This week, we chose Avlaremoz's ( https://www.avlaremoz.com ) open letter condemning Israel's attacks on Palestine as the "Conscience Act of the Week". Avlaremoz is a platform that fights against anti-Semitism and all forms of racism. We see this open letter they published as a strong expression of sensitivity and conscience for human rights. You can access the full text of the letter here ( https://www.avlaremoz.com/2024/05/29/ozgur-filistin-icin-bir-grup-avlaremozcudan-acik-mektup/ )
Avlaremoz and its Mission
We learn that Avlaremoz takes its name from Judeo Espanyol and that it means “avlaremoz!” or “let’s talk!” against Kayades. This platform, which basically came together with the concern of anti-Semitism, states that they aim to contribute to the visibility of attitudes against anti-Semitism in Turkey, Jews and their history. They set out with Jewish, non-Jewish, few Jewish, many Jewish, sometimes a few Jewish people. They say that Avlaremoz does not have an official view. The published articles are the author’s own views. Avlaremoz, which aims to be a platform with many voices, finds a place for different ideas as long as they do not contain hate speech【 https://www.avlaremoz.com/biz-kimiz/】 .
Contents of the Open Letter
In an open letter published on May 29, 2024, Avlaremoz editors and writers condemn Israel's attacks on Palestinian civilians with deep sorrow and anger. The letter emphasizes that genocide is a crime against humanity and that such attacks are a clear violation of international law. It also criticizes Israel's stance, which uses anti-Semitism as a shield for war crimes.
We found the following expressions they used in the letter particularly valuable: "Genocide is a crime against humanity! Attacks that are clear violations of international and humanitarian law undermine the fundamental principles of humanity and solidarity." These powerful words once again reveal how important the struggle for justice and human rights is.
Why Conscience Act of the Week?
This open letter by Avlaremoz is an important example of conscience and sensitivity to human rights. By condemning Israel's attacks on Palestine, they have defended the rights of not only their own society but all of humanity. Such behaviors contribute to increasing social awareness and continuing efforts for a more just world. And we would like to emphasize how valuable it is in terms of conscience for people to take a stand against the evil and unconscionability of those similar to them or those they consider "us." We respectfully welcome and support this difficult but conscientious stance as an exemplary behavior for all people, regardless of which nation, group, religion or ethnicity they feel they belong to.
Avlaremoz's stance gives an important message for humanity by saying "Never Again for Everyone". The following sentence, which affected us a lot and which Avlaremoz referred to, shows how powerful this message is:
"As I write this text, the words of Marione Ingram, who survived the Holocaust and is now 88 years old, illuminate our path: 'I am a Holocaust survivor and I have lived through what the children of Gaza are going through now. When I look at what is happening in Gaza, my childhood immediately comes to mind.'"
For these reasons, we chose Avlaremoz's open letter as the "Conscience Act of the Week." We hope that such conscientious and courageous acts will inspire increased social awareness and a more just world.
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