Criticizing anti-semite comments and reactions in protests against Israel's offensive in Gaza, former head of the conservative rights organization MAZLUMDER Ayhan Bilgen and rights activist –and a Turkish Jew- Avi Haligua underlined the error of identifying a state's policies with its people.
Bilgen, advised protestors to question the actions of governments holding good relations with Israel, including the Justice and Development Part (AKP) government. Haligua, a radio producer, draws attention to the media's role in the circulation of such racist reactions.
"All Jews are trying to clear of others but we'll fight" said a young commentator during a mainstream TV program, aired last night.
On another account, members of the Osmangazi Cultural Foundation in Eskişehir held banners which read "Armenians and Jews not allowed through this door" during a staged protest.
Several members of the Human Rights Association (İHD) are applying to court on the basis of "inciting hatred", regarding those comments.
"It's a grose error to bill the faults of the Israeli state to Jews living in other parts of the world" said Bilgen. "We must clearly distinguish between demands of peace in the Middle East and demands that would instigate further ethnic and religious fights. One should not forget that the most powerful reaction to Israel's policies comes from within the country, from Israeli peace activists"
Noting he had covered most of the demonstrations in Istanbul, "I'm not comfortable faced with demands to account for Israel's actions" said Haligua.
While this is the case, he also reacts to PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan saying "we've welcomed Jews as our guest here 600 years ago".
"I'm not a Israeli citizen says Haligua. "Utilization of the notion of 'guest' after 600 years shows how deep anti-semitism goes. AKP exploits the situation for the upcoming elections just as the Israeli government does."
He notes that the media lays ground to racist comments through sentimental approaches. "We should demand peace instead of revenge."(TK/EÜ)
