Peace must be made in the Middle East with the concerted efforts of the leaders of Turkey and all other countries, for the benefit of humanity.

Turkish Jews who have been living in this country for many centuries are an essential part of it.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has declared his sensitivity against anti-Semitism in the Parliament Group Meeting on Tuesday (Jan 13, 2009).

Anti-Israeli rhetoric adopted by some local media as well as in mass demonstrations during the weeks clashes were taking place in the Middle East, has unfortunately been slickly transformed into anti-semitism.

We Turkish Jews have no influence over the policies of any state, and contrary to the insinuations in some newspaper columns are deeply saddened from the ongoing clashes. We have held a special prayer service in all synagogues in Turkey; praying for the achievement of peace, commemorating the deceased and praying for the swift recuperation of the wounded, further sharing information about this special memorial prayer with the press.

We strongly reiterate our hopes for the clashes to end, for the leaders to act with justice and for the concerted efforts of primarily Turkish state representatives and all leaders together to reach an impartial and permanent peaceful solution. Moreover we support the active participation of the Government of the Republic of Turkey and our Prime Minister in their pursuit for the attainment of a peaceful solution in the region.

Living in this country for many centuries, we are equal citizens fulfilling our obligations as such; speak and think in Turkish, have been shaped by Turkish Culture. Furthermore we consider ourselves as part of the essential composition of our country.

We Turkish Jews are an inseparable part of the Turkish Republic and are deeply distressed from the insulting, humiliating accusations about our religion, and from being maliciously targeted by some national media.

We know that the leaders of our country, intellectuals as well as people with common sense are paying attention to our worries about our community and to our call to attention. The speech Prime Minister Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has made on Tuesday expressing his position against anti-Semitism attests to this. We hope that this understanding will be shared by all the population and measures to ensure the continuity of this general sensitivity will be taken.

The Jewish Community of Turkey