``It is terrible,'' said Huseyin Akgun of Newton. ``They (Islamic extremists) don't like the idea of Turkish people being friendly with Israel. Our people don't want to be enemies. They look at us in a Muslim country and think, `Why aren't you on our side?' ''
Suffolk University professor Mizam [Nizam] Aydin said the attack probably was aimed at Turkey's ties to the United States and Europe as well as Israel. The synagogues are in the middle of a heavily populated area, where the victims are likely to include Muslims as well as Jews.
``It was well-planned,'' Aydin said. ``The aim is to have a broader impact. It will not be purely a Jewish-related unfortunate incident.''
The Turkish American Cultural Society of New England issued a statement condemning the attacks.
``We believe that these are unacceptable acts of violence, hatred and intolerance,'' the group said. ``We urge Turkish authorities to bring those responsible for the attacks to justice as soon as possible.''
Turkey, which has a secular government, was the first Muslim country to recognize Israel. Though the goal might be to drive a wedge between Turkey, Israel and the West, Akgun said, ``I don't think it will work. They will make the Turks upset. That's the last thing you should do, is make Turks upset.''