A violent antisemitic incident unfolded Sunday evening in Istanbul, where a group of Jews heading to light the eighth and final Hanukkah candle at the Neve Shalom synagogue were attacked by pro-Palestinian protesters.
According to footage circulated on social media, the attackers charged at the group while shouting, “These Zionists should leave this country.” Police intervened and dispersed the demonstrators, who waved Palestinian flags and attempted to approach the Jewish group.
Pro-Palestinian protesters assaulted Jews on their way to a Hanukkah candle lighting
(Video: X)
The video was shared on X alongside a statement accusing the Jews of praising Zionism during Hanukkah celebrations in Istanbul. The post claimed that while “assassinations, starvation and destruction continue in Gaza,” protesters could not remain indifferent. It called on authorities to stop what it described as “supporters of genocide,” vowing continued action “against Zionists and their collaborators.”
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in Turkey following the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza. Since then, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has issued repeated and harsh denunciations of Israel.
Last month, Ankara announced arrest warrants for 37 senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.
There were no immediate reports of serious injuries in Sunday’s incident, though the attack added to growing concerns among Jewish communities in Turkey over rising antisemitism amid the regional conflict.