József Halzl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
József Halzl
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| Leader of the Rákóczi Association | |
| In office 1990–2018 |
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| Preceded by | László Dobossy |
| Succeeded by | Csongor Csáky |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 December 1933 Győr, Hungary |
| Died | 13 November 2020 (aged 86) Budapest |
| Political party | Hungarian Democratic Forum |
| Profession | mechanical engineer |
József Halzl (born December 19, 1933 – died November 13, 2020) was a smart mechanical engineer. He helped start the Hungarian Democratic Forum, a political group. He was also the Honorary Life Chairman of the Rákóczi Association. This group helps Hungarians living outside of Hungary.
Contents
Early Life and Education
József Halzl was born in Győr, Hungary, on December 19, 1933. His family came from different parts of Central Europe. His father's family was from a place now called Senec in Slovakia. His mother's family was from Deutschkreuz in Austria.
He went to school in several towns in Hungary. He finished high school in Budapest. Later, he studied mechanical engineering at the Budapest University of Technology. He earned his degree in 1957. He even got a special doctorate degree from the same university later on.
During his studies, József Halzl took part in the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. This was a big event where Hungarians tried to gain more freedom. He wrote a diary about what happened during this time. His diary was published after Hungary became a democracy.
Career and Public Service
József Halzl worked in the field of energy. He researched how power plants work at the Energy Research Institute. This was before Hungary became a democratic country.
From 1991 to 1994, he was the CEO of the MVM Group. This was Hungary's biggest electricity company. He was in charge of making sure homes and businesses had power.
He was also very active in politics. He helped create the Hungarian Democratic Forum. This was an important political party during Hungary's move to democracy. He even worked as a director for the party for a while.
József Halzl led the Rákóczi Association for many years. He was its Chairman from 1990 to 2018. In 2018, he became the Honorary Life Chairman. This means he was honored for his long service. The Rákóczi Association helps Hungarian communities in other countries. It supports their culture and education.
Besides his work with the Rákóczi Association, he helped his local church community. He also led the Héra Foundation. This foundation helped families who had trouble paying for their energy. József Halzl loved classical music and played the piano himself.
Books by József Halzl
József Halzl wrote several books. These books share his experiences and thoughts.
- 1956-os napló ("A Diary of 1956"). This book shares his personal diary from the 1956 Revolution.
- Rákóczi jegyében. Halzl Józseffel beszélget Cservenka Judit. ("In the Spirit of Rákóczi. József Halzl's Conversations with Judit Cservenka"). This book is a conversation about his work with the Rákóczi Association.
- 1956-os napló. 2., jav. kiad. ("A Diary of 1956. Second, revised edition"). This is an updated version of his diary.
Awards and Honors
József Halzl received many awards for his work. These awards show how much he contributed to Hungary.
- János András Segner Award (1969)
- Géza Szikla Award (1989)
- Medallion of the Hungarian Electricity Works (1991)
- János Esterházy Medallion (2000)
- Medallion of the Széchenyi Society (2009)
- Hungarian Heritage Award (2010)
- Commander's Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit, Civilian's Class (2011)
- St. Stephen Award (Esztergom) (2013)
- Commander's Cross with Star of the Hungarian Order of Merit (2016)
- St. Martin Award (2017)
- Pro Urbe Budapest Award (2018)
- Award for Hungarian Youth (2018)
- Gábor Bethlen Award (2019)
See also
- In Spanish: József Halzl para niños
