Press Release
Strasbourg, 15 July 2010

COJEP International is outraged by the new Islamophobic tags that have targeted the mosque Hérouville St. Clair, near Caen (Calvados) in the night from Tuesday to Wednesday.

These inscriptions are following a particular context and have an obvious connection with the Burqa Act passed by MPs yesterday. Therefore we have condemned this law which had among other effects to reassure extremists, xenophobes and Islamophobes in our country.

Press Release
Strasbourg, 13 July 2010

The bill intended to prohibit the wearing of the integral veil in public places was passed by MPs today.

The text was adopted by 335 votes in favour and one against. As they had announced, the Socialist, Green and Communist deputies have not participated in the vote, leaving the assembly at the vote. The text must now be considered by the Senate in September.

Press Release

Strasbourg, June 3, 2010

COJEP International welcomes the return to their countries of nearly 700 passengers who were illegally detained by the Israeli army, after it attacked the humanitarian fleet en route to Gaza in the international waters with tens of thousands tons of relief supplies including food and medicine on 31 May 2010. The whole world has deplored this inhuman action by the State of Israel, which often shows no regards for human rights.

Instead of expressing regret for its uncivilized behaviour, the Israeli government is trying to justify its military action with lies and lame excuses. Unfortunately, there are also some misguided elements, including some Jewish NGOs in the West who are arrogantly defending this latest use of force against the civilians and buying the spin produced by the Israeli state. Phrases like; right of self-defense, Israel’s security and aid being a cover for extremist elements and Al-Qaeda links are being used, again and again. Besides, Israel is trying to paint a picture that its commandos opened fire to save their lives. Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. Netanyahu went further by declaring that Israel must protect itself (CNN 03.06.10).

However, initial autopsy on the bodies of Turkish victims has destroyed all such false allegations out forward by the Israeli government. Among the nine bodies on which autopsy were performed, it was found that these deaths were due to the firing of bullets. The 19 years old, American citizen of Turkish origin, Furkan DOGAN received five bullets in his body, 4 of which came from vertical side, probably from helicopters above. This demonstrates that the attack was unprovoked and extremely violent with the sole objective to teach a lesson to those who may plan similar future relief initiatives.

COJEP International expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and sincere wishes of prompt recovery for the wounded. We will monitor closely the future recourse and support UN and EU demands for an independent inquiry to punish those who are responsible for this barbaric slaughter. Our organization is also determined to continue working to strengthen the fight against all anti-Semitic acts that may be directly or indirectly related to the Israeli actions.

At the same time, we will reassess our working relations with Jewish civil society organizations who are openly supporting all actions of the State of Israel, at the expense of the values of fairness, justice and rights.

Finally, we are grateful to all those who have shown solidarity with us, especially those Jewish intellectuals and NGOs that have forcefully condemned the Israeli government for this fatal action, which is contrary to the principles of international law and peaceful co-existence.

Press Release
Strasbourg, 31 May 2010

COJEP International is launching an urgent appeal to the world community, governments, solidarity organizations and NGOs working against anti-Semitism to voice their strongest condemnation against the barbaric attacks by Israeli commandoes on unarmed flotilla of boats going to Gaza with 700 passengers and ten thousands tons of relief supplies including food and medicine. This happened in international water, early Monday morning of 31st May 2010. 9 people have been killed, some of them Turkish and around 30 people have been injured.

We appreciate that Spain, Sweden, Turkey and Greece have summoned Israeli ambassadors and the EU has called for an immediate inquiry. French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, the European Union's Foreign Policy chief, Catherine Ashton, Germany's Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle have all been “profoundly shocked” at the killings and have called on Israeli authorities to launch a "full inquiry" into the killing. Turkey's foreign ministry warned of "irreparable consequences" after the incident.

COJEP is deeply dismayed by this latest act of atrocities and targeting of civilians by Israel, which has once again shown its disregard for human life and peaceful initiatives.

We believe that by acting in such a brute and inhuman way, Israeli state is rapidly closing all doors of humanity and uprooting one of the last ideals of peace and brotherhood. After committing this barbarism, the State of Israel cannot call itself, a democratic country, which respects human rights.

COJEP has worked tirelessly to fight anti-Semitism and bring various minorities together. We also believe that Middle East conflict should not hinder good relations between Jewish and Muslim communities in Europe. We also know that an unfortunate side effect of this cowardly action would be an increase in primitive anti-Semitic excesses throughout the world and especially in Europe. The present government of Israel is therefore directly responsible for increasing tensions and creating gulf between peaceful people.

COJEP is launching a solemn appeal to the State of Israel to get rid of institutional fascism, which marks its politics today. Israel should act as a responsible member of world community and stop acting like a bull in a glasshouse.

We also appeal to all Jewish people around the world to show their solidarity with the Palestinians living in the concentration camp called Gaza and support the advocates of a just and fair world.
It is therefore vital to choose Humanity over Barbarism and then act accordingly.