Israeli Cultural Institute in Budapest

Located at the edge of the former Jewish Quarter in downtown Budapest, at Paulay Ede Street 1, the Israeli Cultural Institute (ICI) hosts and organizes concerts, exhibitions, film screenings and club activities for Jews and non-Jews.

The institute also operates as an educational center, with native speakers giving Hebrew lessons and courses for translators. Europe’s first Israeli cultural center opened in the Hungarian capital in 2010. “No wonder why,” cries Director Dr. Vered Glickman, adding that the choice fell on Budapest because of its substantial Jewish community. “Up to a 100,000 Jews live in Hungary, most of them in Budapest,” she explains. “The city of Budapest is also a popular hub for Israeli visitors, including tourists, students and businesspeople.” According to the director, ICI has been set up as a non-governmental organization in cooperation by the Sochnut-Jewish Agency for Israel, sponsors and volunteers.

“Our activity and operation seeks to upgrade existing institutions and projects, support local grassroots initiatives related to Israel and to create new channels that will contribute to a renaissance of Hungarian Jewish identity, culture and life, and develop and strengthen Israeli connections and relationships,” she tells Diplomacy and Trade. According to the director, ICI aims to make a difference in many fields. “First of all, we see that the image of Israel in Hungarian society is not always positive,” she notes. “If we look at the way Hungarian people think about Israel in general, we may find sad and – in some instances – even scary results. When talking about Israel, people usually associate it with politics in the middle-east but don't know much about people there, the life they have, how they live on a daily basis,” she explains, adding “I believe I run an institute that tries to advertise the cultural and human aspects of Israel, as well.” Glickman notes that when she thinks of Israel, the word ‘fusion’ comes first to her mind. “So many nationalities, co-existing…, and representing the country, this one of a kind institute should show the diversity of Israel's "mosaic-like" culture, including works and performances by Jews, Christians and Arabs alike.”

A community center and more

With its myriad of programs organized in-house, ICI works to create synergies between artists, creators, scientists, educators, innovators and entrepreneurs from Hungary and Israel. With its 1,500-square-meter space extending over three floors and a garden, ICI’s facilities grant every opportunity for the highest level of community cultural events. This building (often referred to ‘Mala Zisser Building’ after the mother of the institute’s main donor, Mordechai Zisser) is home to other organizations as well, including the Jewish Agency for Israel, the Mensch International Foundation and the Maccabi VAC Hungary, a voluntary physical exercise and athletics club of young Jews in Hungary. “I believe we have created an atmosphere where working, studying, playing and relaxing are all possible. ICI is complete with a nice garden, the ‘Kishon café,’ a library and a book store named after Gábor Vince. A Heritage Center will to open on November 29,” the director reveals. She adds that this will be an interactive information and visitor center, a unique initiative, as this will be the first such center to open in the world. “Through smart screens, visitors will be able to research Israel and, more specifically, Theodor Herzl, father of the political form of Zionism, and, in effect, the founder of the State of Israel, a journalist who was actually born in Budapest’s Dohány utca.”

Glickman says ICI, although, it does not represent a European country, often participates in programs organized by EUNIC Hungary. “During the EU Jazz Express concert, for instance, Israel was represented by Amikam Kimelman tenor jazz saxophonist. We also cooperate with a number of Hungarian cultural institutions and festivals. For instance, we took part in Budapest’s Design Week, by introducing, with the help of the Israeli Embassy, six Israeli designers.” The director notes that some of the most popular programs of the institute are definitely the Hebrew Language Center’s courses, currently attended by 200 students of different ages. “In addition to holding language courses, the Language Center also provides training and refreshment courses for Hebrew language teachers. For the ‘Madrichs’ of the youth organizations, a special program is held to enrich their knowledge. There is a monthly Hebrew Club organized for the youngest generation, presenting a Hebrew Fairy Tale corner and Sunday Matinee for children speaking Hebrew.” As for the future plans, Glickman says her wish is to constantly improve, and to remain a place that serves as a focal point of Jewish life in Hungary.