On 12 June 2018 Rabbi Schneier was presented the ‘"A cry for freedom" commemorative bronze statute by Ambassador Katalin Bogyay on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the return of the Holy Crown of St. Stephen from the United States to Hungary.
The Holy Crown is a living symbol of the Hungarian State and has long and eventful history. Hungary lost the Holy Crown at the end of the Second World War and it was returned to us in 1978 at a historic and emotional ceremony where religious, academic, scientific and cultural leaders represented our country. Rabbi Schneier was a member of the US delegation returning the Holy Crown to Hungary and his personal commitment and contribution to this mission is of utmost importance.
Rabbi Schneier’s efforts to promote and support religious freedom, human rights and tolerance with the Appeal of Conscience Foundation and his contribution to the strengthening of ties between Hungary and the United States are greatly valued in Hungary.
In the spirit of interreligious dialogue, a dinner was hosted by Ambassador Bogyay in honour of Rabbi Schneier in the company of H.E. Archbishop Auza, Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer to the United Nations, H.E. Al-Nasser, High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, H.E. Mr. Rattray, Permanent Representative of Jamaica, Ms. Leah and Judit Pisar of the Projet Aladin.
The statute stands as a symbol of aspiration to peace and a reminder that freedom can never be taken for granted. The bronze statute designed by Hedva Ser, renown French artist, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Diplomacy and Artist for Peace.
