CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2025
| Author | Kende, Agnes |
|---|---|
| Title | Memories in Stone: The Politics of Holocaust Remembrance in Hungary, 1945-1989 |
| Summary | This dissertation seeks to reevaluate Holocaust remembrance in Hungary spanning from the immediate postwar period until the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Contrary to the prevailing scholarly narrative, which asserts an absence of commemoration for Jewish martyrs during this period, and attributes a taboo to discussing Jewish experiences of deportations, forced labor camps, and concentration camps, this research challenges the notion of a silenced Holocaust memory culture. It seeks to dismantle the prevailing top-down paradigm in Holocaust memorialization, which predominantly examines commemorative activities from a state-centric perspective. Instead, the dissertation endeavors to present a more comprehensive outlook that integrates grassroots participation from local Jewish communities, survivors, and regional officials. The central argument posits that the extent of Holocaust remembrance activities during the discussed period surpasses current awareness. Additionally, the study endeavors to shift the focal point from Holocaust remembrance in Budapest to other cities in Hungary, particularly those that experienced significant losses in Jewish communities due to deportations. Departing from conventional reliance on state archives, this research heavily draws on newspapers, periodicals published between 1945-1989, interviews with Jewish community leaders, and archival investigations of local Jewish communities. By doing so, it aspires to provide a more expansive array of voices and discourses on Holocaust remembrance, enriching our understanding of this complex historical phenomenon. The findings not only contest the perceived silence surrounding Holocaust memory but also unveil a diverse landscape of memorialization activities. The research explores various forms of memorialization, examining their evolution in terms of symbolism, artistic representation, location, and actors' involvement. This comprehensive approach sheds light on the non-homogeneous nature of remembrance culture during this period. Given the global significance of Holocaust memorialization, which has become a universal duty for all nations, this dissertation highlights its role as a poignant reminder of the gravest atrocities committed against humanity in the 20th century. The attention given to Holocaust remembrance in shaping each nation's historical narrative and World War II role, coupled with its utilization as a political tool, underscores the continued relevance of this topic in contemporary discourse. The misinterpretation of collective memory surrounding the Holocaust carries significant dangers, extending beyond historical inaccuracies to impact contemporary perspectives and societal narratives. A prevalent and misleading misconception asserts that the state, during the period between 1945-1989, did not allow the remembrance of Jewish victims and exclusively permitted the memorialization of Soviet liberators. This oversimplification not only distorts the complex historical reality but also perpetuates a narrative that diminishes the multifaceted activities and engagements related to Holocaust remembrance during this timeframe. By scrutinizing the nuances of this period, the thesis uncovers a more intricate tapestry of memorialization efforts involving various actors, including local Jewish communities, survivors, and local officials. Failing to recognize this complexity not only perpetuates a distorted historical narrative but also inhibits a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between politics, memory, and societal perspectives, ultimately hindering our ability to comprehend and learn from this pivotal period in history. |
| Supervisor | Constantin, Iordachi |
| Department | History PhD |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2025/kende_agnes.pdf |
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