Wall fell, two weeks after Communism collapsed in Prague and one day after Nicolae Ceausescu was shot in Romania, more than 3,000 Hungarian Jews came out to boogie. December, 1989 Hungary Budapest

With Communism in fast retreat in 1989, many political, religious and social organizations that had been previously banned re-established themselves. In January, the first meeting of a Zionist organization in decades was held in the Goldmark Hall of the Jewish community. January, 1989 Hungary Budapest

At the Passover seder run by the Hungarian Union of Jewish Students. Some 350 university students and young adults attended. April, 2000 Hungary Budapest

Restoration of the Dohany synagogue in Budapest. This enormous, elegant, Moorish style synagogue, built between 1854-1859, stood proudly in the center of Budapest. It was a symbol of Hungarian Jewry's position, pride and optimism during the Ausgleich period of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy (between 1867-1914). The renovation, underwritten primarily by the Hungarian government, was completed in 1996. The exterior was done well, the interior, to my mind, was less successful. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Gustav Zoltai, president of the Jewish Federation of Hungary, in his office in the Federation's building on Sip utca. March, 1994 Hungary Budapest

At a Jewish book fair in Budapest. May, 1999 Hungary Budapest

In the Pedagogical Institute in Budapest. After the fall of Communism, one problem facing the community was a lack of qualified teachers and rabbis. JDC sponsored a training institute that prepared teachers for teaching Jewish studies. Student enrollment in Budapest jumped from less than 50 students in 1985 to 1,000 a decade later, and by 2002 there were 1,600. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

In the American Endowment School in Budapest. This was one of three Jewish schools in the city and was the most Orthodox of the three. October, 2016 Hungary Budapest

In the Pedagogical Institute in Budapest. After the fall of Communism, one problem facing the community was a lack of qualified teachers and rabbis. JDC sponsored a training institute that prepared teachers for teaching Jewish studies. Student enrollment in Budapest jumped from less than 50 students in 1985 to 1,000 a decade later, and by 2002 there were 1,600. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Morning services in the Budapest Rabbinical Seminary. Opened in the 1860s to train Neologue (close to Conservative) rabbis and cantors, the seminary limped along during the Communist period, and then, after 1989, began to attract more students, several of whom are now leading congregations in Budapest, Szeged and in other countries. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Bela Kertesz, 91 years old, in his bed in the Budapest Jewish Hospital. The Hospital, overtaxed, overburdened and underfunded, was both an old age home as well as primary care facility for elderly Jews. By the late 1990s, the hospital received financial support from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, the Austrian Federal National Fund for Victims of National Socialism, and others, so that it could upgrade its facilities. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

At the Passover seder run by the Hungarian Union of Jewish Students. Some 350 university students and young adults attended. UJS became a focal point for young Hungarian Jews, especially those secular Jews who did not plan to emigrate to Israel. April, 2000 Hungary Budapest

Some 3,000 guests attended the open air concert commemorating Israel's 50th anniversary. May, 1998 Hungary Budapest

Bela Drexler, the Mislkocs community's Hebrew teacher. Only around 600 Jews lived in Miskolc then, but the community had a soup kitchen and Mr Drexler taught Jewish children Hebrew. September, 1999 Hungary Miskolc

Preparing lunch in the Debrecen kosher kitchen. There were but 1200 Jews in the city when I visited, but the community had a kosher canteen, daily prayer services, a Sunday school, Talmud Torah class, its own kosher bakery and butcher. August, 1989 Hungary Debrecen

In the Debrecen Jewish community center, a visiting rabbi from Israel discusses matters with community members. August, 1989 Hungary Debrecen

Former pupils at the Abonyi Street School in Budapest at the school's first reunion. Only with Communism on the wane was this sort of event possible, and many of the 300 people who attended came from the US, Canada, Israel and other countries. Many of them were making their first trip back to Hungary since they fled-- either in 1948 or 1956. During the event, I hears one elderly woman say to another: "I haven't seen you since Bergen Belsen." June, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Peter Repas and Ildiko Kis delivering a food basket to a Jewish woman who lived in the Debrecen mental institute. Repas and Kis were leaders of the Union of Jewish Students, which carried out a series of intergenerational projects. October, 2000 Hungary Debrecen

Ildiko Kis, a student in Debrecen, was one of the heads of the Union of Jewish Students. One of the group's activities was to visit the elderly at home. October, 1999 Hungary Debrecen

At the Hanukkah concert in the Jewish community's Goldmark Hall, where some 900 people attended. December, 1989 Hungary Budapest

At the Hanukkah concert in the Jewish community's Goldmark Hall, where some 900 people attended. December, 1989 Hungary Budapest

In the makeshift lunchroom of the American Endowment School, which was just getting started in Budapest after the fall of communism. June, 1990 Hungary Budapest

Baking matzah in the basement of the Orthodox Jewish community. Although there were perhaps as many as 100,000 Jews in Budapest in the late 1980s, around 35,000 were registered with the Jewish Federation. Of those my estimate is that well less than 500 were Orthodox then. April, 1989 Hungary Budapest

In the Ronald S Lauder/Javne Jewish school in Budapest. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

In the Ronald S Lauder/Javne Jewish school in Budapest. The school, which opened in 1991, quickly had 650 students. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Lunch time in the Debrecen community kitchen, which served around 70 people each day, either in the community, or at home. September, 1989 Hungary Debrecen

Bela Drexler, the community's Hebrew teacher, was giving a bar mitzvah lesson. August, 1989 Hungary Miskolc

Hanukkah dance at the Hotel Gellert, December 1989. Six weeks after Hungary became a democratic republic once again, 3 weeks after the Berlin Wall fell, two weeks after Communism collapsed in Prague and one day after Nicolae Ceausescu was shot in Romania, more than 3,000 Hungarian Jews came out to boogie. December, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Dohany synagogue under reconstruction. This enormous, Moorish Neologue (simillar to Conservative) Temple is now the largest in Europe, holding a minimum of 3,000 worshippers. Some 5,000 show up for the High Holidays. The synagogue sits in the center of Budapest, testifying to Hungarian Jewry's power, prestige and optimism that it had in the Ausgleich period of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, between 1867-1914. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Holocaust Memorial behind the Dohany Synagogue in Budapest. According to Eugene Levai's Black Book, based on Hungarian Jewish archives, 618,000 Hungarian Jews were murdered in the Holocaust (this number includes the 110,000 from Hungarian-occupied Transylvania). This left approximately 141,000 Jews in the country post-war, and it is estimated there could be as many as 100,000 in 2000. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

A display in the Budapest Jewish community office of stolen Judaica that was recovered after their theft. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

A display in the Budapest Jewish community office of stolen Judaica that was recovered after their theft. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Students of the Budapest Pedagocial Institute at mornign services. The Pedgagocial institute was instituted to train Jewish teachers for jobs in Jewish schools. Between 1985 to 1995, enrollment in Jewish schools jumped from under 50 to over 1,000. By 2002 it was at 1,600. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Students of the Budapest Pedagocial Institute at mornign services. The Pedgagocial institute was instituted to train Jewish teachers for jobs in Jewish schools. Between 1985 to 1995, enrollment in Jewish schools jumped from under 50 to over 1,000. By 2002 it was at 1,600. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Gabor Schweitzer and his Great Aunt in Pecs. Gabor, who was born in Pecs, returned to the city often to visit relatives. August, 1989 Hungary Budapest

August, 1997 Hungary Budapest

During the Passover seder, sponsored by the Union of Jewish Students. 350 university students and young adults attended. UJS activities were a magnet for young, secular Jews in Hungary who did not intend to emigrate. April, 1999 Hungary Budapest

During the Passover seder, sponsored by the Union of Jewish Students. 350 university students and young adults attended. UJS activities were a magnet for young, secular Jews in Hungary who did not intend to emigrate. April, 1999 Hungary Budapest

During the Passover seder, sponsored by the Union of Jewish Students. 350 university students and young adults attended. UJS activities were a magnet for young, secular Jews in Hungary who did not intend to emigrate. April, 1999 Hungary Budapest

Peter Repas and other members of the Hungarian Union of Jewish Students visiting an elderly Jew in Debrecen who lived alone. UJS created several such visitation programs throughout the country. October, 1999 Hungary Debrecen

Peter Repas, president of the Union of Jewish Students, visiting a Jewish woman who lived in the Debrecen mental institution. UJS has several visitation programs around the country. October, 1999 Hungary Debrecen

