Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbis Baruch Oberlander, left, and Shlomo Koves escort Elie and Marion Wiesel to the Hungarian Parliament. Photo: Chabad.

Coinciding with public commemorations of the founding of Hungary, President Janos Ader bestowed Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Baruch Oberlander with the prestigious Order of Merit award. The award was presented by Hungary’s Minister of Human Resources Zoltan Balog on Aug. 20, according to Chabad’s website.

Rabbi Oberlander came to Hungary in 1989 and established the country’s first Chabad House. He has been credited with helping revive the Hungarian Jewish community, which had been devastated by the Holocaust and decades of Communist rule.

The Order of Merit, Hungary’s highest award, recognizes distinguished service to the country.