Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday met with top American Jewish leaders amid negotiations that may lead to a resumption of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Israel.
Malcolm Hoenlein, CEO and executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, and Stephen M. Greenberg, chairman of the Conference of Presidents, led the Jewish delegation that met with Erdogan and Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu at the Cankaya Palace in Ankara.
“They discussed a range of issues including relations between Turkey, the United States and Israel, terrorism and extremism, and regional conflicts,” the Conference of Presidents said in a press release. “The [American Jewish] delegation was accompanied by heads of the Turkish Jewish community, led by Isak Ibrimzadeh.
The far-ranging discussion dealt with issues such as energy, incitement, and the role of Russia, Iran and other countries.
They also talked about their commonalities as descendants of the Abrahamic faiths and the multiple challenges that they face, emphasizing the need to work together to fight manifestations of hate against Jews, Muslims, Christians, and others. President Erdogan outlined eight of his policy priorities, including the issue of energy and potential for regional cooperation involving Israel as well.”
Turkey and Israel have so far been unsuccessful in efforts to restore their diplomatic ties, which deteriorated following the May 2010 Gaza flotilla incident.
By: JNS.org