Janos and Ildi making sandwiches. Janos, who was then studying at the Rabbinical Seminary, and Ildi, who was studying at university, are seen here at a meeting of a Zionist youth group. In 1989, this was quite new, as such meetings had not been allowed during the Communist period. March, 1989 Hungary Budapest

At the Jewish community-owned villa at Lake Balaton, in the town of Balatonfüred. Some 400 people, including entire families, attended the camp each summer then. Two years later, the camp was moved to Szarvas and twice that number of Hungarian children attended. July, 1988 Hungary Balatonfured

Zionist meetings were finally allowed back in Hungary in 1989. I attended this one, which had mostly children, but this one elderly man showed up, sat there, and mostly smiled. March, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Tormenting the photographer at the Hanukkah party in the Jewish federation office on Sip utca. December, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Shlomo Maron, Israel's representative in Hungary (later Ambassador, when diplomatic relations were restored in June), stands next to Israeli Prime Minister Itzhak Shamir, who is speaking in the ceremonial hall of the Budapest Jewish Federation. March, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Kindergarten in the Ronald S Lauder school in Budapest. Opened in 1991, the school had more than 650 students by 2002. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Ralph Goldman, left, greets Estee Lauder, in white dress, with her son Ronald S. Lauder, right, doing the introductions. October, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Sylvia Hassenfeld, president of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committtee, cutting the ribbon in order to open the JDC office in Budapest, the first to take up residency in the country since being expelled by the Communists in 1952. Rabbi Alfred Schoener, left, and JDC board member Alan Batkin, right, look on. March, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Spinning the dreydel at a Hanukkah party in Budapest. January, 1970 Hungary Budapest

Playtime at the Jewish summer camp at Balatonfüred. Some 400 people, including entire families, attended the camp each summer then. Two years later, the camp was moved to Szarvas and twice that number of Hungarian children attended. July, 1988 Hungary Batlatonfüred

Born to be mild. Hanukkah dance at the Hotel Gellert, December 1989. Six weeks after Hungary became a democratic republic once again, 3 weeks after the Berlin Wall fell, two weeks after Communism collapsed in Prague and one day after Nicolae Ceausescu was shot in Romania, more than 3,000 Hungarian Jews came out to boogie. December, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Hanukkah dance at the Hotel Gellert, December 1989. Six weeks after Hungary became a democratic republic once again, 3 weeks after the Berlin Wall fell, two weeks after Communism collapsed in Prague and one day after Nicolae Ceausescu was shot in Romania, more than 3,000 Hungarian Jews came out to boogie. December, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Funeral in Debrecen's Jewish cemetery. March, 1999 Hungary Debrecen

Peter Repas, center, and other volunteers from the Hungarian Union of Jewish Students, visiting an elderly Holocaut survivor in Debrecen. The man's name was Gabor Klein, and he says he spent his days riding trams and buses in Debrecen giving out poems and fact sheets on the Holocaust to strangers. October, 1999 Hungary Debrecen

In the Ronald S Lauder/Javne School in Budapest, which had more than 650 students. October, 1997 Hungary Budapest

In the Shalom Club in the Balint JCC in Budapest. The community center, which opened in the early 1990s, was the first such institution to open in Central or Eastern Europe in more than half a century. Some 5,000 people were on its mailing list, from children to senior citizens. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

In the kitchen of Budapest's kosher restaurant, Hannah. January, 1970 Hungary Budapest

In the kitchen of Budapest's kosher restaurant, Hannah. March, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Petyus, 78 years old, was a double amputee and lived in the Budapest Jewish hospital. He told me that he had been deported to Auschwitz from eastern Hungary, and after he returned, he worked in various cities, keeping the synagogues clean. He lost his legs to diabetes. On his bed, he kept the key to a synagogue with him, along with all the prayer books he needed on a daily basis. January, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Budapest Jewish children's choir at the re-dedication of the synagogue in the south eastern city of Szeged. September, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Rededication of the Szeged synagogue. Designed by Lipot Baumhorn at the turn of the century, this is Baumhorn's greatest achievement. A man who built 23 synagogues that are now in 4 countries (Serbia, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia), Baumhorn found in Szeged a rich community and a rabbi (Immauel Loew) who gave him a free hand. The synagogue was rarely used and was in bad condition, but in the late 1980s, an anonymous donor in Switzerland offered JDC funding to restore the synagogue. Many of those attending came from Budapest. September, 1989 Hungary Szeged

In the Ronald S Lauder/Javne school in Budapest. October, 1997 Hungary Budapest

Terminally ill patient in the Budapest Jewish Hospital receiving care. Her name is Gizella Weiss and she was 98 years old when I took this picture. She had lived through Auschwitz and Bergen Belsen. July, 1997 Hungary Budapest

Lili Vago in the free dental clinic inside the Budapest Jewish Hospital. JDC arranged to have Israeli dental students at Budapest University donate part of their time to caring for elderly community members. Ms Vago sat down and said to Judit Stern of Haifa, "Doctor, ever since Auschwitz, my teeth have been just terrible." Ms Vago had breast cancer and died three months after I took this picture. July, 1997 Hungary Budapest

The central kitchen of the Hungarian Jewish Federation, where over 1,200 hot kosher meals were prepared daily. July, 1997 Hungary Budapest

Clara Palkovics, a social worker, calling on Joszephine Buckler in her Budapest apartment. Mrs Buckler lived on a small pension and a cash supplement and meals on wheels and medicine, provided by JDC and the Hungarian Jewish commuinty. See Centropa Reports: Caring for the Elderly in Hungary. July, 1997 Hungary Budapest

An overcrowded room in the Budapest Jewish hospital. The hospital, perennially short on cash, doubled as an old age home for elderly Jews who were afraid to live at home any longer. July, 1997 Hungary Budapest

The Ronald S Lauder/Yavne school in Budapest. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

The Ronald S Lauder/Yavne school in Budapest. October, 2016 Hungary Budapest

Sports class in Budapest's Ronald S Lauder school. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Sports class in Budapest's Ronald S Lauder school. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Religion class in the Ronald S Lauder/Javne school in Budapest. The generation that grew up just after the Holocaust did not learn about Jewish traditions, so schools like this one throughout Central and Eastern Europe were bringing Judaism back to Jewish families-- through the children. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Kindergarten of the Ronald S Lauder/Javne school, which went on to move into a new building shortly after I took this picture. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Religion class in the Ronald S Lauder/Javne school in Budapest. The generation that grew up just after the Holocaust did not learn about Jewish traditions, so schools like this one throughout Central and Eastern Europe were bringing Judaism back to Jewish families-- through the children. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Computer class in the Ronald S Lauder/Javne school in Budapest. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Shalom Club meeting at the Balint JCC in Budapest, where up to 200 elderly Jews congregated each afternoon for coffee, cake and conversation. The club was the first central meeting place for Hungary's elderly Jews and was established in 1994. March, 1997 Hungary Budapest

Preparing lunch in the central kitchen in the basement of the Scheiber school. The kitchen prepared 1100 meals daily, 300 of which were delivered to the homebound, 400 remained at the school, 250 sent to the Jewish hospital, and the balance to smaller satelitte kitchens. March, 1997 Hungary Budapest

Preparing lunch in the central kitchen in the basement of the Scheiber school. The kitchen prepared 1100 meals daily, 300 of which were delivered to the homebound, 400 remained at the school, 250 sent to the Jewish hospital, and the balance to smaller satelitte kitchens. March, 1997 Hungary Budapest

Preparing lunch in the central kitchen in the basement of the Scheiber school. The kitchen prepared 1100 meals daily, 300 of which were delivered to the homebound, 400 remained at the school, 250 sent to the Jewish hospital, and the balance to smaller satelitte kitchens. March, 1997 Hungary Budapest

Preparing lunch in the central kitchen in the basement of the Scheiber school. The kitchen prepared 1100 meals daily, 300 of which were delivered to the homebound, 400 remained at the school, 250 sent to the Jewish hospital, and the balance to smaller satelitte kitchens. March, 1997 Hungary Budapest

Preparing lunch in the central kitchen in the basement of the Scheiber school. The kitchen prepared 1100 meals daily, 300 of which were delivered to the homebound, 400 remained at the school, 250 sent to the Jewish hospital, and the balance to smaller satelitte kitchens. March, 1997 Hungary Budapest

Morning prayer services in the Balatonfüred Jewish summer camp. Around 400 guests came each summer, but 2 years later, the children moved out to the Ronald S Lauder/JDC summer camp at Szarvas. July, 1988 Hungary Balatonfüred

