American Jewish Congress says Erdogan 'spewing dangerous rhetoric'July 25, 2014 - 10:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An American Jewish organization is demanding that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan return an award it gave him a decade ago, due to his recent remarks on Israel’s military operation in Gaza, The Jerusalem Post reports. Calling him “arguably the most virulent anti-Israel leader in the world,” American Jewish Congress President Jack Rosen accused the Prime Minister of “spewing dangerous rhetoric for political gain and inciting the Turkish population to violence against the Jewish people.” Erdogan received the American Jewish Congress’ Profile of Courage award in 2004 after making statements affirming his commitment to protect Turkish Jewry, eradicate terrorism and broker a Middle East peace deal. “We want [the award] back,” Rosen wrote Erdogan, informing him that his statements had not only done “irreparable damage to Jewish-Turkish relations and put innocent people at risk,” but had caused him to forfeit his seat “at the table of legitimate mediators working to end the current conflict between Israel and Hamas.” Erdogan’s stated views on the conflict are abhorrent, Rosen declared. Since Israel’s ground forces entered the Gaza strip last Thursday, July 24, Erdogan has been among Israel’s harshest critics, calling it a “terror state” and accusing Jerusalem of perpetrating a “systematic genocide” against the Palestinians. Israeli barbarism, he said, has surpassed that of Hitler. Yeni Akit, a pro-government newspaper in Istanbul, recently ran an article by journalist Faruk Köse calling on Turkish Jews to issue a communal apology on behalf of Israel. Meanwhile, attacks on Israel’s embassy in Ankara and consulate in Istanbul prompted Jerusalem to withdraw some of its diplomatic staff. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |