The temporary exhibition "Hungarian Exodus to Canada" is on display at TIK Szeged until November 1

The exhibition "Hungarian Exodus to Canada" was opened at the SZTE József Attila Information and Education Center (TIK) in Szeged on Thursday, October 19. The temporary exhibit commemorates the Hungarian refugees fleeing to Canada after the fall of the 1956 revolution.

Mr. Francis Uy, Senior Trade Commissioner and Counsellor for the Canadian Embassy in Budapest — responsible for ambassadorial duties in Hungary at the moment — opened the exhibition. Mr. Uy pointed out that the 1956 revolution was a very important milestone in the relationship between the two countries.

There are currently 350,000 people in Canada who claim to be of Hungarian origin. Most Hungarian immigrants arrived after the Second World War, and the number of those who arrived in Canada after the 1956 revolution in Hungary was around 100,000.

In 1956-57, Canada acted very quickly and decided to accept all Hungarian refugees and help them settle in the country with the help of non-profit organizations. In the history of Canada, this was the first large refugee wave that happened in a short period of time, explained Mr. Uy. During this time, Canada set up a model that has been important in the country's immigration policy ever since — he added.

Since 2022, Hungarian Heritage Month is celebrated in Ontario in October each year, paying tribute to the Hungarians who contributed to the development of Canada's most populous province with their hard work and perseverance.

The original exhibition, presented in English and French, traveled throughout Canada. The current exhibition is an exact copy of the original, in English and Hungarian, and was commissioned by the Embassy of Canada in Budapest. The temporary exhibit can be visited until November 1, during the opening hours of TIK.

The exhibition is part of the Autumn Cultural Festival event series of the University of Szeged.

Photos: Szilvia Molnar / Szegedify