Morning prayer services in the Balatonfüred Jewish summer camp. Around 400 guests came each summer, but 2 years later, the children moved out to the Ronald S Lauder/JDC summer camp at Szarvas. July, 1988 Hungary Balatonfüred

Morning prayer services in the Balatonfüred Jewish summer camp. Around 400 guests came each summer, but 2 years later, the children moved out to the Ronald S Lauder/JDC summer camp at Szarvas. July, 1988 Hungary Balatonfüred

Morning prayer services in the Balatonfüred Jewish summer camp. Around 400 guests came each summer, but 2 years later, the children moved out to the Ronald S Lauder/JDC summer camp at Szarvas. July, 1988 Hungary Balatonfüred

Hanukkah party in the Balint JCC in Budapest, where some 250 children attended. December, 1998 Hungary Budapest

Detail, lobby of the Debrecen Jewish synagogue. The city had 1200 Jews when I visited in 1999. Outside of Budapest, this was the largest community in the country, and had a kosher butcher, baker and a community kitchen for its members. March, 1999 Hungary Debrecen

Interior of the Orthodox synagogue in Debrecen. The city, which had 1200 Jews, maintained two synagogues, but this one was rarely used. March, 1999 Hungary Debrecen

Israel Sela, JDC's country director for Budapest, at the Jewish community's first Hanukkah celebration for the deaf. Both of Sela's parents (he is from Israeli) were deaf, and he did the signing. December, 1998 Hungary Budapest

Israel Sela, JDC's country director for Budapest, at the Jewish community's first Hanukkah celebration for the deaf. Both of Sela's parents (he is from Israeli) were deaf, and he did the signing. December, 1999 Hungary Budapest

Israel Sela, JDC's country director for Budapest, at the Jewish community's first Hanukkah celebration for the deaf. Both of Sela's parents (he is from Israeli) were deaf, and he did the signing. December, 1998 Hungary Budapest

Israel Sela, JDC's country director for Budapest, at the Jewish community's first Hanukkah celebration for the deaf. Both of Sela's parents (he is from Israeli) were deaf, and he did the signing. December, 1998 Hungary Budapest

Israel Sela, JDC's country director for Budapest, at the Jewish community's first Hanukkah celebration for the deaf. Both of Sela's parents (he is from Israeli) were deaf, and he did the signing. December, 1999 Hungary Budapest

at the Hanukkah party sponsored by the Union of Jewish Students in Budapest. More than 3,500 guests attended. December, 1998 Hungary Budapest

Rabbi Josef Schweitzer, who had been the rabbi in Pecs and later directed the Budapest Rabbinical Seminary, at the Hanukkah party sponsored by the Union of Jewish Students in Budapest. More than 3,500 guests attended. December, 1998 Hungary Budapest

Gambling at the Hanukkah party sponsored by the Union of Jewish Students in Budapest. More than 3,500 guests attended. December, 1998 Hungary Budapest

Hanukkah party for small children at the Balint JCC. There were a dozen other Hanukkah parties spread throughout the city that year. My guess is that over 5,000 participated. December, 1998 Hungary Budapest

Hanukkah party for small children at the Balint JCC. There were a dozen other Hanukkah parties spread throughout the city that year. My guess is that over 5,000 participated. January, 1970 Hungary Budapest

At the Union of Jewish Students Purim party in Budapest. 750 guests attended, nearly all of them college students and young adults. March, 1999 Hungary Budapest

The boy's name is Shai, which he clearly wasn't. What I like about this picture that in his eyes, we see nothing but pure teenage lust. That Shai was at a Purim party with over 750 other Jewish teenagers, sponsored by the Union of Jewish Students, bode well for a Jewish future in Hungary. March, 1999 Hungary Budapest

At the Israel at 50 celebration concert on Margaret Island in Budapest. May, 1998 Hungary Budapest

Morning prayer services in the Rabbinical Seminary. The seminary building was used by the seminary,with less than ten students, as well as the Pedagocial Institute, which trained Jewish teachers for careers in Jewish education. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Morning prayer services in the Rabbinical Seminary. The seminary building was used by the seminary,with less than ten students, as well as the Pedagocial Institute, which trained Jewish teachers for careers in Jewish education. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

At the buffet line in the Goldmark Hall in Budapest. The affair was to mark theannouncement of the restoration of the Dohany synagogue. Tony Curtis was an invited guest, and from that day on, some people thought that Tony Curtis funded the $25 million synagogue restoration. Not true. July, 1988 Hungary Budapest

In the makeshift dining room of the American Endowment School, one of three Jewish schools that opened in Budapest that year. This school, funded by the Reichman family of Canada, was the most orthodox of the three. September, 1990 Hungary Budapest

In the makeshift dining room of the American Endowment School, one of three Jewish schools that opened in Budapest that year. This school, funded by the Reichman family of Canada, was the most orthodox of the three. September, 1990 Hungary Budapest

Making matzah in the basement of the Orthodox Jewish community center in Budapest. Of the 100,000 or so Jews in Hungary, well less than 1,000 were Orthodox, yet they maintained a vital little community, with restaurant, kindergarten, daily prayer services and other activities. April, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Making matzah in the basement of the Orthodox Jewish community center in Budapest. Of the 100,000 or so Jews in Hungary, well less than 1,000 were Orthodox, yet they maintained a vital little community, with restaurant, kindergarten, daily prayer services and other activities. April, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Passover seder in the Budapest Jewish community's Goldmark Hall. Approximately 400 guests attended this one, and I estimated another 6 seders took place throughout the city then. Now there is much more than that. April, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Passover seder in the Goldmark Hall in Budapest. Rabbi Alfred Schoener presiding. Approximately 400 guests attended this one, and I estimated another 6 seders took place throughout the city then. Now there is much more than that. April, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Passover seder in the Rabbinical Seminary in Budapest, which served around 150 guests. In thte center are two students. On the left is Gustav, but I forgot his family name. He did not complete his studies. April, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Passover seder in the Rabbinical Seminary in Budapest, which served around 150 guests. Rabbi Josef Schweitzer is presiding, who had once been the rabbi in Pecs, and then went on to direct the seminary on the death of Rabbi Sandor Scheiber. April, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Passover seder in the Rabbinical Seminary in Budapest, which served around 150 guests. Rabbi Josef Schweitzer is presiding, who had once been the rabbi in Pecs, and then went on to direct the seminary on the death of Rabbi Sandor Scheiber. The pictures on the wall are of former directors of the Seminary, which was founded in the 1860s. This was not an Orthodox yeshiva, but a seminary for training Neologue, or Hungarian conservative, rabbis. April, 1989 Hungary Budapest

At the Hanukkah party in Budapest. December, 1998 Hungary Budapest

In the Jewish Hosptial of Budapest. March, 1997 Hungary Budapest

In the Anna Frank School of Budapest. After fWW2, the vast Neologue Rabbinical Seminary housed both the seminary the Jewish school, both of which had been greatly shrunken from their pre war enrollments. After 1989, both grew substantially. The high school changed its name to the Sandor Scheiber School and moved to its own building. By 2002 it had more than 400 students. When I took this picture, it had 120. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

In the Jewish library of Budapest,housed in the Rabbinical Seminary. March, 1997 Hungary Budapest

Professor Moskovitz speaks to a class in the American Endowment School in Budapest. Of the 3 high schools in the city, this was the most orthodox. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Sports class in the Ronald S Lauder/Javne school. The school opened in 1990, and by the end of the decade, it had more than 650 students, from K-12. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Rabbi Dr Josef Schweitzer studying with two rabbinical students in the Budapest Rabbinical Seminary. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

During the reconstruction of the Dohany Street synagogue. This Moorish temple is the largest in Europe and holds some 3,500 worshippers. It was built in the 1850s. It fell into disrepair after WW2, and was restored in the 1990s. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

During the reconstruction of the Dohany Street synagogue. This Moorish temple is the largest in Europe and holds some 3,500 worshippers. It was built in the 1850s. It fell into disrepair after WW2, and was restored in the 1990s. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

During the reconstruction of the Dohany Street synagogue. This Moorish temple is the largest in Europe and holds some 3,500 worshippers. It was built in the 1850s. It fell into disrepair after WW2, and was restored in the 1990s. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

During the reconstruction of the Dohany Street synagogue. This Moorish temple is the largest in Europe and holds some 3,500 worshippers. It was built in the 1850s. It fell into disrepair after WW2, and was restored in the 1990s. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

During the reconstruction of the Dohany Street synagogue. This Moorish temple is the largest in Europe and holds some 3,500 worshippers. It was built in the 1850s. It fell into disrepair after WW2, and was restored in the 1990s. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

