Courtesy of Facebook Comments, from: AharonMoshe613 On Facebook
The Turkish Jewish alliance-friendship actually goes back to the 15th century and the Ottoman Empire, starting with Fatih, the Conqueror of Constantinople who taught and encouraged tolerance of all minorities. In 1490 when the jews escaped Spain, they were welcomed by the Ottoman Empire and throughout the years Turks, Jews and Arabs lived peacefully under the same roof.
In the 1930's, after the establishment of the Republic, jewish scientists who escaped Nazi torture were also welcomed to Turkey. In 1949, Turkey was the first secular musilim country to recognize Israel. In the 50's, trade pacts were signed and positive relations kept developing with the help of the USA. 60s and 70s were not as good because of political shifts.
I lived in Turkey in those years through a Military coup, in fact I was picked (with another elementary school student) to greet the Prime Minister Menderes, who came to a National Celebration and who was later hanged, sorry to be so graphic.....) I was there through the anarchy of the leftists and came to the USA in the early 70's.
All my years in Turkey I attended school with Ermenians, Greeks and Jews with absolute integration and no hostilities and to this day we remain best of friends. TURKEY-ISRAEL relations improved once again in the 80's and 90's when Turkey supported the first Gulf War and the USSR came down.
Diplomats were exchanged and trade and anti terrorism pacts were signed, tourism sectors flourished between the two countries.Turkey encouraged Palestinians for moderation and peace. Turkey gave water to Israel and Israel trained turkish military Intelligence.
Then came once more a political shift. It is my hope that my native country does not slip, that my adopted country remains blessed, that we can all keep on top of issues tirelessly, and the biggest hope of course, is for peace to prevail. (dont mean to sound like Miss America:))))
The Turkish Jewish Alliance-Friendship By-Meral Guneyman, courtesy of Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=100990463307323&id=100001057572868
