Title: Bilal Erdoğan Condemns Western Complicity in Israel’s Genocide
YTB Hosts International Students for Gaza Panel and Exhibition
On the anniversary of the occupation and genocide in Gaza, the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) organized the “Gaza Through the Eyes of International Students Panel and Exhibition” program, with students from around the world who came to Turkey for university education. The event took place at the Zeytinburnu Culture and Arts Center, starting with a recitation of the Quran by Palestinian student Abed Al Raman Sarab.
Following that, a short film was shown depicting various excerpts from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s speeches regarding Palestine at the World Economic Forum in 2009 and the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing Israel’s atrocities in Gaza.
The program also featured a promotional video for the “Her Boydan” magazine, which published student articles about the events in Palestine in its special Gaza issue released on October 7, 2023.
Zeytinburnu Mayor Ömer Arısoy highlighted the peaceful coexistence of residents in Jerusalem under Ottoman rule for 400 years, contrasting it with the oppression and occupation that have plagued Palestine since the establishment of Israel in 1948. He emphasized President Erdoğan’s statement that “Turkey’s defense begins in Gaza,” underscoring the ongoing genocide witnessed by the world.
Bilal Erdoğan’s Address on Israel’s Genocide
Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan, the President of the Foundation for the Dissemination of Knowledge, pointed out that Israel’s perpetration of genocide has sparked a global awakening of conscience. He condemned the rise of injustice, oppression, bloodshed, and tears worldwide, drawing parallels between the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during a time of international law and the deliberate violence in Palestine.
Erdoğan criticized the West’s characterization of genocides in Africa as events among “uncivilized peoples,” highlighting the hypocrisy in overlooking Israel’s continuous violations of UN resolutions and human rights. He stressed that accountability should extend beyond Israel to include the suppliers of weapons enabling the ongoing genocide.
Regarding Turkey’s decision to cease trade with Israel, Erdoğan emphasized the economic sacrifice made to stand against injustice, questioning why other Islamic countries have not followed suit to have a collective impact on Israel.
He lamented the fact that 40% of the casualties in Israel’s attacks are children, indicating a deliberate targeting of the most vulnerable population. Drawing a historical parallel, he likened Israel’s actions to Pharaoh’s decree to kill all male children to prevent Moses’ rise, highlighting the systematic eradication of a generation to diminish the Palestinian resistance.
Boycott as a Form of Resistance
Erdoğan underscored the importance of not only speaking out against injustice but also actively boycotting companies that support Israel. He urged individuals to consider the impact of boycotting certain brands and businesses, citing examples of companies that have withdrawn from countries due to public pressure. He emphasized the symbolic and morale-boosting effect of such actions in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
In conclusion, Erdoğan called for a unified global response to hold Israel accountable for its crimes and to prevent further atrocities. The program concluded with gift presentations to the participants, marking a collective stand against genocide and injustice.
This rewritten article expands on Bilal Erdoğan’s condemnation of Western complicity in Israel’s genocide, highlighting the importance of international awareness and solidarity in addressing the ongoing atrocities in Gaza.