During the reconstruction of the Dohany Street synagogue. This Moorish temple is the largest in Europe and holds some 3,500 worshippers. It was built in the 1850s. It fell into disrepair after WW2, and was restored in the 1990s. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

On opening day of the computer club for the hearing impaired in Budapest. March, 1997 Hungary Budapest

Gabor Schweitzer and his aunt in her apartment in Pecs. August, 1989 Hungary Pecs

Gabor Schweitzer and his aunt in her apartment in Pecs. August, 1989 Hungary Pecs

Gabor Schweitzer, from Budapest, and his aunt in her apartment in Pecs. August, 1989 Hungary Pecs

During the reconstruction of the Dohany Street synagogue. This Moorish temple is the largest in Europe and holds some 3,500 worshippers. It was built in the 1850s. It fell into disrepair after WW2, and was restored in the 1990s. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

During the reconstruction of the Dohany Street synagogue. This Moorish temple is the largest in Europe and holds some 3,500 worshippers. It was built in the 1850s. It fell into disrepair after WW2, and was restored in the 1990s. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

At the 50th anniversary party of Israel's founding, some 3,000 Budapest Jews attended events at the park on Margaret Island. May, 1998 Hungary Budapest

At the 50th anniversary party of Israel's founding, some 3,000 Budapest Jews attended events at the park on Margaret Island. May, 1998 Hungary Budapest

At the 50th anniversary party of Israel's founding, some 3,000 Budapest Jews attended events at the park on Margaret Island. May, 1998 Hungary Budapest

A Holocaust memorial in a town in eastern Hungary where Jews no longer live. July, 2000 Hungary Kunszentmarton

In front of the Dohany synagogue on the first day of Rosh Hashannah. Some 5,000 people congregated inside and outside the synagogue that day. September, 1989 Hungary Budapest

At the summer camp in Balatonfüred. July, 1988 Hungary Balatonfüred

During the Passover seder in the Goldmark Hall in the Jewish community center in Budapest. January, 1970 Hungary Budapest

Rozsika Wassermann ran the small kosher kitchen in Miskolc with great flair and humor. She had just visited a relative in Brooklyn, and had this to say about America: "Two Guys, what a wonderful store...why do you wrap bread in plastic. It steals the taste!...you taste one Hungarian grape and then a grape from America...am I right?...what you need in America is more Hungarian cooking." the man to the left told Roszka that his refrigerator was broken at home and who should he call? She said, Why call anyone. Just eat quickly. September, 1989 Hungary Miskolc

Rozsika Wassermann ran the small kosher kitchen in Miskolc with great flair and humor. She had just visited a relative in Brooklyn, and had this to say about America: "Two Guys, what a wonderful store...why do you wrap bread in plastic. It steals the taste!...you taste one Hungarian grape and then a grape from America...am I right?...what you need in America is more Hungarian cooking." the man to the left told Roszka that his refrigerator was broken at home and who should he call? She said, Why call anyone. Just eat quickly. This is Roszika's regular table. She said the man in the center had been accused of chasing girls in his college classes. When the police came to arrest him, he suddenly became religious and claimed anti-Semitism. Roszika said, "you see, he may be crazy, but he's not stupid." September, 1989 Hungary Miskolc

Jewish cemetery, with overgrown tombstones. September, 2016 Hungary Debrecen

In the Anna Frank School, which went on to change its name to the Sandor Scheiber school, to commemorate the Hungarian rabbi who maintained the rabbinical seminary for 30 years under communist rule. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

August, 1989 Hungary

Jewish cemetery in August, 1989 Hungary

August, 1989 Hungary

Holocaust memorial. August, 1989 Hungary Pecs

In the Kozma street cemetery in Budapest. September, 1990 Hungary Budapest

In the Kozma Street cemetery in Budapest. September, 1990 Hungary Budapest

In the Anna Frank high school in Budapest. September, 1990 Hungary Budapest

Monument in the Pecs to the Schreiber family. The plaques below show the fates of various members of the family: Auschwitz and Magdeburg. September, 1989 Hungary Pecs

Samuel Braun, 86 years old, was staying in the Budapest Hospital. He was not ill, but his wife was, so the community invited him to stay in the hospital so his wife would not worry about him. January, 1989 Hungary Budapest

In the laboratory of the Budapest Jewish Hospital. January, 1989 Hungary Budapest

In the Koszma street cemetery, the Jewish community erected a series of walls, each with names inscribed on them. This was done in the late 1950s, and some people were left out, so people came to the cemetery and wrote their family members' names on the wall. May, 1988 Hungary Budapest

\Jewish cemeterey. In 1989, the Abonyi Street Jewish school held its first reunion since the late 1930s. Around 400 people attended-- and they came from Israel, Canada, the US, Australia and elsewhere. This picture was taken in the Jewish cemetery. June, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Jewish cemeterey. In 1989, the Abonyi Street Jewish school held its first reunion since the late 1930s. Around 400 people attended-- and they came from Israel, Canada, the US, Australia and elsewhere. This picture was taken in the Jewish cemetery. June, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Tibor Englander was a Zionist who was arrested and imprisoned for his beliefs. He taught Hebrew and held other jobs, and in 1989, was allowed to reform another Zionist group. He had no love for the official Jewish community. February, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Youth meeting.As the Communist Party loosened the reins on religious involvement in Hungary, many Jewish groups started meeting. This picture was taken at a crowded youth meeting in 1989. February, 1989 Hungary Budapest

The Orthodox synagogue in Debrecen. It was built in 1913 and was rarely used in 1989. It was even less used when I returned in 2000, but still in reasonable condtion, save for the dust. August, 1989 Hungary Debrecen

Debrecen kosher butcher. Although the community had but 1200 Jews, it had a butcher, baker, soup kitchen and daily minyan. August, 1989 Hungary Debrecen

Jewish cemtery, Budapest. In 1989, the Abonyi Street Jewish school held its first reunion since the late 1930s. Around 400 people attended-- and they came from Israel, Canada, the US, Australia and elsewhere. This picture was taken in the Jewish cemetery. October, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Jewish cemetery Debrecen. Implements for washing hands after visiting the cemetery. August, 1989 Hungary Debrecen

Jewish cemetery in Debrecen. September, 1989 Hungary Debrecen

Jewish cemetery in Debrecen. September, 1989 Hungary Debrecen

In the community center in Debrecen. September, 1989 Hungary Debrecen

Interior detail; Orthodox synagogue in Debrecen. September, 1989 Hungary Debrecen

The American Endowment School's senior girls' class. September, 1990 Hungary Budapest

Father and son at the summer camp villa in Balatonfüred, in Hungary. July, 1988 Hungary Balatonfüred

Meeting of Zionist youth group in Budapest. Such meetings had been outlawed by the Communists for decades, but as the regime tried to make itself more relevant, taboos fell rapidly all during 1989. While the official Jewish community moved slower than smaller, informal groups on the periphery of Jewish life, Jews in Hungary welcomed the changes. January, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Class in the Budapest Rabbinical Seminary. Of the six young men in this picture, only Bobbi Braun, first on right on front row, completed his studies and became a rabbi. The average improved considerably after 1989. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Guests at a choir performance in the Budapest Rabbinical Seminary. May, 1988 Hungary Budapest

A rabbinical student speaks with his girlfriend in an empty classroom in the Budapest Rabbinical Seminary. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Two teenage boys check out the Hanukkah party at the Gellert Hotel, where 3,000 guests had come to dance. December, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Dr Ferenc Baron, an 81 year old attorney, in front of his ham radio and computer. He was still a practicing attorney. See Centropa Reports: Country notes: Dr. Baron of Mako. September, 1989 Hungary Mako

Teenage boys gather in front of the Dohany synagogue before services on Rosh Hashannah. September, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Synagogue in Szeged, designed by Lipot Baumhorn. The architect who designed 23 synagogues in what are now 4 countries, this was his finest creation, and was built in 1906. 600 Jews were living in Szeged when I visited in 1989 and about the same number were registed 13 years later-- mainly because Jewswere not afraid of associating with the community any longer. September, 1989 Hungary Szeged

A banquet in the ceremonial hall of the Jewish federation building on Sip street. Built in the late 1880s, this was clearly a proud, powerful and wealthy Jewish community. January, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Synagogue in Szeged, designed by Lipot Baumhorn. The architect who designed 23 synagogues in what are now 4 countries, this was his finest creation, and was built in 1906. 600 Jews were living in Szeged when I visited in 1989 and about the same number were registed 13 years later-- mainly because Jewswere not afraid of associating with the community any longer. September, 1989 Hungary Szeged

Chief Rabbi Alfred Schoener and Chief Rabbi Josef Schweitzer in the board room of the Jewish Federation of Jewish Communities. March, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Morning prayer services at the summer villa on Lake Balaton owned by the Jewish community. Around 400 people, mostly families, attended during the course of the summer. Two years later, JDC and the Lauder Foundation opened a summerr camp in eastern Hungary for the children, and the villa was mostly used for eldelry Jews. July, 1988 Hungary Balatonfüred

Rabbi, seated, and community leaders, Debrecen. September, 1989 Hungary Debrecen

Courtyard of the synagogue and community center in Miskolc. A memorial plaque for community members killed in the Holocaust is on the left. Around 10,000 Jews lived in Miskolc before the war. Most were deported to Auschwitz and few returned. 200 or so lived there in 1989 when I took this picture. September, 1989 Hungary Miskolc

Baroque synagogue of Bonyhad, where no Jews were living when I visited in 1989 (as far as I knew). September, 1989 Hungary Bonyhad

Baroque synagogue of Bonyhad, where no Jews were living when I visited in 1989 (as far as I knew). September, 1989 Hungary Bonyhad

Holocaust memorial in the Jewish cemetery of Pecs. September, 1989 Hungary Pecs

Overgrown cemetery in Pecs. September, 1989 Hungary Pecs

Szeged synagogue interior.Synagogue in Szeged, designed by Lipot Baumhorn. The architect who designed 23 synagogues in what are now 4 countries, this was his finest creation, and was built in 1906. 600 Jews were living in Szeged when I visited in 1989 and about the same number were registed 13 years later-- mainly because Jewswere not afraid of associating with the community any longer. September, 1989 Hungary Szeged

Jewish cemetery in Mako and implements for washing after visiting the dead. September, 1989 Hungary Mako.

Jewish cemetery in Mako, where Hasidic rabbis are buried. September, 1989 Hungary Mako

Hanukkah concert in the Goldmark Hall in the Jewish Federation building. Around 400 guests attended. December, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Holocaust memorial in the Ujpest Jewish old age home, to commemorate those who were deported during the Holocuast. March, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Ernone Schardz, a resident of the Ujpest Old age home, was 98 years old when I took this picture. She had been born in a village nearl Nitra, in what is now Slovakia, and then lived in Nitra for 40 years. She then spent another 4t years in Sopron, in Hungary . She told me she had outlived her husband and her two children, and they had had no children of their own. March, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Roszalina Wassermann at the grave of her husband. Roszalina was the cook of the Jewish community and she looked after a small coterie of elderly men and women each day. September, 2016 Hungary Mislolc

Szusza Kovacs, right, overseeing a reception in the Pava Street day care facility, which was open to elderly poor Jews. This reception was sponsored by some of Szusza's well to do friends. May, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Interior of the synagogue of Miskolc. Built in 1863 by Viennese architect Ludwig Foerster, this elegant, Orthodox synagoue was painted mostly in creams and browns. It was not in great shape in 1989 and was in worse shape in 2001 when I visited. Only 200 Jews lived in the town then. 10,000 had lived there before the war; most were deported to Auschwitz and murdered. September, 1989 Hungary Miskolc

In the kitchen of Restaurant Hannah, the kosher kitchen of the Orthodox Jewish community in Budapest. March, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Friday night at the Rabbinical Seminary in Budapest. A tradition started by Rabbi Scheiber, who died in 1987, hundreds of Jews attended services and an evening lecture upstairs in the seminary's library. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Eating in Restaurant Hannah, the kosher restaurant of the small Orthodox community. The Hasid is not from Budapest. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Szeged synagogue interior.Synagogue in Szeged, designed by Lipot Baumhorn. The architect who designed 23 synagogues in what are now 4 countries, this was his finest creation, and was built in 1906. 600 Jews were living in Szeged when I visited in 1989 and about the same number were registed 13 years later-- mainly because Jewswere not afraid of associating with the community any longer. September, 1989 Hungary Szeged

Jewish cemetery in Miskolc. Two hundred Jews were registered with the community when I visited in 1989. See Centropa Reports: Field notes/Hungary. September, 1989 Hungary Miskolc

Szeged synagogue interior.Synagogue in Szeged, designed by Lipot Baumhorn. The architect who designed 23 synagogues in what are now 4 countries, this was his finest creation, and was built in 1906. 600 Jews were living in Szeged when I visited in 1989 and about the same number were registed 13 years later-- mainly because Jewswere not afraid of associating with the community any longer. September, 1989 Hungary Szeged

Szeged synagogue interior.Synagogue in Szeged, designed by Lipot Baumhorn. The architect who designed 23 synagogues in what are now 4 countries, this was his finest creation, and was built in 1906. 600 Jews were living in Szeged when I visited in 1989 and about the same number were registed 13 years later-- mainly because Jewswere not afraid of associating with the community any longer. September, 1989 Hungary Szeged

Statue commemorating Raoul Wallenberg, which was erected in 1987 on a suburban street in Pest. The he Swedish diplomat saved thousands of Jewish lives in WW2 and then vanished into the Soviet prison system. The original monumnet was erected in 1947. The night before it was to be unveiled, it vanished, and was found years later in Miskolc, standing before a pharmaceutical factory. Underneath was written, "Man Fighting Disease." May, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Frankel Leo synagogue. Built in 1928, the prayer house sits in an apartment courtyard, looking as if it had been dropped there. June, 1988 Hungary Budapest

At the first high school reunion of the Abonyi street school in Budapest. This Jewish high school was considered one of the city's best in pre war times. There had been no reunion since the Holocaust and former students came from the US, Canada, Israel, Australia and several other countries. June, 1989 Hungary Budapest

At the first high school reunion of the Abonyi street school in Budapest. This Jewish high school was considered one of the city's best in pre war times. There had been no reunion since the Holocaust and former students came from the US, Canada, Israel, Australia and several other countries. June, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Caretaker of the Keckemet Jewish cemetery. Less than 50 Jews lived in the city when I visited and there was no organized Jewish community. the cemetery was perhaps the best maintained in the country. September, 1989 Hungary Keckemet

The Jewish cemetery of Keckemet. Less than 50 Jews lived in the city when I visited and there was no organized Jewish community. the cemetery was perhaps the best maintained in the country. September, 1989 Hungary Keckemet

Janos, a rabbinical student at the Budapest Rabbinical Seminary. He did not continue his studies. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Gusti was studying in the Budapest Rabbinical Seminary. He did not complete his studies. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

In the kitchen of Restaurant Hannah, the Orthodox community's kosher restaurant. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

In the kitchen of Restaurant Hannah, the Orthodox community's kosher kitchen. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Restaurant Hannah, kosher restaurant of the Orthodox Jewish community. The courtyard also housed a kosher butcher, a synagogue and prayer room. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Hanukkah dance in the Gellert Hotel. More than 3,000 people attended. December, 1989 Hungary Budapest

The Frankel Leo Synagogue in Buda. June, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Erwin Lakatos, foreground, and his son Tibor. Lakatos was general director of a bridge and tunnel construction firm that worked throughout the world. July, 1988 Hungary Budapest

In the Kozma Street cemetery, where the names of Budapest Jews deported to their deaths-- or killed in the ghetto-- were commemorated on a series of walls. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Rededication of the synagogue in Szeged, designed by Lipot Baumhorn. The architect who designed 23 synagogues in what are now 4 countries, this was his finest creation, and was built in 1906. 600 Jews were living in Szeged when I visited in 1989 and about the same number were registed 13 years later-- mainly because Jewswere not afraid of associating with the community any longer. September, 1989 Hungary Szeged

Synagogue interior, Nyiregyhaza. Less than 30 Jews lived in the town when I visted and this fine synagouge, which I think was designed by Lipot Baumhorn. September, 1989 Hungary Nyireghyhaza

Synagogue interior, Nyiregyhaza. Less than 30 Jews lived in the town when I visted and this fine synagouge, which I think was designed by Lipot Baumhorn. September, 1989 Hungary Nyiregyhaza

Miklos Haraszti, left, and György Konrád. Konrád is one of Hungary's best known novelists and Haraszti was political dissident and activist throughout the 1970s. The authorities found both of these brilliant, witty men to be terribly annoying. After 1989, Haraszti became an MP for 4 years and Konrád divided the decade between the Berlin Academy and Budapest. September, 1989 Hungary Budapest

