[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 22 (Wednesday, February 4, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   DENOUNCING ANTI-SEMITISM IN TURKEY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 2009

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, for many years, Turkey and Israel have 
shared a strong relationship diplomatically, militarily, and 
culturally. This affiliation has been showcased as an example that a 
secular, western leaning Muslim country can be an ally to Israel.
  While many in the West have placed Turkey on a do-no wrong pedestal 
despite years of discriminating against the country's ethnic 
Christians, this past January revealed growing anti-Semitism in Turkey 
from top officials to protesters in the streets.
  Israel's Gaza offensive was launched in response to the hundreds of 
rockets that the terrorist organization Hamas fired at Israel's cities 
over the past year. Instead of defending Israel's actions of self 
defense, Turkey chose not to stand by their ally.
  What came next was a wave of anti-Semitism that swept across Turkey. 
Propaganda posters were plastered and graffiti sprayed on Istanbul's 
walls calling for death to Israel. Even Jewish owned shops in Turkey 
have been targeted. These actions against the Jewish people cannot be 
minimized, and the West cannot stand for it.
  On January 4th, thousands of protesters gathered in Istanbul's 
streets chanting, ``Death to Israel, we are all Palestinians.'' One day 
later, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in regards to 
Israel's actions in Gaza, ``Allah will sooner or later punish those who 
transgress the rights of innocents.''
  The events that transpired during last week's Davos World Economic 
Forum further distanced Turkey from Israel. While Israeli President 
Shimon Peres spoke frankly about his nation's ``aim for peace, not 
war,'' Prime Minister Erdogan refuted President Peres' comments and 
chided the audience for applauding his remarks. After being cut short 
by the moderator, the Prime Minister walked off the stage.
  As protesters hurl eggs outside the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, 
Prime Minister Erdogan is on record questioning if it is appropriate 
for Israel to have a U.N. seat. Erdogan has also steered his diplomatic 
team to meet with Iran, Syria, and Sudan to discuss ending the conflict 
in Gaza, while Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia were gathering in 
Kuwait. Instead of discussing the issue with other moderate Muslim 
nations, Turkish leaders chose to meet with hardliner Iran and the 
Genocide wielding Sudanese government.
  I am deeply concerned by this shift away from the West and the out 
right anti-Semitism that is rippling through Turkey's streets. For a 
nation that prides itself on its friendship with the Jews, these 
actions are a step backwards and have the potential to harm ties 
between the two nations, and harm Turkey's relationship with the West.
  All of these moves from Ankara may just be pandering to the 
nationalistic, anti-Israel, anti-minority voters of Turkey, but 
regardless of Prime Minister Erdogan intentions, the results are 
dangerous and engender hate. What's more is that they move Turkey away 
from it's secular, moderate stance as a bridge between the West and 
other Muslim nations.
  For years I have asked that Turkey end its constant discrimination 
against Christian minorities, specifically Armenians and Greeks. Now 
with anti-Semitism spreading through the country, I call on Turkey's 
leadership to take concrete steps towards ending this destructive 
intolerance against minorities. Only these efforts will help to 
reestablish normal ties with Israel.

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