Order of Malta

A photo exhibition, excerpts from contemporary interviews, commemorative speeches and wreath-laying ceremonies were held at the headquarters of the Hungarian Charity Service of hte Order of Malta to mark the humanitarian action that began on 14 August 1989, when tens of thousands of East German refugees were hosted in a camp established in the grounds of the Holy Family parish in Zugliget.

During the relief operation, which lasted nearly three months, the Charity Service took care of 48,600 refugees, making it the largest humanitarian operation in Europe at the time. Since then, August 14 has been known as the Day of Welcome.

This year's commemoration took place at the Charity Service's center on Szarvas Gábor út, where speeches were given by Vice President Miklós Vecsei, Executive Director Alpár Lázár, Wolfgang Wagner, one of the former leaders of the refugee camp, Mariann Czirják, who volunteered at the camp at the time, and András Schumicky, a member of the Order of Malta and a former volunteer. Among the guests were Anita Herczegh, spouse of the former President of the republic and goodwill ambassador of the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order, Constantin Brandenstein-Zepelin, who for decades was the head of the German Malteser Hilfsdienst's international work, and Imre Ugron, Edit Chemez, Dr. Gábor Bagdy, László Adányi, and Nóra Adányiné Kisbocskói, who were among the founders of the Hungarian Charity Service.

In his welcoming speech, Alpár Lázár emphasized that even after thirty-six years, there is a place for everyone among us and we welcome everyone.

Miklós Vecsei pointed out in his address that this is the first anniversary since the passing of Csilla von Boeselager and Father Imre Kozma. A minute's silence was held in their honour.

"The first brick of the Berlin Wall was knocked out here in Zugliget," he quoted former German Foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher, referring to the social and political changes that began with the establishment of the refugee camp in Zugliget and led within a short time to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany. "We ourselves drew strength from this courage for the next thirty-six years. Let us be heirs, witnesses and helpers to one another!" added Miklós Vecsei.

A longer article can be read on the MMSZ website (in Hungarian) by clicking here.

(Photos: MMSZ and András Schumicky's collection)