In the Anna Frank school in Budapest. March, 1990 Hungary Budapest

Igor Bararon, left, from Sarajevo, and a friend from Zagreb, at the Ronald S Lauder/JDC intl summer camp at Szarvas. This was the camp's first season and around 250 students attended. By the late 1990s, more than 2000 children and students attended each year. August, 1990 Hungary Szarvas

Ivan Herszkovitz, Hungary's first new wave disk jockey. Ivan worked as a music journalist as well. January, 1990 Hungary Budapest

In the Anna Frank High school in Budapest. September, 1990 Hungary Budapest

Rabbi Josef Schweitzer, left, about the lead a prayer service at a funeral in the Kozma street cemetery. May, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Girl's gym class at the American Endowment School. September, 1990 Hungary Budapest

Passover seder in the Rabbinical seminary library. April, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Bela Drexler gives a bar mitzvah lesson in the Miskolc Jewish community center. There were less than 200 Jews in the city when I visited. September, 1989 Hungary Miskolc

Preparing for the Passover seder in the Goldmark Hall of the Hungarian Jewish Federation. April, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Interior, Debrecen synagogue. Built in 1909, this synagogue was still in use in 1987 when I visited, and in 1999. September, 1989 Hungary Debrecen

Preparing lunch in the Debrecen kosher community kitchen. September, 1989 Hungary Debrecen

Here comes chicken paprika. Preparing lunch in the Debrecen kosher community kitchen. September, 1989 Hungary Debrecen

Preparing lunch in the Pava Street central kitchen, where more than 2,500 hot meals were prepared daily. March, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Preparing lunch in the Pava Street central kitchen, where more than 2,500 hot meals were prepared daily. March, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Preparing lunch in the Pava Street central kitchen, where more than 2,500 hot meals were prepared daily. March, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Ceiling of the Orthodox synagogue (1870) in Mako. With less than 30 Jews in the city, there was no one to care for the synagogue, Dr Ferenc Baron told me. The enormous synagogue built by Lipot Baumhorn was knocked down in the 1960s. See Centropa Reports/Field Notes/Mako. September, 1989 Hungary Mako

Orthodox synagogue (1870) in Mako. With less than 30 Jews in the city, there was no one to care for the synagogue, Dr Ferenc Baron told me. The enormous synagogue built by Lipot Baumhorn was knocked down in the 1960s. See Centropa Reports/Field Notes/Mako. September, 1989 Hungary Mako

Interior of Orthodox synagogue (1870) in Mako. With less than 30 Jews in the city, there was no one to care for the synagogue, Dr Ferenc Baron told me. The enormous synagogue built by Lipot Baumhorn was knocked down in the 1960s. See Centropa Reports/Field Notes/Mako. September, 1989 Hungary Mako

Ark of Orthodox synagogue (1870) in Mako. With less than 30 Jews in the city, there was no one to care for the synagogue, Dr Ferenc Baron told me. The enormous synagogue built by Lipot Baumhorn was knocked down in the 1960s. See Centropa Reports/Field Notes/Mako. September, 1990 Hungary Mako

Rabbi Josef Schweitzer, director of the Budapest Rabbinical Seminary, telling Israeli PM Itzah Shamir about Jewish life in Hungary. This was the first visit to Hungary by an Israeli PM. The visit preceded the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Hungary and Israel, which all Communist states save Romania severed in the wake of the 1967 war. March, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Rabbi Josef Schweitzer preceding a funeral procession in the Kozma street cemetery. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Entrance to the Orthodox synagogue (1870) in Mako. With less than 30 Jews in the city, there was no one to care for the synagogue, Dr Ferenc Baron told me. The enormous synagogue built by Lipot Baumhorn was knocked down in the 1960s. See Centropa Reports/Field Notes/Mako. September, 1989 Hungary Mako

Interior of Orthodox synagogue (1870) in Mako. With less than 30 Jews in the city, there was no one to care for the synagogue, Dr Ferenc Baron told me. The enormous synagogue built by Lipot Baumhorn was knocked down in the 1960s. See Centropa Reports/Field Notes/Mako. September, 1989 Hungary Mako

Students and teacher, Budapest rabbinical seminary. On the front row, only Robbi Braun became a rabbi. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Israeli representative in Hungary Shlomo Maron translates for PM Itzha Shamir in the ceremonial hall of the Budapest Jewish community center. Maron soon became ambassador, when diplomatic relations were restored. March, 1989 Hungary Budapest

One of the Polgar sisters, Hungarian chess masters-- both on the poster and just behind, at the computer. June, 1989 Hungary Budapest

At a bar mitzvah in the Dohany synagogue. By the 1980s, there were around 30 bar mitzvahs a year in Budapest. A decade later, the number had doubled. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

At a bar mitzvah in the Dohany synagogue. By the 1980s, there were around 30 bar mitzvahs a year in Budapest. A decade later, the number had doubled. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Jewish cemetery in Pecs. August, 1989 Hungary Pecs

Holocaust memorial in a city park in Pecvarad. August, 1989 Hungary Pecsvarad

During the seder in the Goldmark Hall in the Budapest Jewish community center. April, 1989 Hungary Budapest

In the Kozma Street Jewish cemetery. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Rabbi Tamas Raj, just after directing a funeral service in the Kozma street cemetery. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Opened in 1931, this was one of the last synagogues built by Lipot Baumhorn, before his death in 1936 . The synagogue fell into disrepair after a Jewish community of any size failed to re-establish itself after the war, and I photographed it as they prepared to turn it into a furniture store. August, 1989 Hungary Gyöngyös

Sunday school class run by Rabbi Tamas Raj. January, 1990 Hungary Budapest

Rabbi Josef Schweitzer explaining the history of the Neologue (Conservative) Rannicial seminary to Israel's Minister of Religion, Dr Zevelan Hammer. January, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Rabbi George Landesmann, who, aside from leading services in the Bethlen Square synagogue, also ran the Jewish community's archives. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

At the Jewish summer camp at Balatonfüred. July, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Kitchen crew in the kosher kitchen in the Sip Street offices of the Jewish Federation of Jewish Communities. March, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Kitchen crew in the kosher kitchen in the Sip Street offices of the Jewish Federation of Jewish Communities. March, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Jewish cemetery of Mako, where there were several graves for the Pulitzer family (this is not one of them). September, 1989 Hungary Mako

Israeli Prime Minister getting into his car in the courtyard of the Hungarian Federation of Jewish Communities. This was the first official visit by an Israeli head of state since the severing of diplomatic relations in 1967, and within 8 weeks, relations had been restored. March, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Names of Budapest Jews deported and killed during the Holocaust. These were on a series of panels in the Jewish cemetery in Budapest. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Miskolc synagogue interior. Built by Viennese architect Ludwig von Foerster between 1856 and 1863. Around 200 Jews were living there in 1989 and about the same number in 2000, due to those coming back to the community. The synagogue is in serious need of repair, but there are no fund to carry them out. September, 1989 Hungary Miskolc

Miskolc synagogue interior. Built by Viennese architect Ludwig von Foerster between 1856 and 1863. Around 200 Jews were living there in 1989 and about the same number in 2000, due to those coming back to the community. The synagogue is in serious need of repair, but there are no fund to carry them out. September, 1989 Hungary Miskolc

Sunday school program run by Rabbi Tamas Raj. January, 1990 Hungary Budapest

Györ synagogue, built in 1866 by Karoly Benko. Dr Arpad Vertes, head of the community, told me 4,000 Jews lived in the city before the war. In 1989, there were 45. The synagogue was sold by the community in the 1960s, and part of it became a music school. The synagogue itself was in poor shape. August, 1989 Hungary Györ

Dr Arpad Vertes, head of the Györ Jewish community. 4,000 Jews lived there before the war, 45 remained. Dr Vertes taught philosophy. He was born in Vesprem. August, 1989 Hungary Györ

Andrei Rosza, who was one of the founders of the Hungarian Jewish Cultural Organization, the first Jewish organization to open in Hungary once such changes were allowed by the government. December, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Janos, who was studying in the Bundapest Rabbinical Seminary, in Hebew class. He did not complete his studies. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

On the right, a rabbinical student from Uzbekestan. On the left is Robbi Frölich, who went on to become the rabbi of the Dohany synagogue. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Erwin Lakatos, director of Hungary's largest bridge and tunnel construction firm, on the river Danube, where he was inspecting his newest bridge. October, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Rabbi Tamas Raj and three students in the Budapest rabbincial seminary April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

