Budapest – Hungary has increased its support for Syrian Christians facing ongoing challenges in their homeland, while simultaneously condemning the global rise of Christian persecution.
In a statement released ahead of the New Year, Tristan Azbej, Hungary’s State Secretary for Assisting Persecuted Christians, highlighted the ongoing plight of Christians worldwide. “Nearly no Christmas passes without an anti-Christian terrorist attack” in Nigeria, he said, citing the numerous attacks carried out by Islamic extremist groups in recent years.
Azbej emphasized the importance of providing on-the-ground support to persecuted communities in their homelands. “We believe that assisting persecuted communities in their homelands is crucial,” he stated. “Relocating entire communities should be a measure of last resort. By providing on-the-ground support, we empower these communities to rebuild and thrive.”
The Hungarian government has recently provided €260,000 in aid to support Christians in Nigeria, focusing on life-saving assistance and long-term initiatives to help them “find a safe future” in their homeland.
Hungary’s “Hungary Helps” program has also provided significant support to Christian communities in other regions, including Lebanon, where 60 churches have been renovated. In Syria and Iraq, the program has played a crucial role in preserving Christian heritage and supporting local communities.
Azbej stressed that Christians are the single most persecuted religious group worldwide, facing increasing discrimination and violence in many parts of the globe. According to advocacy groups like Open Doors, over 360 million Christians, or 1 in 7 believers worldwide, face persecution, a significant increase from 2021.
This aid package to Syrian Christians reflects Hungary’s commitment to supporting persecuted Christian communities globally and its belief in the importance of preserving Christian heritage and supporting those facing religious persecution.