WASHINGTON (JTA) — Turkey is committed to preventing anti-Semitism, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in commemorating the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
"Condemning the Holocaust as the most grave and unprecedented crime against humanity throughout history, taking necessary precautions to prevent genocides in the future and promoting the endeavors to educate new generations are not only a duty of every member state of the U.N. but also an obligation to humanity," said a statement issued Wednesday by the Turkish Foreign Ministry . "Stemming from its belief in mutual understanding, tolerance, freedom, security and democracy, Turkey is resolute to continue its stance to prevent anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia and discrimination."
Tensions between Israel and Turkey, long simmering over the Islamist government’s tilt toward Iran and Arab nations, as well as Turkish concerns over Israel’s conduct during last winter’s Gaza war, exploded last month when Israel’s deputy foreign minister embarrassed the Turkish ambassador over an anti-Semitic series on Turkish television.
Turkey recalled the envoy after revelations that Danny Ayalon deliberately humiliated the Turkish envoy by scowling, refusing to shake his hand and offering him a low seat.
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