The Hungarian American Coalition received a $10,000 donation to fund the Coalition’s program to support Hungarian culture in Slovakia. As in previous years, the funds will be used to support the operation and some of the publications of the Madách Publishing House in Bratislava (Pozsony).

The Madách Publisher has historically promoted outstanding Hungarian writers in Slovakia, starting with the publication in the 1960’s of the remarkable works of Zoltán Fábry. In addition to publishing twenty or more books of contemporary fiction and non-fiction by Hungarian writers annually, Madách’s efforts also include the publication of children’s books and magazines, and providing assistance for the operation of several Hungarian bookstores in the region. Until its sale to a new owner last year, Madách also published Slovakia’s only conservative weekly, the “Szabad Újság.”

Madách publishes “Tücsök,” a magazine for children, “Jó Gazda,” a journal for farmers, and a literary monthly called “Irodalmi Szemle.” For the past nine years, the publishing company has awarded the prestigious “Madách Posonium Literary and Fine Arts Awards” to outstanding contemporary Hungarian writers and artists.

The publishing house is led by László Dobos, a renowned writer and publicist, winner of the Kossuth Prize, the highest Hungarian cultural award, as well as of the Pribina Cross, a high-ranking award granted by the Slovak state recognizing his service as Minister of Minority Affairs in the late 1960s. Mr. Dobos commented: “At a time when both Hungary and the Slovak state have cut back their support for Hungarian culture in Slovakia, we are grateful we can count on the Hungarian American Coalition’s assistance.”