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Turkish Jews Apprehensive As New Anti-jewish Incidents Occur

October 18, 1955
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A general uneasiness, manifest in the Jewish community here since the anti-Greek demonstrations last month during which Jewish businessmen suffered considerable property damage, has been intensified by reports of anti-Jewish manifestations in various parts of the country.

Under the prevailing state of siege, news of these incidents is not being printed in the newspapers but the rumors spread by word of month and have heightened a feeling of uneasiness. One incident reported here took place in Canakkale, in the Dardanelles area, where a community of about a hundred Jews has long resided. A sign was posted overnight warning the Jews to get out under threat of massacre. The mayor immediately assured the local Jews of protection and three arrests were made. Similar incidents, it is rumored, have occurred in numerous towns through out Thrace.

One result has been to increase inquiries at the Israel Consulate for information on emigration possibilities. Some Turkish Jews are known to be visiting Israel as tourists to study living conditions there. Turkish currency regulations limit the amount of money a Turkish citizen can take from here. Jews contemplating removal to Israel do not know whether the restrictions would be removed in their case.

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