Turkey boosts security for its Jews and Israeli diplomatic missions as protests continue
By APWednesday, June 2, 2010
Turkey boosts security for its Jews amid protests
ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey says it has beefed up security to protect its Jewish minority as well as Israel’s diplomatic missions following tensions over Israel’s deadly raid on a Turkish aid ship.
Interior Minister Besir Atalay said security has been stepped up at 20 points alone in Istanbul, which has several synagogues and centers serving 23,000 Jews. The move came as hundreds of Turks were protesting against Israel for a third day Wednesday.
Israel has ordered families of Israeli diplomats out of Turkey.
Turkish resentment of Israel has risen dramatically since Monday’s killing of nine people, including at least four Turks, on the aid ship. Turkey withdrew its ambassador and scrapped wargames with Israel.
Turkish planes are bringing the wounded and expelled activists home Wednesday.
