It must be acknowledged that his party has done better things compared to the social democrats and nationalists. I do not see anti-Semitic sentiments in Turkey. I am sympathetic to Israel, but I still regard Israeli Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu as a chauvinist, the country’s foreign minister as fascist and its defense minister as stupid.” (Zaman, June 3, 2010). Levi underlines three points:(1) The Jewish community does not complain about the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and even considers it favorable to a social democratic or nationalist government.
(2) Contrary to what Israelis among us claim, Levi does not see anti-Semitism in Turkey.
(3) Levi honestly declares that he is sympathetic to Israel but sees the existing Israeli government officials as chauvinists, fascists and stupid.
There is great anger against Israel. But this is not “hatred” targeting the Israeli people. The term “people” is actually an amorphous term, and it is important how you describe something as “people.” A reference to “the people of Israel” calls to mind “an abstract nation.” This nation builds its identity on “Judaism.” Therefore, “the people of Israel” refers our collective memories to “Judaism” and the “Jewish religion.” If a sign of anti-Semitism in Turkey is to be sought, then we should look at the level of enmity against Jews and Judaism. Except for a small set of exceptions or marginal practices, Muslims overall do not exhibit “hatred against Judaism or Jews.”
Jews are understandably sensitive to anti-Semitism because anti-Semitic hatred and hostility have always been the main factor in triggering what has befallen Jews throughout history. There have been many tragic examples of this in European history, for instance Jews were only permitted to live in ghettos until the 11th century in Europe. Anti-Semitism was obviously the main reason for the Nazi massacre.
Christians tend to see Jews as the “murderers of God.” We, on the other hand, believe that Prophet Jesus, who is deified by Christians, was not crucified or murdered, meaning that the Jewish attempt to kill him did not succeed. The Quran does not criticize Jews and Christians for “believing in the Torah or gospel” but instead for not complying with the provisions and rules of these holy books and for distorting the divine revelations. Meanwhile, the Quran also states that “not all of the people of the book [Ahl al-Kitab] are the same” but that there are also good people among them.
Accordingly, it is the religion of Islam that protects us from anti-Semitism. In other words, it is not Islam or Muslims that Jews should be afraid of, but the secular groups that are philosophically and politically inspired by the West. This is the very reason why Levi regards the Islamic-rooted AK Party government more favorable than social democrats or nationalists. Anti-Semitism feeds on the Christian perception of religion as well as certain intellectual resources of the Enlightenment. It is for this reason that Netanyahu fixed medals to the Israeli commandos that raided the Gaza flotilla while Erdoğan rushed to make sure that “no damage is done to our Jewish citizens.” In Europe, Jews are protected by laws and constitutions. But laws and constitutions are drafted by human beings and are open to amendments. But the Quran is a divine revelation, and no one can dare to amend it.
Another point is that the years of protection Islam has afforded Jews have created in us certain reflexes for coexistence. These historical experiences imply that the animosity between the two sides may be eliminated if Israel accepts to act fairly and respect the rule of law. The animosity between the West and Jews is based on both historical and religious factors which are further amplified by historic tragedies. If the Israeli government officials are wise, the first thing they should do is return to Palestinians their territories and establish good relations with Muslims. Islam and Muslims are guarantees for the right to life of Jews. The fact that Jews can still live under protection in Turkey, Iran, Morocco and other Muslim countries despite the Palestinian issue is concrete evidence of this.
