SWC Condemns Turkish Government Over Arrest of Israeli Football Player for Supporting Hostages Held by Hamas

The Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) is condemning Turkish authorities for arresting Israeli soccer player Sagiv Jehezkel following a post-goalgesture made to mark the 100 days that hostages have been held in Gaza since the Hamas-led October 7 attack.

Turkish prosecutors launched a criminal investigation over Jehezkel's alleged "incitement to hate," and his club tore up the player's contract for"exhibiting behavior that goes against our country's sensitivities."

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) also condemned what it said was "completely unacceptable behavior" by Jehezkel and said Antalyaspor'sdecision to exclude the player from its team was "appropriate."

In a turn of events, Jehezkel was released Monday from detention in Turkey, and returned to Israel.

“More anti-Semitic bullying and grandstanding from Erdogan’s Turkey. Arresting someone for showing compassion for innocent people whilelauding Hamas terrorist mass murderers and kidnappers,” stated RabbiAbraham Cooper, SWC Associate Dean and Global Social Action Director.

For further information, please email Michele Alkin, Director of Global Communications at malkin@wiesenthal.com or Shawn Rodgers at srodgers@wiesenthal.com, jointhe Center on Facebook, or follow @simonwiesenthal for news updates sent directly to your Twitter feed.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is an international Jewish human rights organization. It holds consultative status at the UnitedNations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the OAS, and the Latin American Parliament (PARLATINO).