(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)
The government bill which would introduce a numberus clausus, limiting the right of Jews to acquire real property, was debated in the Hungarian parliament.
The Christian clergyman, Deputy Josef Csik, protested against religious discrimination in the right to purchase land, demanding that Jewish agriculturists and Jewish war invalids be given land.
Deputy Bela Fabian complained that the Hungarian authorities have confiscated the land of Jewish owners, even when their area did not exceed five joch. Deputies Rassay, Baracs and Broday, as well as Socialist deputies, protested against the provisions in the bill which would permit the Minister of Agriculture to allow land acquisition only to “patented patriots.”
The Democratic deputy, Gaal, speaking against the bill stated that Hungarian anti-Semitism has lately put on the mask of liberalism, which is more dangerous than open hostility. It is inconceivable to limit the property rights of the country’s own citizens, he declared.
This elicited a reply from the government party member, Zsilinsky, that in the last few years Hungarian Jews have acquired more property than have Christians. The Minister of Agriculture stated that the bill purposes protection for the nation and not anti-Semitism.
Hungarian Jews still continue to suffer disabilities and discrimination by the force of administrative ordinances. Deputy Berki, agrarian representative, admitted during the debate on the government bill.
It cannot be denied, however, that Hungarian Jews find themselves in a better economic situation. The Jews constitute one half of the one percent of Hungary’s population which can well afford to lead a carefree life, he stated.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
