Turkish-American activist Kurtulus criticizes Palestinian Assembly for protest tactics, calls for dialogue over demonstrations

In a recent exchange addressing the Palestinian Assembly for Liberation (PAL-Awda NY/NJ / Portes), Turkish American Community Activist Ibrahim Kurtulus expressed his profound disappointment over the group’s decision to stage a protest outside Turkish Missions in the United States.

Kurtulus articulated his concerns in a poignant letter, urging the assembly to reconsider their approach towards addressing grievances related to the Palestinian cause.

“I acknowledge your response and appreciate your efforts to address these concerns,” Kurtulus began, setting a tone of initial understanding before delving into his criticisms. “However, I must express my deep disappointment with your decision to organize a protest in front of Turkish Missions in the United States. Regardless of the issue at hand, such actions are fundamentally inappropriate and counterproductive, especially when considering the strong support and unwavering commitment the Republic of Türkiye has demonstrated towards the Palestinian cause.”

Kurtulus, a recognized leader within the Turkish community, was particularly troubled by the sight of police barricades being erected around the Turkish Consulate General’s building, describing the scene as “not only shocking but also hurtful, given the profound solidarity Türkiye has consistently shown to Palestine.”

He further emphasized the missed opportunity for constructive engagement, noting that the assembly could have sought dialogue with Turkish ambassadors such as His Excellency Sedat Önal, Ambassador Ahmet Yıldız, or the newly appointed Ambassador M. Ahmet Yazal. “Instead, you chose to take to the streets of New York, directly across from the United Nations, without first attempting to engage in dialogue,” he lamented.

His letter was a call to action for PAL-Awda NY/NJ / Portes to employ diplomacy and mutual respect in their future endeavors. “I strongly urge your organization to reconsider its approach. Protesting without first reaching out to the Turkish leadership or community representatives is not only unprofessional but also undermines the very principles of diplomacy and mutual respect that should guide our interactions,” he advised.

He encouraged the group to leverage available resources for communication, highlighting the contact information on the Turkish Consulate’s and Embassy’s websites. “Constructive dialogue, rather than public demonstrations, is the path to meaningful resolution,” Kurtulus asserted, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and mutual respect.

Kurtulus also expressed hope for a shift towards more diplomatic channels in future engagements, reinforcing the need for collaboration and understanding between the Turkish and Palestinian communities.