Outcry as Hungarian University Invites Iran’s Former President to Speak

The Israeli Embassy and the Jewish community in Hungary have slammed an invitation extended to Iran’s former president to speak at two university events.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, known for his anti-Israel stance and Holocaust denial, is scheduled to speak to students at the National University of Public Service (NKE).

The topics are said to focus on "common values in the global environment," with Ahmadinejad billed as a "special guest" discussing environmental threats.

Euronews reported the story first and attempted to reach out to the university for comments but received no response. The Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also remained silent on the issue.

The Israeli Embassy criticized the invitation, describing it as an affront to the memory of the Holocaust victims.

In a statement to Euronews, the Embassy condemned Ahmadinejad's visit as deeply offensive, citing his track record of Holocaust denial and his previous calls for the destruction of Israel.

The Association of Hungarian Jewish Congregations (Mazsihisz) also voiced its dismay, questioning why a Hungarian university would host a figure they described as "anti-Semitic to the core."

Ahmadinejad, President of Iran from 2005 to 2013, has not been recognized for his environmental advocacy but rather for his extreme political views, including opposition to the US, Israel, and his denial of the Holocaust. His presidency was also marked by a crackdown on human rights.