PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Release Date: November 15, 2003
Turkish American Cultural Society of New England condemns recent attacks in Turkey
As the Turkish American Cultural Society of New England, we strongly condemn the horrible attacks against innocent people targeting Neve Shalom and Beth Israel synagogues in Istanbul on Saturday, November 15, killing at least 20 and injuring more than 257 people.
We believe that these are unacceptable acts of violence, hatred and intolerance. We urge Turkish authorities to bring those responsible for the attacks to the justice as soon as possible.
We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the victims' families.
Turkey is the only secular democracy in the Muslim World, NATO’s only Muslim member and close ally of the United States in every major conflict since the Korean War. Turkey also has long had military and political ties with Israel. Turkey was the first Muslim country to recognize Israel, in 1948. The two nations have strengthened their relations with a series of agreements.