Soldier on Turkish show
Immigrants attempt to rectify Israel-Turkey relations
Group writes letter to Turkish government demanding it halt TV show depicting IDF troops as child murderers, renew diplomatic ties with Israel
The Organization of Turkish Immigrants in Israel has forwarded an official letter to the Turkish prime minister, president, and foreign minister through the current Turkish ambassador in Israel in an attempt to slow the decline of relations between the two countries.
The letter is written in the names of the 100,000 Turkish immigrants in Israel, and condemns a TV show appearing on a state-owned channel in which Israeli soldiers are presented as child murderers.
Among the atrocities committed by IDF troops on the show are the murder of an infant, beatings of innocent Palestinians, and death by firing squad.
"This is without a doubt an expression of a calculating will to consciously encourage hostility and anger towards Israel and the Jews," the letter says.
The show's producer has attempted to downplay its displays of violence, but the letter says declarations to this effect, whether made by the producers or the state, were insufficient.
"We recall concernedly how broadcasts that sow seeds of hatred harm not only our relations, but Turkey's own image," the letter says, citing examples of a Jewish dentist who was murdered because of his faith and the Turkish synagogue bombing in 2003.
Controversial TV program
Vicki Sadi, a 28-year old member of the organization, explained the letter was purposefully written in a harsh manner. "Until now our reaction was gentler, but the situation now cannot stand silence," she told Ynet. "We have the feeling (Turkey) is betraying us."
Sadi added that she expects the Turkish government to remove the television show from the air and then renew normal diplomatic ties with Israel.
Meanwhile Turkish officials have begun to regret the show as well. Mustafa Gursoy, a senior official with the channel that airs the program, referred to the controversy for the fist time in a conversation with Ynet.
"In retrospect, I do have regrets. Maybe we should have dropped some scenes," said Gursoy, who acts as deputy content manager in TRT1. "We didn't think it would strike up such a fuss. It's only a love story; maybe it'll have a positive effect on the conflict."
