In May 2026, vandals tore the bronze relief from France's only Petőfi monument, in the heart of Strasbourg. Where the poet's face once stood, only damaged stone and graffiti remained.

*(HU) 2026 májusában vandalizálták Franciaország egyetlen Petőfi-emlékművét és a Petőfi bronz domborművét ellopták. Ahol egykor a költő tekintett ránk, ott most négy lyuk, kivésett szavak és graffiti maradt.*

https://petofi.me

I am Alsatian, born in Strasbourg, with no Hungarian roots. Yet I learned Hungarian and now serve as Treasurer of the European Hungarian Diaspora Network (EMDH). When I found the ruined monument on May 15, I called the police, alerted the press, and contacted Hungary's representation in Strasbourg.

Sándor Petőfi, poet of freedom, inspired the 1848 Hungarian Revolution and later generations who stood against tyranny, including in 1956. His Strasbourg monument bridges Hungary, France and Europe.

EMDH is coordinating the restoration. We found the original plaster model in Hungary, secured the right to purchase and reproduce it, and are helping Hungary's representation cast the new bronze relief, while the City of Strasbourg repairs the base.

Your donation will help us buy the plaster model and reproduction rights, support the restoration, and organize a worthy commemoration.

On October 21, 2026, the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Revolution, we hope to stand before the restored monument and show that freedom endures.

Help us bring Petőfi home to Petőfi Square in Strasbourg. Donate today.