A century after its construction: The historic Budapest synagogue rededicated as a Jewish community center
The Jewish community in Budapest rededicated the historic synagogue in the Rákospalota district, a century after its construction in 1926. The building, which served as a book warehouse for the Hungarian National Library under communist rule, has been restored and returned to its original purpose. The event included a prayer service, the installation of a Torah scroll, and the dedication of memorial plaques, with the participation of rabbis, donors, and representatives of the founding families. The grandson of the founder, Rabbi Michael Dushinsky, spoke about the closing of a circle.
The Jewish community in Budapest rededicated the historic synagogue in the Rákospalota district, exactly a century after its construction in 1926. The building, established by Rabbi Michael Dushinsky (the grandfather), served under communist rule as a warehouse for newspapers and books of the Hungarian National Library (Széchényi), and remained blocked off and disconnected from its surroundings for decades. The moving event began with a prayer service, the installation of a Torah scroll, and the dedication of memorial plaques to the founders, attended by rabbis, public figures, donors, and representatives of the founding families. One of the highlights was the arrival of the founder's grandson, who bears his name—Rabbi Michael Dushinsky (aged 80), former chief rabbi of Northern Ireland (Belfast). In an exclusive interview, Rabbi Dushinsky spoke about the mixed feelings between the pain of the past and the revival of the present, noting that 23 years ago he entered the building when it was full of bookcases and local workers, and held a brief one-minute 'El Maleh Rachamim' prayer. He appreciated the fact that Hungary today is considered a safe place for Jews, while elsewhere in Europe the situation is becoming increasingly complicated. With the installation of the Torah scroll and the affixing of the mezuzahs, the chapter of desolation for the magnificent building was closed, and it opened its gates for Sabbath and holiday prayers.