"There are few nations in the world whose life is influenced by books as much as Israel, the birthplace of the Bible, the book of books," Peter Paczolay said.
Israel is the guest of honour of this year's book festival.
Paczolay appreciated Amos Oz, winner of the Budapest Grand Prize, for his novels and public efforts to pave the way for peace between Palestinians and Jews and for the independent statehood of both nations.
Aliza Bin-Noun
called Oz Israel's best-known author, one of whose titles had been translated even into Arabic and had gained popularity in Lebanon.
The ambassador noted that Hungary had been the guest of honour of the Jerusalem Book Festival last year.
Israel has brought about 500 English, Hebrew and Hungarian titles to Budapest to present a cross-section of its literature to Hungarian readers.
The four-day festival is modelled on the prestigious Frankfurt Fair and is organised each year to coincide with World Book and Copyright Day on April 23.
Source: Hungarian News Agency (MTI) / Photo: MTI