In the kitchen of the kosher restaurant, Hannah, run by the Orthodox Jewish community in Budapest. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Monument for Jewish soldiers who died fighting for Austria-Hungary in World War One. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Choir performance in the Rabbinical Seminary. June, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Pecs synagogue, built in the 1860s. Nearly 4,000 Jews lived in Pecs in 1940. Nearly all were deported to Auschwitz in 1944. There were less than 100 in 1989. August, 1989 Hungary Pecs

Passover in the Rabbinical Seminary, with Rabbi Josef Schweitzer presiding. April, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Dr Zevulon Hammer, Israel's Minister for Religion, and Rabbi Josef Schweitzer in the library of the Rabbinical Seminary. January, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Interior of the Pecs synagogue, built in 1866-1869 by Kaoly Gerster and Lajos Frey. August, 1989 Hungary Pecs

Summer camp at Balatonfüred. July, 1988 Hungary Balatonfüred

At the Hanukkah dance in the Goldmark Hall in the Budapest Jewish community center. December, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Memorial for Jews killed by Hungarian fascists in January 1945 in the Miskolc Jewish cemetery. September, 1989 Hungary Miskolc

Jewish cemetery in Mako, which is kept in good order through donations from the US and elsewhere. September, 1989 Hungary Mako

Jewish cemeter in Mako, where several Hasidic rabbis are buried. September, 1989 Hungary Mako

Well cared for monument in the Keckemet cemetery, which was, as far as I saw, the prettiest and best kept in the country. September, 1989 Hungary Keckemet

Memorial for Holocaust victims in the Keckemet cemetery. September, 1989 Hungary Keckemet

One of Lipot Baumhorn's last synagogues, completed in 1931, five years before his death. The synagogue was under reconstruction when I took this picture-- and became an unsightly looking furniture store. September, 1989 Hungary Gyöngyös

The neo-classical synagogue in Gyöngyös, which was built in 1816. A Lipot Baumhorn synagogue stands next door. September, 1989 Hungary Gyöngyös

Jewish cemetery in Debrecen. September, 1989 Hungary Debrecen

Interior, synagogue in Ujpest. January, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Meeting of Zionist organization in the Goldmark Hall of the Jewish Federation office. This was the first such meeting allowed in an official Jewish office in many years. June, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Meeting of Zionist organization in the Goldmark Hall of the Jewish Federation office. This was the first such meeting allowed in an official Jewish office in many years. June, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Szeged synagogue interior, completed in 1906 and designed by Lipot Baumhorn. September, 1989 Hungary Szeged

Meeting of Zionist organization in the Goldmark Hall of the Jewish Federation office. This was the first such meeting allowed in an official Jewish office in many years. June, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Györ synagogue, built in 1866 by Karoly Benko. Dr Arpad Vertes, head of the community, told me 4,000 Jews lived in the city before the war. In 1989, there were 45. The synagogue was sold by the community in the 1960s, and part of it became a music school. The synagogue itself was in poor shape. September, 1989 Hungary Györ

Jewish cemetery in Debrecen. Monument for the deported. September, 1989 Hungary Debrecen

Lipot Baumhorn designed synagogue of Nyiregyhaza. September, 1989 Hungary Nyiregyhaza

Kosher community kitchen in Debrecen, where around 40 people ate daily. January, 1970 Hungary Debrecen

Detail, Debrecen synagogue. September, 1989 Hungary Debrecen

Ilona Seifert, general secretary of the Jewish Federation. Her husband had had the job before her, and she took over when he died. She retired in 1990 and went to work for JDC. She was still working for JDC in 2002. January, 1990 Hungary Budapest

Cooking in the summer camp at Balatonfüred. July, 1988 Hungary Balatonfüred

During a funeral service in the Debrecen Jewish cemetery. March, 1999 Hungary Debrecen

During a funeral in the Debrecen Jewish cemetery. March, 1999 Hungary Debrecen

During a funeral in the Debrecen Jewish cemetery. March, 1999 Hungary Debrecen

Mr Oblatt, who spent the war in Soviet prison camps and Hungarian forced labor brigades, receiving his meagre monthly pension. March, 1997 Hungary Budapest

Hanukkah party in the Balint Jewish community center. December, 1998 Hungary Budapest

Hanukkah party sponsored by the Hungarian Union of Jewish Students. More than 3,000 people attended. December, 1998 Hungary Budapest

At the festival celebrating the 50th anniversary of Europe. May, 1998 Hungary Budapest

Sports class in the Ronald S Lauder/Javne school in Budapest October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

In the pedagocial center sponsored by JDC, which trains young Hungarians how to teach Jewish subjects to the burgeoning Jewish student population-- by 2002 it stood at 2,000. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Girl's class in the American Endowment School in Budapest, sponsored by the Reichman Foundation. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Jewish day school in Budapest January, 1990 Hungary Budapest

Preparing matzah in the basement of the orthodox Jewish community in Budapest. April, 1989 Hungary Budapest

View of the dome of hte Gyor synagogue. Dr Vertes, who ran the community of 40 members, said the building had been sold off in the 1960s. September, 1989 Hungary Gyor

View of the dome of hte Gyor synagogue. Dr Vertes, who ran the community of 40 members, said the building had been sold off in the 1960s. This neo classical synagogue was built in the 1860s. September, 1989 Hungary Gyor

Eva Karpati and her son at the Lauder kindergarten. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Alan Batkin, a JDC board member, putting up the mezzuzah on the JDC office in Budapest, the first permanent office in the country since the Communist government closed it down in the early 1950s. June, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Interior of the Debrecen synagogue. I took pictures of this same interior in 1989. 11 years later, it was still in reasonably good shape, but awash in dust. March, 1998 Hungary Debrecen

Interior of the Debrecen synagogue. I took pictures of this same interior in 1989. 11 years later, it was still in reasonably good shape, but awash in dust. March, 1998 Hungary Debrecen

Interior of the Debrecen synagogue. I took pictures of this same interior in 1989. 11 years later, it was still in reasonably good shape, but awash in dust. March, 1998 Hungary Debrecen

Interior of the Debrecen synagogue. I took pictures of this same interior in 1989. 11 years later, it was still in reasonably good shape, but awash in dust. March, 1999 Hungary Debrecen

Kosher bakery in the Debrecen Jewish community center. March, 1999 Hungary Debrecen

Gabor Oblatt, 80 years old, was in a forced labor brigade, and then a Soviet prison camp, during World War Two. He is in his Budapest apt. He receives food packages and medicine from the Jewish community. July, 1997 Hungary Budapest

92 year old Helen Holzer, a resident of the Budapest Jewish Hospital, which functioned as an old age home of sorts when necessary. July, 1997 Hungary Budapest

Community kitchen in Debrecen. With some 1200 Jews, this was the largest community outside Budapest, which said something about the effectiveness of the effectiveness of the Holocaust in rural Hungary. March, 1999 Hungary Debrecen

Community kitchen in Debrecen. With some 1200 Jews, this was the largest community outside Budapest, which said something about the effectiveness of the effectiveness of the Holocaust in rural Hungary. March, 1999 Hungary Debrecen

During the Purim party, sponsored by the Union of Jewish Students. I estimated arounde 750 guests. March, 1999 Hungary Budapest

During the Purim party, sponsored by the Union of Jewish Students. I estimated arounde 750 guests. March, 1999 Hungary Budapest

Rabbi Arthur Schneir of the Park Avenue Synagogue, giving an interview to Susan Birnbaum of the JTA. July, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Small synagogue inside the Budapest Jewish Hospital. July, 1997 Hungary Budapest

Mr Kinszki, 91 years old, on his bed in the Budapest Jewish Hospital. July, 1997 Hungary Budapest

Mr. Imre Stern in his Debrecen apartment. He had survived Auschwitz, returned home and never married. He told a visiting group from the Union of Jewish Students that he spent his time traveling the city's trams giving out information about the Holocaust. October, 1998 Hungary Debrecen

Rabbi Doman, editor of the Jewish community news weekly, Uj Elet, at the printer's. April, 1989 Hungary Budapest

In science class at the American Endowment School in Budapest. January, 1970 Hungary Budapest

In the distance is the Orthodox synagogue. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Kosher bakery in Budapest. October, 1994 Hungary Budapest

Kosher kitchen in the Sip Street community center. April, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Jewish cemetery in Mako, a town on the Hungarian-Romanian border. September, 1989 Hungary Mako

Grave of an orthodox rabbi in the Jewish cemetery in Mako, a town on the Hungarian-Romanian border. September, 1989 Hungary Mako

