Israeli Soccer Player Sparks Controversy in Turkey for Hostage Message
TimeJAN 2024
Israeli Soccer Player Leaves Turkey After Detention for 'Inciting Hatred'
Image copyright: Vasile Mihai-Antonio/Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has always campaigned on antisemitism to gain popularity. If the Turkish head of state only cared about incitement of hatred, he wouldn't have arrested Jehezkel, whose bandage was about freeing hostages, not supporting the war. Erdoğan's government is fueled by public hatred of Israel — something he believes will win local elections and help him rise to the top.
Narrative B
This incident has been blown way out of proportion. Jehezkel was not arrested for antisemitic reasons but rather due to suspected incitement of hatred. While some may see his message as positive, many others in Turkey see it as a defense of Israel's massacre of the Palestinian people in Gaza. Police briefly detained him for questioning before the soccer player left the country on his own accord. Those are the facts, and nothing more.