Jews, from the time of the expulsion
from Spain and Portugal and into the
Holocaust years. And Turkey's protec-
tion of its own minority Jewish com-
munity was admirable and unique
among the nations — particularly in
the aftermath of the 2003 bombing
of two synagogues in Istanbul, when
Turkish leaders stood up to publicly
decry anti-Semitism.
Shifting Tides
Until recently, Turkey was held up as
proof that a Muslim-majority country
could have warm and significant rela-
tions with the Jewish state. Turkey
now seems to shun that globally
important role.
Today, the relationship is in steep
decline. Turkish Foreign Minister
Ahmet Davutoglu compared the Gaza
flotilla incident to the 9-11 terrorist
attacks. Turkey recalled its ambassa-
dor to Israel; and President Abdullah
Gul has left open the possibility of
breaking off relations altogether.
Israeli tourism to Turkey has plum-
meted and Israeli supermarkets are
boycotting Turkish products. Turkey
has cancelled joint military exercises.
Israel and Turkey have clashed over
policies toward Iran, Hamas, and
Syria.
Erdogan is reported to have angrily
proclaimed in public remarks that
the Star of David is the same as the
Nazi swastika. A Turkish delegation
of teachers and scholars, scheduled to
participate in an event at Yad Vashem
on the lessons of the Holocaust, failed
to show.
Beyond the bilateral relationship,
Turkey is in the process of losing
other roles and friends. For many
years, Turkey has sought to leverage
its geographic linking of the Middle
East and Europe to create connections
between different religions and cul-
tures. Today, however, its rapproche-
ment with Iran, Hamas, and Syria
generates doubts, not confidence, in
the U.S. and elsewhere.
The American Jewish community
has long been supportive of Turkish
interests in the United States, as a
NATO ally and based on its strategic
relationship with Israel, a premise
that many politically active Jewish
organizations may have to revisit.
Turkey, Israel and the international
community would benefit from a
reversal of this downward spiral. An
investigation into the flotilla affair
with international observers has been
commissioned by Israel, and hope-
fully it will provide a base from which
to rebuild the relationship. Until then,
both Israelis and Turks should exer-
cise care with their rhetoric and their
actions.
However, should that investigation
uncover Turkish government involve-
ment with Insani Yardim Vakfi (IHH),
the Istanbul-based charity that was
one of the major sponsors the Free
Gaza flotilla, and its preparations for
violently confronting Israeli solders
— as some information now suggests
— the report could be the death knell
for rebuilding the relationship.
Hopefully, what we are seeing today
from Turkey is a temporary detour
from the path it has pursued so suc-
cessfully for years. Hopefully, the
friendship we had come to know and
to rely on will re-emerge.
Hopefully, the instincts of the
Turkish people that wrote a magnifi-
cent chapter in Jewish history more
than 500 years ago as a haven and ref-
uge for those expelled from Spain will
bring Turkey back from the brink.
Then we will be able to continue to
celebrate our long-held affection and
respect for Turkey.
❑
Abraham H. Foxman is national director
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of the Anti-Defamation League (www.adl.
org). This article originally appeared in the
Huffington Post on June 18.
Answering
Israel's Critics
The Charge
Iran's Press TV news service
reported last week that President
Obama has suggested that Israeli
intransigence on settlement build-
ing endangers American security.
The Answer
The Iranian news agency is flat-
out wrong. Some members of the
Obama administration have said a
resolution of the Arab-Israeli con-
flict would improve U.S. security.
But there has been no such connec-
tion made to settlements.
Bargains everywhere, outdoor dining, activities for kids.
live entertainment, kids' bike parade. free parking all day.
For more info. call 248.530.1200 or visit enjoybirmingham.com .
Don't Miss Green Breeze Green Living Fair during
Day On the Town, at Old Woodward and Merrill.
IT ALL STARTS HERE
— Allan Gale
Jewish Community Relations Council
of Metropolitan Detroit
© Jewish Renaissance Media, July 22, 2010
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