Grave of an orthodox rabbi in the Jewish cemetery in Mako, a town on the Hungarian-Romanian border. September, 1989 Hungary Mako

Synagogue designed by Lipot Baumhorn. August, 1989 Hungary Nyiregyhaza

Synagogue in Nyiregyhaza, designed by Lipot Baumhorn. Less than 50 Jews lived in the city when I visited, but they managed to keep the synagogue in good repair. August, 1989 Hungary Nyiregyhaza

In front of the Dohany synagogue during Rosh hashannah services. September, 1989 Hungary Budapest

A former synagogue converted to a house in a small town near Pecs in southern Hungary. August, 1989 Hungary

Woman bearing her Auschwitz tattoo in the Budapest Jewish cemetery. She saw me taking pictures, walked up to me, and said, 'take a picture of this,' in English. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Synagogue in a town ______, in southern Hungary, not far from Pecs. The synagogue had been converted to a concert hall. Nearly every town in rural Hungary had one or more synagogues, but nearly all the Jews were wiped out during the Holocaust. Some towns put their synagogues to respectable uses. August, 1989 Hungary

Roszalina Wasserman at her husband's grave. September, 1989 Hungary Miskolc

Monument for Jews from Miskolc killed during the Holocaust. September, 1989 Hungary Miskolc

Photograph of the Lipot Baumhorn-designed synagogue in Mako. Communist authorities tore it down in the 1960s. The man standing before it is unidentified. September, 1989 Hungary Mako

In the Jewish cemetery of Keckemet, Hungary, a city in central Hungary. Almost no Jews lived in the city when I visited. September, 1989 Hungary Keckemet

Model of the Keckemet synagogue inside the Jewish cemetery of Keckemet, Hungary, a city in central Hungary. Almost no Jews lived in the city when I visited. The synagogue was redesigned by Lipot Baumhorn. It is now a concert hall. September, 1989 Hungary Keckemet

Janos Quittner, director of the Soros Foundation, in the Keckemet Jewish cemetery's ceremonial hall with its caretaker. Janos traveled to Szeged and Mako with me and translated for me. September, 1989 Hungary Keckemet

I honestly don't remember where I took this picture, but I know it was in Hungary and in 1989. I am thinking that it might have been in Nyiregyhaza. October, 2016 Hungary

Side entrance to the Szeged synagogue, built by Lipot Baumhorn in 1906. September, 1989 Hungary Szeged

Synagogue of Keckemet, where there was no longer an organized community. This synagogue had been turned into a public concert hall with a dedication plaque. The smaller synagogue had become a photography museum, which also had several plaques commemorting its former use. September, 1989 Hungary Keckemet

Tamas Lakatos, a young entrepreneur in Budapest. He was one of the first successful computer dealers in the country. October, 1989 Hungary Budapest

This neoclassical building had been built as a synagogue in Obuda. It was now used a sound stage by public television. The 6 pointed star had been removed but not the Hebrew writing above the columns. July, 1989 Hungary Budapest

George Ban, a successful attorney in Budepest, sits in the distance, with his wife, daughter and dog in the foreground. June, 1989 Hungary Budapest

Lipot Baumhorn's finest building: the synagogue of Szeged. September, 1989 Hungary Szeged

Science class in the American Endowment school in Budapest. Of the three day schools, this was the most orthodox. January, 1990 Hungary Budapest

Science class in the American Endowment school in Budapest. Of the three day schools, this was the most orthodox. January, 1990 Hungary Budapest

In front of the Dohany synagogue, at a bar mitzvah. April, 1988 Hungary Budapest

Four youngsters from Serbia: Dejan, Nikola, Vlada and Marko.Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1988 Hungary Szarvas

Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Polish children's group at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Polish group at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Ukrainian children at Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Ukrainian group at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Serbian singers at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Serbian singers at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Serbian singers at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

At the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

At the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

At the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvass

At the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

At the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

At the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

At the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

At the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Learning how to conduct a Passover seder at the At the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

At the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Learning how to conduct a Passover seder at the At the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Learning how to conduct a Passover seder at the At the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

learning to conduct a Passover seder at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Russian group at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Hungarian group at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Latvian group at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Latvian group at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Latvian group at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Vlado, left, and friend from Serbia, at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

At the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

At the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

At the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

At the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

At the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

At the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Saying goodbye at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Saying goodbye at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Saying goodbye at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Saying goodbye at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Saying goodbye at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Saying goodbye at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Saying goodbye at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Saying goodbye at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Saying goodbye at the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

At the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Robert, from Subotica, Serbia, watching his team lose at Szarvas. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

At the Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Boys from Ukraine swimming at Szarvas. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Campers from Ukraine swimming at Szarvas. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Campers from Ukraine swimming at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Art class at Szarvas. The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Russian campers saying goodbye at SzarvasThe Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Russian teenagers saying goodbye at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Yugoslav teenagers preparing to leave Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Latvian teenagers singing at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Two Hungarian campers at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The victorious Lithuanian basketball champs.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The victorious Lithuanian basketball champs.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

At a lesson on religion at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Working on the camp newspaper at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Tommy just graduated from the Budapest rabbinical seminary and works at Szarvas each season.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Swimming at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Ukrainian campers at lunch in Szarvas. The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Ukrainian campers at Szarvas. For many, this will be the first time they had kosher food, said a prayer, wore a yarmulke.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Canoeing at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Russian campers.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Russian group.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Russian group at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

-- group at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

-- group at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

--- group at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Group from Yugoslavia at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Serb campers at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Saying goodbye on the last day of camp (kids from Serbia).The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

An American camper saying goodbye to a new European friend at Szarvas. The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Dining room at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Saying goodbye on the last day of camp.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Bulletin board at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Dining room at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Serb campers playing basketball.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Lithuanians playing Yugoslavs in basketball at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Hungarian group at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Hungarian group at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Hungarian group at Szarvas. The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

American group at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Model seder at Szarvas for Yugoslav campers. Robert Persic on left. The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Dance class at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Vlado climbs a tree in search of plums.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Tamas, who had just finished his training at the Budapest Rabbinical Seminary, led prayer services twice daily at Szarvas. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Morning prayer services at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Sing along at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Israeli folk dancing at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Sasha is from Kaliningrad and this is his first Friday night service at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

---- group at Szarvas. The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

------ group at Szarvas. The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

--- group at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Preparing for Friday night services.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Romanian group at Szarvas. That's Victor Rosenzweig on the front row.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Romanian group at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Friday night candle lighting at Szarvas. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Making the camp newspaper on a computer at Szarvas. The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Friday night services at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Friday evening at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Friday night at Szarvas. The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Morning prayers at Szarvas. The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Szarvas, Hungary. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Morning services at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Friday night service at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Singalong at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Elderly Jews from Szarvas, brought the camp by JDC to get out of Budapest for the day. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

In the sports hall at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Children at assembly in Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

JDC brought the elderly to Szarvas a few times each year, mostly to get out of Budapest for a day or two. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

JDC brought the elderly to Szarvas a few times each year, mostly to get out of Budapest for a day or two. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Educational seminar at Szarvas for teachers of Jewish subjects. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Ferenc Olti, one of the heads of the Budapest Jewish community, welcomes teachers to a seminar. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

--- group at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Danny, an Israeli, at morning services.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

23-yr-old David Bisic of Belgrade gets his wish: to finally have a bar mitzvah. The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Tamas, a rabbi in Budapest, dancing with campers. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

David Bisic of Belgrade is making the camp newspaper.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Bulgarian campers at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Saying goodbye at Szarvas. The girl is unidentified, the boy is from Sarajevo.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

A group of Israeli campers at Szarvas.The Ronald S Lauder/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee International summer camp in the eastern Hungarian resort town of Szarvas. More than 2,000 children from 17 countries attended. Many of them had their first Jewish experience at Szarvas. For some, it would be their only Jewish experience of the year. July, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Terminally ill patient in the Budapest Jewish Hospital receiving care. Her name is Gizella Weiss and she was 98 years old when I took this picture. She had lived through Auschwitz and Bergen Belsen. July, 1997 Hungary Budapest

August, 1999 Hungary Szarvas

Driving in eastern Hungary toward the Jewish summer camp in Szarvas, I found this cemetery just off the road. The town-- it was more like a village-- was Kunszentmarton, had no Jews living there. August, 1999 Hungary Kunszentmarton

Castle Hill, Budapest. May, 1999 Hungary Budapest

Chain Bridge, Budapest. May, 1999 Hungary Budapest

Chain Bridge over the Danube. May, 1999 Hungary Budapest

Chain Bridge May, 1999 Hungary Budapest