Hungarian Refugee Supporters Honored for 1956 Revolution Contributions
“From historical documents and the memories of Hungarian exiles in Italy, it emerges that you and your wife, Mrs. Erzsébet Magasházy, with your noble and generous work, made a significant contribution to improving the living conditions of refugees in Italy.” Thus, the letter arrived in early October at the home of Mario Hoffer – at number 6 of Viale S. Francesco – signed by the Hungarian ambassador, announcing to the two spouses the awarding of a commendation from the Hungarian Republic and inviting them to the capital for the official ceremony held last Thursday in the presence of President Ciampi.
The Historical Events of 1956 and Their Consequences in Hungary
October 1956: Soviet tanks roll through Budapest, crushing in blood the popular revolt demanding democracy. Prime Minister Imre Nagy, who had supported the uprising, is deposed and executed in 1958; his place is taken by Janos Kadar, considered “pro-Soviet.” Purges and revenge follow, personal freedoms are suppressed, and thousands of Hungarians flee abroad.
In this dramatic historical context, the activities of Mario Hoffer and his wife Erzsébet, also called “Elisabetta,” come into play. They are recognized as a point of reference for exiles and their families. Mario and Elisabetta lived in Hungary until 1949: he was a textile industrialist from Rivano, she was born in Budapest and served as a government official. They married in 1945, but the nationalization of factories carried out by the government in 1948 left them destitute, forcing them to flee to Italy with their 4-year-old son and only the clothes they wore.
Thankfully, Mario owned a family house (the one where they still live), and from there they began their new life. He started working at Radi in Rovereto, but Elisabetta was overwhelmed by nostalgia for her homeland (“The psychological pain was such – she explains – that I no longer tasted the flavors of dishes”) and, starting from 1956, she was able to show how great was her love for her land and her people.
Acts of Solidarity and Remembrance of the Revolution
“Dozens of compatriots arrived at our home,” she recalls, sitting with her husband on the large sofa in their beautiful living room, “and it seemed natural to us to host these people, offering them food and a roof to sleep under.” In a short time, the word-of-mouth among the refugees made Mario and Elisabetta known, who, in addition to providing “logistical support”, launched a series of important initiatives.
“Since 1960,” the lady recounts, “a friend of mine and I started organizing campgrounds for Boy Scouts at Lake Tenno. Every year, 100-150 children of Hungarian refugees arrived from all over the world.” There, boys and girls could speak their language, learn about the traditions, customs, and habits of their homeland. Once a year, in short, one bank of the azure lake would turn Hungarian.”
These are just some of the reasons why, now, on the 45th anniversary of the 1956 Revolution, the Hungarian Republic has decided to honor Mario and Elisabetta. “It was incredible,” they comment, with the amazement of those who believe they have only done their duty, “in Rome there was President Ciampi and all the jet set, with ambassadors and high-profile personalities from every field. Everyone paying homage to us…”
