US JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS SEND STRONG MESSAGE TO TURKISH PRIME MINISTER
APA
Jan 23 2009
Azerbaijan
Ankara-APA. US five largest Jewish organizations send a letter to
Turkish Prime Minister Receb Tayib Erdogan and expressed concern
over the anti-Semitist action in the country. Israel’s operation in
Gaza cannot afford ground for anti-Semitism, said in the letter, APA
reports quoting the Turkish newspapers. "Protesters before the Israel’s
consulate in Istanbul showed hatred toward the Jewish people. There
are anti-Semitist slogans everywhere in billboards. Jewish people
living in Turkey feel themselves under threat and pressure. It is
clear that there is connection between raising anti-Semitism and
instigations by the officials".
American-Jewish Committee (AJC), Anti-Defamation League (ADL),
Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations
(CPMAJO), Jewish Institute of National Security Affairs (JINSA)
and B’nai Brith organization.
ADL chairman Abraham Foxman told Milliyyet newspaper that Prime
Minister Receb Tayib Erdogan’s statements contributed to the
anti-Semitism in Turkey. "Turkey was our friend. I am sorrowful and
confused. You may not like the Israel’s policy, but there is a method
of criticism. It is clear that the Prime Minister chose the words
carefully. He is using very sharp words".
Representative of other Jewish organization reminded about that they
opposed the recognition of "Armenian genocide" in the Congress for
long years. "This time it will be difficult. Earlier we supported you
not only for the fair case of Turkey, but also it was our friend. Now
it is difficult to say that Turkey is our friend".