Incident in Babaeski, Turkey, brings ADL protest

ADL logoNEW YORK (Press Release) — The Anti-Defamation League on Wednesday, Feb. 12,  expressed alarm at a reported anti-Semitic attack against two Jewish businessmen in a northwestern Turkish city, and called on Turkish authorities to fully investigate the incident.

According to reports, the two Jewish individuals were eating at a restaurant on February 6 in the town of Babaeski when they were attacked by the restaurant’s owner who shouted anti-Semitic epithets and chased them out of the establishment.

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:

“To hear reports of Jews being chased out of a restaurant in Turkey because they are Jewish is shocking.  Turkey has a long and proud history of demonstrating respect and inclusiveness toward its Jewish population.  However, more needs to be done by senior officials to confront such acts, and the Turkish government’s commitment to the safety and security of the Jewish community must be reinforced.We call on Turkish law enforcement to thoroughly investigate this incident and prosecute to the full extent of the law those responsible.”

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Preceding provided by the Anti-Defamation League