Peace ( ful )

It is easy to forget about the impact the second world war had on Hungary. During those atrocious years more than half a million Jews were deported. This is hard to believe wandering the streets on an ordinary day. However, today is not an ordinary day, turning the corner the huge synagogue appears before us, an ornate symbol to a people who were systematically removed from this society, all but to extiction. Here we are, half a century on, standing up for equality and remembrance in the hope that history will not repeat. Looking around me there is an incredible sense of community and support amongst the 5000 or so people from all walks of life and religions who have bothered to stop what they were doing and make a stand against fascism in this country and to remeber the horrors of years long past. One is only made aware of the volatility that still exists in this country by the hundreds of armed riot police that join the march to the Holocaust memorial next to the Danube. It brings great sadness to me that these measures are required, though also great hope to see that this much support exists for a more peaceful and united society. Let it grow and flourish...