Navigating Identity and Tension: The Jewish Experience in Turkey

Members of Turkey’s ancient Jewish community say they feel forced to hide their identities and practice their religion in private, after a marked rise in antisemitism following the 7 October attacks in Israel. Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has maintained a relentless criticism of Israel’s government for its response to Hamas’ 2023 attack. He has accused the Jewish state of genocide and mass murder and nicknamed its leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, “the butcher of Gaza,” as well as comparing him to Adolf Hitler. Over the past year, Erdogan’s charged rhetoric has ricocheted through Turkey’s small but ancient Jewish community. Members say there has been a visible increase in hate speech and antisemitism. Victoria Craig meets members of Turkey’s Jewish community and delves into the unique history of Judaism in Turkey.