Israel Matzav

Turkish Jews unhappy about new constitutional amendments

The United States and the European Union may be happy about Sunday's vote in Turkey adopting constitutional amendments that strengthen the Erdogan regime, but Turkey's Jews are quite unhappy about it (Hat Tip: Daroff via Twitter).

"This development worries the Jews here," said Tal, a resident of Antalya who voted against the reform, which is aimed at "bolstering democracy."

"All my friends cast their votes before breakfast. They all fear Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants to turn us into Iran," Tal told Ynet Sunday night. "If Turkey continues to become more and more Islamic – this is worrying. We are used to roam around freely, and suddenly it's becoming like Iran here. I hope Erdogan is removed from government."

...

Jacky Angel, a Jewish resident of Istanbul, also voted against the reform package. "The Erdogan government will not be satisfied with this and will try to advance Islam in any way possible," he said.

"Defeating the army is the key to allow him (Erdogan) to do whatever he wants, including promoting some controversial Islamic laws."

Faruk Logoglu, former Turkish ambassador to Washington, said the referendum results will lead to "more tension" in the country, but Nigar Haizadri, an activist who helped promote the reform proposal ahead of the referendum, said, "The reforms will lead to unity.

"The changes will benefit women and children, as well as the courts," she added.

Sumnur Verder, a 43-year-old Istanbul resident, criticized the proposed changes for "not mentioning the rights of the Kurds and minorities, or human rights and freedom of worship.

"I don’t believe the changes to the constitution are democratic," she said.

But of course the Obama administration supported the 'reforms' anyway.

What could go wrong?

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 7:13 AM