Was it courage, conviction, or a deep sense of justice that drove Zsindely Ferenc? Today, we stand before a plaque commemorating Zsindely Ferenc. He was a lawyer, a minister of commerce, and a man of significant influence in Hungary.
This plaque marks a place connected to his life. It serves as a reminder of a man who navigated turbulent times. Zsindely Ferenc was born in Kisvárda in 1891. He died in Balatonlelle in 1963. He earned a law degree in Budapest. Early in his career, he held various positions. He was a secretary and a chief notary.
Later, Zsindely became a state secretary. Then he became a government commissioner. He served as a member of parliament for Komárom. His political career reached its peak in 1943. He was appointed Minister of Commerce and Transportation.
Zsindely’s story takes a compelling turn during World War II. He and his wife, Zsindelyné Tüdős Klára, risked their lives. They sheltered and saved 72 refugees in their villa. These were mainly children initially. Later, they also saved numerous Jews. They worked with the Swedish mission. They organized care for about a hundred refugees in two other homes.
Zsindelyné Tüdős Klára played a crucial role in this effort. She came from a respected Calvinist family. She expertly managed the household in their crowded villa. They provided a haven for those they sheltered. They faced the constant threat of execution. Among those they sheltered were Apró Antalné and her two children. Also, they protected Schifferné Szakasits Klára and her three sons.
After the war, the communist regime punished Zsindely and his wife. They were stripped of their assets in the 1950s. They were forced into resettlement. A kind person offered them a housemaster apartment in Balatonlelle. Zsindely Ferenc spent the last years of his life there.
Zsindelyné Tüdős Klára was later allowed to move to Budapest. This was due to Apró Antal’s intervention after her husband’s death. She received a council flat on Schönherz Zoltán Street.
Zsindely Ferenc was also a writer. He used the pen name Komáromi Ferenc. He wrote about economics and literature. His works include collections of short stories and reflections on faith.
Zsindely Ferenc’s legacy is complex. He was a politician. He was a writer. He was a rescuer of lives during a dark period. This plaque stands as a testament to his life. It reminds us of his courage and his commitment to humanity.