Reflections on Palestine: Navigating challenges in Türkiye

Since October 7th, when Israel initiated a new genocide process in Gaza, my travels across various cities in Türkiye have become even more intense. Conferences, seminars, private consultations, book critique sessions, classes... In addition to the routine activities already happening in Istanbul, sometimes involving 3-4 different programs a day. As I immerse myself in environments with diverse social dynamics, entering and exiting them frequently, striking observations have accumulated in my mind regarding both the country's Palestine agenda and our people's approach to the issue. Serving as a "panoramic photograph" that politicians and decision-makers could benefit from, I want to present these:

Firstly, regardless of which city in Türkiye, there is noticeable attention and care regarding sensitivity to Palestine. In some meeting rooms, I can even say that I've sensed the "spirit of the 90s" and its sincerity. However, concurrently, some negative propaganda circulated, especially through social media, has infiltrated even the children of Muslim families. In many families with Islamic and humanitarian sensitivity, divisions are progressing towards "ideological polarization." The ongoing period seems to lead to significant ruptures in the medium term. One of our upcoming challenges will be the struggle to guide future generations in the right direction.

Reaching out to the youth is a common concern, but the methods for doing so and the materials/means used in this outreach are confusing and somewhat helpless. Even searching through archives and dusty pages of academic theses to find solid evidence to convince a Muslim youth who believes in the false claim that "Palestinians sold their land, and Israel was established" reveals the gaps we need to address.

A "campaign for reading and understanding" seems to be initiated in every circle. The main problem, however, is the lack of authentic texts to read and the right individuals to speak/listen to in this action of outreach. The youth is now saturated with romanticism, rhetoric, promises about the future, and vague pledges that are unaccountable. Concrete, applicable, and roadmaps that can be followed when life goes beyond the halls into reality... This is what everyone is pursuing.

Posts on social media, reactions given, or engagements in polemics directly affect the "effect of words." Expectations for "word-action consistency" are evident in people's gazes. Those who do not live as they speak, who speak about things they have not experienced, engage excessively in the whims of the agenda, and rather than having a unique agenda, get involved only in a "jaw race" with the "opposing camp" are seen not as "opinion leaders" but as "social media celebrities." Indeed, earnest young people who strive to remain balanced amid exhausting debates feel a sense of abandonment... We owe it to these young people to embrace them.

When viewed from a bird's eye perspective, there is a deep sincerity overall, but at the same time, there is confusion and lack of strategy. Every group, association, foundation, NGO, etc., is trying to do something, and all of these are meaningful and heartfelt endeavors. However, there are still dialogue channels to be opened, doors not to be closed, and consultations to be maintained when it comes to producing a "general strategy." As the process prolongs, signs of fatigue in the Islamic community can be seen. However, in times when we need to remain unwavering, untiring, unwearying, and focused on the "common enemy," it is easiest to lean on one's own bloc, ensuring one's stance, and firing at Muslim brothers. This is a trap and a test that we must never fall into.

While you read these lines, God willing, I will be conversing with the wonderful and sincere people of Kayseri. From there, just like our other cities, I am confident that I will return to Istanbul with impressions that will bring comfort to my heart.