International Rescue Committee commemorates the 1956 Revolution

 At the annual Freedom Award Dinner of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the 50^th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution was recognized by the New York based  humanitarian organization.

Ambassador András Simonyi thanked the Committee for providing humanitarian assistance to the Hungarian Freedom Fighters and refugees. The Ambassador read the message from Hungarian President László Sólyom who also expressed his appreciation for the outstanding humanitarian work that was done by IRC. “The Hungarian people will not forget those who lent a helping hand in the most trying moments of its history.”

Shortly after the crackdown of the Revolution, IRC Chairmen Leo Cherne and Angier B. Duke traveled to Vienna, Austria to conduct a close-range study of the relief requirements, and to deliver the first installment of US aid to the Hungarian people – more than 200.000 of antibiotics contributed by Pfizer. Within two months, the organization raised $ 2.500.000 for the Hungarian Freedom Fighters. In the following months, as nearly 200.000 Hungarians crossed the border into Austria, the IRC elevated its activities across Europe to aid Hungarian refugees. In addition, the IRC established health and occupational training centers in Western Europe. For the thousands of Hungarian refugees that the IRC resettled in the USA and Canada, intensive English language training schools were established. According to Angier B. Duke “Hungary escalated IRC into a world-class organization. We were at the vanguard of a worldwide effort. IRC, like the world, was changed.”