On the occasion of Hanukkah, I congratulate all our citizens of Jewish faith.
We regard it as highly important that everyone living in this country can practise their beliefs and traditions freely without any discrimination regardless of their religion, language or ethnic origin.
In this spirit, we have been, for the past 18 years, taking steps, which broaden all our citizens’ areas of liberty and ensure especially the freedoms of belief, worship and conscience.
We have introduced a climate, in which no one is otherized due to their faith, appearance or worldview, in our country, and are determined to strengthen this climate.
As anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and xenophobia spread like a plague, Turkey will continue to set an example to the entire world with its vast culture of tolerance and its tradition which sees differences as richness.
I congratulate all Jews, especially our Jewish citizens who are an inseparable part of our society, on Hanukkah, and extend my best wishes for their well-being on this meaningful day when light prevailed over darkness.
https://www.tccb.gov.tr/en/speeches-statements/558/123125/president-erdogan-s-message-on-hanukkah