(JTA) — Turkey is increasing security for Turkish Jewish citizens and institutions following the killing of several Turkish citizens on a Gaza-bound flotilla intercepted by Israel.
Some 20 locations in Istanbul, including synagogues and the Israeli consulate, have received beefed-up security, the Hurriyet Daily News reported Thursday. About 2,500 Jews live in Istanbul and there are about 23,000 Jewish residents of Turkey.
Interior Minister Beşir Atalay said Wednesday that no harm had come, or would be allowed to come, to Jews during demonstrations against the Israeli raid of the Turkish ship, the Anatolia news agency reported. Demonstrations have been held regularly since Monday, when Israel’s raid of the Mari Marmara resulted in nine deaths. Turkish officials said all had been identified as Turkish citizens.
A Turkish lawyer punched a Jewish man riding a bicycle in the northeast of the country on Monday, Hurriyet reported.
Since Monday’s incident, Turkey has recalled its ambassador to Israel and canceled planned military exercises with Israel.
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