Sometimes something
in the news hits hard, like a stab in
the heart or punch in the gut. In these turbulent times, especially in our own
country regarding racism, prejudice and downright hatred, I think this story of
one man trying to make right the injustices in his own town, hits close to home. When I first read the story last week I wept,
perhaps not tears, but something deeper in my soul, and everyone I showed the
article to had the same reaction.
LASZLO BOGDAN was
the 46 year old mayor of Cserdi ,
Hungary
Laszlo (Laci)
was a man driven by a strong sense of personal responsibility as he organized
the life in his small town,setting up work programs, eliminating crime, caring
for the poor, building parks and green areas for all. His success was dubbed
the ‘Cserdi miracle’.
In 2020, along with Gábor Iványi and Jenő Setét, he received the
Wallenberg Prize, for ‘setting an example for humanism’ and his
contribution to ‘peaceful coexistence of minority and majority society’.
When asked
about his success he replied: “It is difficult to determine what is the measure
of credibility. I am neither the Dalai Lama, nor am I a Pope Francis…I merely
try to offer sober messages and goals, so that people might understand that
there is hope, not everything is lost.”
In a
tribute on Facebook, Mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony recalled “the last
time I was in Cserdi, I got a beautiful photo from Laci. The photo shows the
oldest citizen of Cserdi, a beautiful elderly Romani woman. He said he was
giving me this photo to always remind me that only very rarely do Roma live to
such a beautiful age, and carry a lot of burdens even during their shorter
lives. László Bogdán, the mayor of Cserdi, carried these burdens and more. His
own, those of his village, and even the common burdens of all of us: poverty,
exclusion, futility, dogmas.”
Even Opposition
leaders respected the man and mourned his loss. Klára Dobrev described Laci as a role model: “The calm, soft-spoken
man radiated strength, good sense of conscience, and a belief that it was worth
fighting for. I learned a lot from him.” Another leader, described his loss as a tragedy: “There is one
less among those who want to bring peace and cooperation between Roma and
non-Roma … without László Bogdán, there is one less proof that it is possible
to run a settlement in such a way that everyone feels at home, regardless of
skin color.” To ensure the legacy of László Bogdán does not pass, she called on
all in public life to take responsibility to fight against exclusion,
disadvantage, and domination: “It is a common tragedy that we have to continue
this work without László Bogdán.”
Those close
to him said that he was not ill, or at least had not spoken to anyone about
health issues. He was full of plans, saw himself as an ambitious public figure
with a promising future, a view shared by many across the country, including
parliamentary parties who wanted him on their national lists for the next
general election in 2022.
With so
much to look forward to it in hard for anyone who knew this brave man to know
why he took his life. Perhaps he felt the future was hopeless- that he was not doing enough,
fast enough. Certainly anyone who experiences racism and discrimination as a part
of their daily life, is vulnerable, but
to take on a whole village?
His name,
Lazslo means “glorious ruler”. May the man who tried to better the lives of
his people find peace in the Lord and may the "Gypsy" St.
Ceferino Giménez Malla (also known as El Pelé, "the Strong
One") patron saint of Romani people, greet him with open arms!
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| St. Ceferino |
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